Leviticus 4:31
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 4:31 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from Leviticus 4:31 outlines the ritualistic sacrifice process in the Israelite culture. In this context, the fat of the sacrifice is symbolic of the best and richest part of the offering, and it is to be taken away and burnt on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord. The act of burning the fat is seen as an act of atonement and forgiveness for the sins committed by the individual offering the sacrifice. It was believed that by presenting the fat of the sacrifice in this way, the individual's sins would be forgiven by God. This act was a way for the priests to intercede on behalf of the people and seek reconciliation with the Lord. The ritual of burning the fat for atonement demonstrates the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness in the Old Testament traditions.
Theological Overview
In this verse from Leviticus, the act of taking away the fat of the sacrifice is a symbolic representation of the purification and removal of sin. In ancient Jewish culture, fat was considered the best part of the animal and was often given as an offering to God. By burning the fat on the altar, the priest is creating a sweet-smelling aroma for the Lord, signifying the pleasing nature of the sacrifice. This act of atonement made by the priest on behalf of the sinner demonstrates the concept of forgiveness and reconciliation with God. The Hebrew word for "atonement" used in this verse, 'kipper,' signifies a covering or wiping away of sin, paving the way for divine forgiveness. Through this ritual, the individual's transgressions are pardoned, and they are restored to a state of purity and righteousness in the eyes of the Lord.
Leviticus 4:31 in other translations
American Standard Version
And all the fat thereof shall he take away, 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 savor unto Jehovah; and the priest shall make atonement for him, and he shall be forgiven.
World English Bible
All its fat he shall take away, like the fat is taken away from off of the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall burn it on the altar for a pleasant aroma to Yahweh; and the priest shall make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven.
Douay-Rheims
But taking off all the fat, as is wont to be taken away of the victims of peace offerings, he shall burn it upon the altar, for a sweet savour to the Lord: and he shall pray for him, and it shall be forgiven him.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And shall take away all his fat, as the fat of the peace offringes is taken away, and the Priest shall burne it vpon the altar for a sweete sauour vnto the Lord, and the Priest shall make an atonement for him, and it shalbe forgiuen him.