Old Testament
Leviticus 6:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The fire on the altar must be kept burning — it must never go out. Every morning the priest must add fresh wood, arrange the burnt offering on the altar, and burn the fat from the peace offerings on it.
Compare translations
And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings.
What Leviticus 6:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 6:12, God instructs the priests to maintain a continuous fire on the altar, symbolizing the ongoing relationship between God and His people. The fire represents God's presence and the need for constant worship and sacrifice. Each morning, the priests are to add fresh wood and arrange the burnt offerings, ensuring that the fire remains active. This practice emphasizes the importance of dedication and commitment in worship. The act of burning the fat from peace offerings signifies gratitude and fellowship with God. The priests' daily responsibilities highlight the seriousness of their role in maintaining the sacred space and the rituals that connect the community to God. This verse serves as a reminder that worship should be consistent and intentional, reflecting a heart that seeks to honor God continually.
How to apply Leviticus 6:12 to your life
We can apply this principle of continuous worship in our lives by dedicating time each day for prayer and reflection. Just as the priests tended to the altar, we should nurture our relationship with God through consistent spiritual practices, ensuring our faith remains vibrant and alive.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 6:12
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Leviticus 6:12
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 6:12 mean?
Leviticus 6:12 instructs priests to keep the fire on the altar burning continuously, symbolizing God's ongoing presence and the need for constant worship and sacrifice. This verse emphasizes the importance of dedication in maintaining a relationship with God.
What is the significance of the fire on the altar in Leviticus 6:12?
The fire on the altar in Leviticus 6:12 represents God's presence among His people and the necessity of continual worship. It signifies the commitment required from the priests to ensure that worship practices remain active and meaningful.
What are the priest's duties in Leviticus 6:12?
In Leviticus 6:12, the priest's duties include keeping the fire burning on the altar, adding fresh wood each morning, and arranging the burnt offerings. These responsibilities highlight the seriousness of their role in maintaining worship and connecting the community to God.
How can we apply Leviticus 6:12 to our lives today?
We can apply Leviticus 6:12 by dedicating time each day for prayer and reflection, similar to how priests tended to the altar. This practice helps nurture our relationship with God and keeps our faith vibrant and alive.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.