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◄ Leviticus 3:5 ►

New International Version
Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar on top of the burnt offering that is lying on the burning wood; it is a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the LORD.

New Living Translation
and Aaron’s sons will burn them on top of the burnt offering on the wood burning on the altar. It is a special gift, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

English Standard Version
Then Aaron’s sons shall burn it on the altar on top of the burnt offering, which is on the wood on the fire; it is a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar atop the burnt offering that is on the burning wood, as a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

King James Bible
And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which is upon the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

New King James Version
and Aaron’s sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which is on the wood that is on the fire, as an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
Then Aaron’s sons shall offer it up in smoke on the altar on the burnt offering, which is on the wood that is on the fire; it is an offering by fire of a soothing aroma to the LORD.

NASB 1995
Then Aaron’s sons shall offer it up in smoke on the altar on the burnt offering, which is on the wood that is on the fire; it is an offering by fire of a soothing aroma to the LORD.

NASB 1977
‘Then Aaron’s sons shall offer it up in smoke on the altar on the burnt offering, which is on the wood that is on the fire; it is an offering by fire of a soothing aroma to the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Aaron’s sons shall offer it up in smoke on the altar on the burnt offering, which is on the wood that is on the fire; it is an offering by fire of a soothing aroma to Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
Aaron’s sons shall offer it up in smoke on the altar [placing it] on the burnt offering which is on the wood that is on the fire. It is an offering by fire, a sweet and soothing aroma to the LORD.

Christian Standard Bible
Aaron’s sons will burn it on the altar along with the burnt offering that is on the burning wood, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Aaron’s sons will burn it on the altar along with the burnt offering that is on the burning wood, a fire offering of a pleasing aroma to the LORD.”

American Standard Version
And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt-offering, which is upon the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor unto Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
Some of the priests will lay these pieces on the altar and send them up in smoke with a smell that pleases me, together with the sacrifice that is offered to please me.

English Revised Version
And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt offering, which is upon the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Aaron's sons will lay them on top of the burnt offering on the burning wood. It is an offering by fire, a soothing aroma to the LORD.

Good News Translation
The priests shall burn all this on the altar along with the burnt offerings. The odor of this food offering is pleasing to the LORD.

International Standard Version
Then Aaron's sons are to burn them on the altar, over the burnt offering that has been placed on the wood over the fire, as an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the LORD.

NET Bible
Then the sons of Aaron must offer it up in smoke on the altar atop the burnt offering that is on the wood in the fire as a gift of a soothing aroma to the LORD.

New Heart English Bible
Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar on the burnt offering, which is on the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar, upon the burnt-sacrifice which is upon the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to the LORD.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar atop the burnt offering that is on the burning wood, as a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

World English Bible
Aaron’s sons shall burn it on the altar on the burnt offering, which is on the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and sons of Aaron have made it an incense on the altar, on the burnt-offering which [is] on the wood, which [is] on the fire, [as] a fire-offering of refreshing fragrance to YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
and sons of Aaron have made it a perfume on the altar, on the burnt-offering which is on the wood, which is on the fire -- a fire-offering of sweet fragrance to Jehovah.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Aaron's sons burnt it upon the altar, upon the burnt-offering which is upon the wood, which is upon the fire: a sacrifice, an odor of sweetness to Jehovah.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And they shall burn them upon the altar, for a holocaust, putting fire under the wood: for an oblation of most sweet savour to the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they shall burn them upon the altar as a holocaust, placing fire under the wood, as an oblation of a most sweet odor to the Lord.

