1. Leviticus 1:9 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does the often repeated verb “to burn” mean?

Leviticus 1:9 (ESV)

9 but its entrails and its legs he shall wash with water. And the priest shall burn all of it on the altar, as a burnt offering, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Leviticus 1:13 (ESV)

13 but the entrails and the legs he shall wash with water. And the priest shall offer all of it and burn it on the altar; it is a burnt offering, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

The verb “to burn” (qṭr) literally means “to turn into smoke.” This is a graphic image which directs the worshipper’s attention to the smoke of the sacrifice ascending from the altar to the Lord.