1. Leviticus 1:3 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does the term “burnt offering” mean?

Leviticus 1:3 (ESV)

3 “If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without blemish. He shall bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the LORD.

The name is derived from the verb “to go up” or “ascend” (‘ōlāh). Some have suggested that it could refer to the smoke that goes up from the altar to God. Others have suggested that the phrase could refer to the one presenting the sacrifice, who ascends the altar to make the offering.