New American Bible
Aaron’s sons shall burn this on the altar with the burnt offering that is on the wood and the embers, as a sweet-smelling oblation to the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
Then Aaron’s sons shall turn these into smoke on the altar, with the burnt offering that is on the wood on the fire, as an offering by fire of pleasing odor to the LORD.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice which is upon the wood that is on the fire; it is an offering made by fire, a sweet savour to the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The sons of Ahron shall make on the altar on the burnt offering and upon the wood on the fire a sweet savor gift to LORD JEHOVAH.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And Aaron's sons shall make it smoke on the altar upon the burnt-offering, which is upon the wood that is on the fire; it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the priests the sons of Aaron shall offer them on the altar on the burnt-offering, on the wood which is on the fire upon the altar: it is a burnt-offering, a smell of sweet savour to the Lord.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Laws for Peace Offerings
…4both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys. 5Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar atop the burnt offering that is on the burning wood, as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. 6If, however, one’s peace offering to the LORD is from the flock, he must present a male or female without blemish.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Exodus 29:18
Then burn the entire ram on the altar; it is a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD.

Leviticus 1:9
The entrails and legs must be washed with water, and the priest shall burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Leviticus 4:31
Then he is to remove all the fat, just as it is removed from the peace offering, and the priest is to burn it on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. In this way the priest will make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven.

Leviticus 6:12-13
The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it must not be extinguished. Every morning the priest is to add wood to the fire, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it. / The fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished.

Numbers 28:2
“Command the Israelites and say to them: See that you present to Me at its appointed time the food for My food offerings, as a pleasing aroma to Me.

Numbers 28:6
This is a regular burnt offering established at Mount Sinai as a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD.

Exodus 29:25
Then take them from their hands and burn them on the altar atop the burnt offering as a pleasing aroma before the LORD; it is a food offering to the LORD.

Leviticus 7:31
The priest is to burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons.

Leviticus 9:24
Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown.

Numbers 18:17
But you must not redeem the firstborn of an ox, a sheep, or a goat; they are holy. You are to splatter their blood on the altar and burn their fat as a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

1 Samuel 2:15-16
Even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give the priest some meat to roast, because he will not accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.” / And if any man said to him, “The fat must be burned first; then you may take whatever you want,” the servant would reply, “No, you must give it to me right now. If you refuse, I will take it by force!”

2 Chronicles 7:1
When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.

Psalm 51:19
Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices, in whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on Your altar.

Isaiah 56:7
I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”

Ezekiel 20:40-41
For on My holy mountain, the high mountain of Israel, declares the Lord GOD, there the whole house of Israel, all of them, will serve Me in the land. There I will accept them and will require your offerings and choice gifts, along with all your holy sacrifices. / When I bring you from the peoples and gather you from the lands to which you have been scattered, I will accept you as a pleasing aroma. And I will show My holiness through you in the sight of the nations.

Leviticus 1:9
But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Leviticus 4:31,35
And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat is taken away from off the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour unto the LORD; and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and it shall be forgiven him…

Leviticus 6:12
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.

upon the burnt

1 Peter 2:5
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

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Leviticus 3

1. The peace offering of the herd
6. whether a sheep
7. whether a lamb
12. or a goat
17. A prohibition to eat fat or blood

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

Then Aaron’s sons
Aaron's sons, the priests, were responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals. This highlights the hereditary priesthood established by God through Aaron, emphasizing the importance of lineage and divine appointment in the priestly duties. The priesthood was a sacred office, and Aaron's sons were consecrated to serve in the tabernacle, representing the people before God.

are to burn it on the altar
The act of burning the offering on the altar signifies complete dedication to God. The altar, located in the Tabernacle's courtyard, was the central place for sacrifices, symbolizing the meeting point between God and man. Burning the offering represents purification and the transformation of the physical into the spiritual, as the smoke ascends to heaven.

atop the burnt offering
The peace offering was placed on top of the burnt offering, indicating a hierarchy and order in the sacrificial system. The burnt offering, which was entirely consumed by fire, symbolized atonement and complete surrender to God. By placing the peace offering atop it, it shows that reconciliation and fellowship with God are built upon the foundation of atonement.

that is on the burning wood
The burning wood signifies the continuous nature of the sacrificial fire, which was to be kept burning perpetually on the altar (Leviticus 6:12-13). This represents the ongoing need for atonement and the perpetual nature of God's covenant with Israel. The wood, often acacia, was chosen for its availability and durability.

