Exodus 29:18
And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וְהִקְטַרְתָּ֤
And thou shalt burn
H6999
וְהִקְטַרְתָּ֤
And thou shalt burn
Strong's:
H6999
Word #:
1 of 13
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָאַ֙יִל֙
the whole ram
H352
הָאַ֙יִל֙
the whole ram
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
עֹלָ֥ה
it is a burnt offering
H5930
עֹלָ֥ה
it is a burnt offering
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
6 of 13
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
ה֖וּא
H1931
ה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
7 of 13
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נִיח֔וֹחַ
it is a sweet
H5207
נִיח֔וֹחַ
it is a sweet
Strong's:
H5207
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight
אִשֶּׁ֥ה
an offering made by fire
H801
אִשֶּׁ֥ה
an offering made by fire
Strong's:
H801
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice
Historical Context
The burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah, 'that which ascends') was one of Israel's primary sacrifices, representing voluntary dedication to God. Unlike sin offerings (which addressed guilt), burnt offerings expressed worshipful consecration.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Christ give Himself 'completely' (burnt offering) rather than partially?
- What does it mean that your worship ascends to God 'through Christ'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The burnt offering represents complete dedication to God—the entire animal consumed by fire, ascending as sweet savor to the LORD. This prefigures Christ's total self-offering, holding nothing back, His life completely devoted to God's glory. The fire consuming the offering pictures divine acceptance—God receives Christ's sacrifice with pleasure. Our worship, offered through Christ, also ascends as fragrant offering acceptable to God.