Leviticus 4:35
And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of the peace offerings; and the priest shall burn them upon the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: and the priest shall make an atonement for his sin that he hath committed, and it shall be forgiven him.
Leviticus 4:35 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the act of taking away the fat of the sacrifice symbolizes the removal of impurity and sin. Just as the fat of the lamb is separated and burned on the altar as an offering to the Lord, the priest makes atonement for the sins committed and seeks forgiveness from God. This act of sacrifice and burning represents a cleansing and purifying process, where the individual acknowledges their wrongdoing and seeks reconciliation with God. The peace offerings made by fire unto the Lord show a desire for peace and restoration of the relationship with God, as the priest intercedes on behalf of the person seeking forgiveness. Through this ritual, sins are forgiven, and the individual is renewed in their relationship with God, reflecting the importance of repentance, confession, and seeking forgiveness in the practice of the faith.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the act of taking away the fat from the sacrifice is symbolic of offering the best and choicest part of the sacrifice to the Lord. The fat was considered the most valuable and flavorful part of the animal, so by giving it to the Lord, the people were showing their reverence and devotion. The burning of the fat on the altar represents a total dedication and surrender of oneself to God. The atonement made by the priest for the sin committed signifies the need for reconciliation and forgiveness from God. This act of sacrifice and atonement was a way for the people to seek forgiveness for their transgressions and to restore their relationship with the Lord. It is a reminder that forgiveness comes through repentance and offering ourselves wholeheartedly to God.
Leviticus 4:35 in other translations
American Standard Version
And all the fat thereof shall he take away, as the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of peace-offerings; and the priest shall burn them on the altar, upon the offerings of Jehovah made by fire; and the priest shall make atonement for him as touching his sin that he hath sinned, and he shall be forgiven.
World English Bible
All its fat he shall take away, like the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall burn them on the altar, on the offerings of Yahweh made by fire; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin that he has sinned, and he will be forgiven.
Douay-Rheims
All the fat also he shall take off, as the fat of the ram that is offered for peace offerings is wont to be taken away: and shall burn it upon the altar, for a burnt sacrifice of the Lord. And he shall pray for him and his sin, and it shall be forgiven him.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fatte of the lambe of the peace offrings is taken away: then the Priest shall burne it vpon the altar with the oblations of the Lord made by fire, and the Priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sinne that he hath committed, and it shalbe forgiuen him.