Leviticus 8:20

Authorized King James Version

PDF

And he cut the ram into pieces; and Moses burnt the head, and the pieces, and the fat.

Original Language Analysis

וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 1 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָאַ֔יִל the ram H352
הָאַ֔יִל the ram
Strong's: H352
Word #: 2 of 12
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
נִתַּ֖ח And he cut H5408
נִתַּ֖ח And he cut
Strong's: H5408
Word #: 3 of 12
to dismember
הַנְּתָחִ֖ים and the pieces H5409
הַנְּתָחִ֖ים and the pieces
Strong's: H5409
Word #: 4 of 12
a fragment
וַיַּקְטֵ֤ר burnt H6999
וַיַּקְטֵ֤ר burnt
Strong's: H6999
Word #: 5 of 12
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
מֹשֶׁה֙ and Moses H4872
מֹשֶׁה֙ and Moses
Strong's: H4872
Word #: 6 of 12
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 7 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָרֹ֔אשׁ the head H7218
הָרֹ֔אשׁ the head
Strong's: H7218
Word #: 8 of 12
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 9 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַנְּתָחִ֖ים and the pieces H5409
הַנְּתָחִ֖ים and the pieces
Strong's: H5409
Word #: 10 of 12
a fragment
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 11 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַפָּֽדֶר׃ and the fat H6309
הַפָּֽדֶר׃ and the fat
Strong's: H6309
Word #: 12 of 12
suet

Analysis & Commentary

And he cut the ram into pieces; and Moses burnt the head, and the pieces, and the fat.

This verse falls within the section on Consecration of Aaron and Sons. The ordination ceremony established the Aaronic priesthood, involving washing, anointing, and sacrifice—prefiguring Christ's priesthood.


The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

Historical Context

The ordination ceremony established the Aaronic priesthood, involving washing, anointing, and sacrifice—prefiguring Christ's priesthood. Chapters 8-10 describe the priesthood's consecration and early ministry. Aaron and his sons received special anointing for their mediatorial role between God and Israel. The tragic account of Nadab and Abihu (ch. 10) demonstrates that approaching God requires reverence and obedience. Ancient Near Eastern cultures had various sacrificial systems, but Israel's sacrificial worship was unique in its ethical foundation, monotheistic framework, and emphasis on atonement rather than appeasement. Unlike pagan rituals focused on manipulating deities, Israel's sacrifices acknowledged God's sovereignty and sought reconciliation based on His gracious provision. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources