Old Testament
Leviticus 9:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He washed the internal organs and the legs, then burned them on top of the burnt offering on the altar.
Compare translations
And he did wash the inwards and the legs, and burnt them upon the burnt offering on the altar.
What Leviticus 9:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 9:14, the priest performs a specific ritual involving the washing and burning of certain animal parts. The internal organs and legs are cleaned and then placed on the altar as part of the burnt offering. This act symbolizes purification and dedication to God, as the burnt offering is entirely consumed by fire, representing total surrender and commitment. The washing signifies the importance of cleanliness and holiness in approaching God. This ritual is part of the larger sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law, which emphasizes the need for atonement and the proper way to worship God. The act of burning these parts on the altar signifies that they are offered to God, highlighting the seriousness of worship and the need for a mediator between God and the people. Overall, this verse illustrates the meticulous nature of the sacrificial system and the importance of following God's instructions in worship.
How to apply Leviticus 9:14 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity. Just as the priest prepared the offering, we should prepare our hearts and lives for worship. It encourages us to reflect on our own sacrifices and dedication to God, ensuring that we offer our best in service and devotion.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
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 Moses's story: Aaron and His Sons Become Priests (Leviticus 8:1–9:24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, 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.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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 9:14
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 9:14
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 9:14 mean?
Leviticus 9:14 describes a priest performing a ritual where he washes the internal organs and legs of an animal and burns them on the altar as part of a burnt offering. This act symbolizes purification and dedication to God, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness in worship.
What is the significance of washing in Leviticus 9:14?
The washing in Leviticus 9:14 signifies the need for purity and holiness when approaching God. It highlights the ritualistic nature of worship and the importance of preparing oneself before making an offering.
What does the burnt offering represent in Leviticus 9:14?
In Leviticus 9:14, the burnt offering represents total surrender and commitment to God, as it is entirely consumed by fire. This act signifies the worshiper's dedication and the need for atonement.
How does Leviticus 9:14 relate to worship today?
Leviticus 9:14 reminds us to approach worship with reverence and purity, encouraging us to prepare our hearts and lives for service to God, much like the priest prepared the offering.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.