Old Testament
Leviticus 8:20
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He cut the ram into pieces, and Moses burned the head, the pieces, and the fat on the altar.
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And he cut the ram into pieces; and Moses burnt the head, and the pieces, and the fat.
What Leviticus 8:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 8:20, Moses is performing a significant ritual involving a ram as part of the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. The ram is cut into pieces, which is a common practice in ancient sacrifices. Burning the head, pieces, and fat on the altar symbolizes the offering being dedicated to God. This act signifies the importance of the priesthood and the seriousness of their role in mediating between God and the people. The burning of the ram represents the complete surrender and devotion to God, as the smoke rising from the altar is seen as a pleasing aroma to Him. This ritual underscores the themes of holiness, sacrifice, and the establishment of a covenant relationship between God and His people. It highlights the need for atonement and the seriousness of approaching God, emphasizing that such acts are not merely ceremonial but deeply spiritual and significant in the context of worship.
How to apply Leviticus 8:20 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of dedicating ourselves to God. Just as the ram was offered completely, we are called to offer our lives in service and obedience to Him. It encourages us to reflect on our commitment to God and the sacrifices we make in our spiritual journey.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Aaron and His Sons Become Priests (Leviticus 8:1–9:24)
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Moses
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Leviticus 8:20
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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 8:20 mean?
Leviticus 8:20 describes Moses performing a ritual sacrifice of a ram as part of the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. The act of cutting the ram into pieces and burning them on the altar symbolizes the dedication of the priests to God and the seriousness of their role in worship.
What is the significance of the ram in Leviticus 8:20?
The ram in Leviticus 8:20 represents a sacrificial offering, which is a common practice in ancient Israelite worship. Its burning on the altar signifies complete devotion to God and the establishment of a covenant relationship between Him and His people.
What does burning the fat mean in Leviticus 8:20?
Burning the fat in Leviticus 8:20 symbolizes the offering being dedicated to God, as fat was considered the best part of the animal. This act represents the idea of giving God the best of what we have in worship and sacrifice.
How does Leviticus 8:20 relate to personal dedication?
Leviticus 8:20 illustrates the concept of total dedication to God through the complete offering of the ram. This serves as a reminder for individuals to reflect on their own commitment and the sacrifices they make in their spiritual lives.
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