as a food offering
The term "food offering" indicates that the sacrifice is seen as a meal shared with God, symbolizing fellowship and communion. This reflects the cultural practice of sharing meals as a sign of peace and relationship. The offering is not consumed by God in a literal sense but is a symbolic act of giving to God what is valuable.

a pleasing aroma to the LORD
The phrase "a pleasing aroma" is a metaphorical expression indicating God's acceptance of the offering. It signifies that the sacrifice, when offered with a sincere heart, is pleasing to God. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where Christ's sacrifice is described as a fragrant offering (Ephesians 5:2), drawing a parallel between the Old Testament sacrifices and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron's Sons
The priests who were responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals. They were the descendants of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel.

2. The Altar
A sacred place where offerings and sacrifices were made to God. It was central to the worship practices of the Israelites.

3. Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice that was completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication to God.

4. Offering Made by Fire
A sacrificial act involving the burning of offerings, which was a common practice in ancient Israelite worship.

5. Pleasing Aroma to the LORD
A phrase indicating that the sacrifice was acceptable and pleasing to God, symbolizing His satisfaction with the offering.

Teaching Points

The Role of Priests
The priests acted as mediators between God and the people, highlighting the importance of spiritual leadership and intercession in the community of faith.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
Sacrifices in the Old Testament were a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of Jesus' atonement for our sins.

Total Dedication
Just as the burnt offering was completely consumed, believers are called to offer their whole lives to God, holding nothing back.

Pleasing God
Our actions and offerings should aim to please God, reflecting a heart of obedience and reverence.

Spiritual Sacrifices Today
In the New Covenant, our sacrifices are spiritual—praise, service, and love for others, which are pleasing to God.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What is the meaning of Leviticus 3:5?

2. How does Leviticus 3:5 emphasize the importance of offerings in worshiping God?

3. What role do Aaron's sons play in the sacrificial process in Leviticus 3:5?

4. How does Leviticus 3:5 connect to the concept of peace offerings in Scripture?

5. In what ways can we apply the principles of Leviticus 3:5 today?

6. How does the phrase "on the altar" in Leviticus 3:5 signify dedication to God?

7. What is the significance of the "pleasing aroma" in Leviticus 3:5?

8. How does Leviticus 3:5 relate to the concept of atonement?

9. Why is the fat specifically burned in Leviticus 3:5?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 3?

11. Why does God require such specific and seemingly arbitrary animal sacrifices in Leviticus 3, yet later biblical texts (e.g., Hosea 6:6) emphasize mercy over rituals?

12. If a loving God exists, what is the moral rationale for repeatedly offering animal blood and fat as stated in Leviticus 3?

13. How can we reconcile the commanded burning of select fatty portions (Leviticus 3:3–5) with modern views on health and nutrition?

14. In Leviticus 1:9, why is a 'pleasing aroma' significant to an omnipotent, immaterial God?

What Does Leviticus 3:5 Mean

Aaron’s Sons

- The priests were Aaron’s direct descendants, divinely appointed to handle every sacrifice (Exodus 28:1; Hebrews 5:1).

- God’s instruction “Then Aaron’s sons” shows that sacred service is inherited, orderly, and not open to personal invention.

- Through Christ we now share a priestly calling (1 Peter 2:9), yet the original command stands as factual history that reveals God’s careful structure for worship.

Burn It on the Altar

- “Are to burn it on the altar” underscores that real fire consumed a real animal, visibly portraying surrender to God (Leviticus 1:7-9).

- The altar itself, first erected in the wilderness (Exodus 27:1-8), was the meeting place of sin and substitution—foreshadowing the cross (Hebrews 13:10-12).

- Because the priests obeyed exactly, Israel could enjoy confident access to God (Leviticus 9:23-24).

Atop the Burnt Offering

- The peace offering’s fat portions were placed “atop the burnt offering,” meaning over an already blazing sacrifice (Leviticus 6:12-13).

