Old Testament
Leviticus 8:21
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He washed the internal organs and the legs with water, then burned the entire ram on the altar. It was a burnt offering with a pleasing aroma — an offering made by fire to the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
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And he washed the inwards and the legs in water; and Moses burnt the whole ram upon the altar: it was a burnt sacrifice for a sweet savour, and an offering made by fire unto the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.
What Leviticus 8:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 8:21, Moses follows God's instructions for the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. The washing of the ram's internal organs and legs symbolizes purification. After washing, the entire ram is burned on the altar as a burnt offering. This act signifies total dedication to God, as the entire animal is consumed by fire, creating a pleasing aroma that represents acceptance by God. The phrase 'sweet savour' indicates that God is pleased with the offering, which is a key aspect of worship in the Israelite tradition. This ritual underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands, as Moses performs the sacrifice exactly as instructed. The act of burning the offering also reflects the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement, highlighting the sacrificial system established in the Old Testament.
How to apply Leviticus 8:21 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of obedience in our spiritual lives. Just as Moses followed God's commands precisely, we too should strive to live according to God's will. Our acts of worship should be sincere and dedicated, reflecting our commitment to God.
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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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 8:21 teach about sacrifices?
Leviticus 8:21 illustrates the significance of sacrifices in the Israelite worship system. The verse describes how Moses follows God's command to offer a ram as a burnt sacrifice, symbolizing total dedication and commitment to God. The act of burning the entire animal signifies the seriousness of atonement for sin and the need for purification, emphasizing that sacrifices are a vital part of worship and obedience to God's instructions.
Why is the washing of the ram's organs important?
The washing of the ram's internal organs and legs in Leviticus 8:21 symbolizes purification and preparation for the offering. This act signifies that before presenting something to God, it must be clean and acceptable. It reflects the broader theme of holiness in worship, reminding us that our offerings and lives should be pure and dedicated to God, aligning with His standards.
What does 'sweet savour' mean in this context?
The term 'sweet savour' in Leviticus 8:21 refers to the pleasing aroma of the burnt offering to God. It indicates that the sacrifice is accepted by God, symbolizing His approval of the worshipper's dedication and obedience. This phrase highlights the relational aspect of worship, where sincere offerings are met with divine favor, reinforcing the importance of approaching God with a pure heart.
How does this verse relate to obedience in our lives?
Leviticus 8:21 emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as Moses meticulously follows God's instructions for the sacrifice. This serves as a reminder for us to align our lives with God's will and to act in accordance with His guidance. Just as Moses' actions were a form of worship, our obedience can be seen as an expression of our commitment to God and His purposes.
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