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.
3 Si son offrande est un holocauste de gros bétail, il offrira un mâle sans défaut; il l'offrira à l'entrée de la tente d'assignation, devant l'Eternel, pour obtenir sa faveur.