- Layering one offering on another signified completeness: fellowship (peace offering) rests on atonement (burnt offering).

- This sequence looks ahead to Christ, whose once-for-all sacrifice secures both our forgiveness and ongoing communion (Ephesians 2:13-18).

On the Burning Wood

- The text notes “that is on the burning wood,” reminding us that live embers had to be kept continually lit (Leviticus 6:12).

- Wood was stacked methodically (Leviticus 1:7; 1 Kings 18:33) so nothing hindered the fire.

- Practically, this calls believers to keep zeal for God alive, never letting devotion grow cold (Romans 12:11).

As a Food Offering

- “As a food offering” (literally, “bread” to the Lord) teaches that, although God has no physical need, He delights in the gift (Leviticus 2:2; Numbers 28:2).

- The sacrificed fat—considered the best part—symbolizes offering our finest to God, not leftovers (Proverbs 3:9-10).

- For worshipers, sharing portions of the peace offering meal affirmed fellowship with God and one another (Leviticus 7:15).

A Pleasing Aroma to the LORD

- Scripture repeatedly states that such offerings rise as “a pleasing aroma” (Genesis 8:21; Exodus 29:18).

- The phrase assures us that God truly found delight in obedient sacrifice; it was not empty ritual.

- Ultimately, Christ “gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2), fulfilling every sweet aroma and securing everlasting favor (2 Corinthians 2:15-16).

Summary

Leviticus 3:5 records a literal, orderly act of worship in which Aaron’s sons placed the peace offering’s fat upon the ever-burning altar fire, over the ongoing burnt sacrifice. This layered, flame-consumed gift functioned as God’s own “food,” sending up a fragrance that pleased Him. Each detail—priestly service, continual fire, richest portions offered—points ahead to Jesus’ complete, fragrant sacrifice and invites us to offer our best devotion with confidence that it delights the Lord.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(5) And Aaron's sons.--After the offerer has killed the victim, taken out the choice parts and offered them to the officiating priest, the latter shall burn it, that is, the whole collection of the fat pieces described in Leviticus 3:3-4, upon the ashes of the continual burnt offering, which was the daily offering of the lamb. It had always the precedence, and was burning the whole day (Leviticus 6:12). Besides these choice pieces which had thus to be burnt, the breast and the right shoulder were reserved for the priest, whilst the remainder of the peace offering was eaten by the offerer, his family and his friends (Leviticus 7:15-16).

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 5. - Upon the burnt sacrifice. The peace offering is to be placed upon the burnt offering previously laid upon the fire. Symbolically and actually the burnt offering serves as the foundation of the peace offering. Self-surrender leads to peace; and the self-sacrifice of Christ is the cause of the peace subsisting between God and man.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Then Aaron’s
אַהֲרֹן֙ (’a·hă·rōn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175: Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses

sons
בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

are to burn
וְהִקְטִ֨ירוּ (wə·hiq·ṭî·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6999: To smoke, turn into fragrance by fire

it
אֹת֤וֹ (’ō·ṯōw)
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

on the altar
הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה (ham·miz·bê·ḥāh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4196: An altar

atop
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the burnt offering
הָ֣עֹלָ֔ה (hā·‘ō·lāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5930: Whole burnt offering

that
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

is on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the burning
הָאֵ֑שׁ (hā·’êš)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire

wood,
הָעֵצִ֖ים (hā·‘ê·ṣîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood

as an offering made by fire,
אִשֵּׁ֛ה (’iš·šêh)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 801: A burnt-offering, a sacrifice

a pleasing
נִיחֹ֖חַ (nî·ḥō·aḥ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5207: A quieting, soothing, tranquilizing

aroma
רֵ֥יחַ (rê·aḥ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7381: To smell, perceive odor

to the LORD.
לַֽיהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

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OT Law: Leviticus 3:5 Aaron's sons shall burn it (Le Lv Lev.)

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⇱ Leviticus 3:5 Then Aaron's sons are to burn it on the altar atop the burnt offering that is on the burning wood, as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.