Leviticus 3 10

Leviticus 3:10 kjv

And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.

Leviticus 3:10 nkjv

the two kidneys and the fat that is on them by the flanks, and the fatty lobe attached to the liver above the kidneys, he shall remove;

Leviticus 3:10 niv

both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver, which you will remove with the kidneys.

Leviticus 3:10 esv

and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them at the loins and the long lobe of the liver that he shall remove with the kidneys.

Leviticus 3:10 nlt

the two kidneys and the fat around them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver. These must be removed with the kidneys,

Leviticus 3 verses

Leviticus 3 10 Meaning

Leviticus 3:10 specifies distinct fatty portions of an animal offered as a peace offering to the Lord: the two kidneys with their surrounding fat at the loins, and the fatty lobe that lies upon the liver. These are commanded to be carefully removed and offered, signifying that these choicest, internal parts of the animal, associated with vitality and richness, are exclusively consecrated to God as a delightful aroma and tribute of the covenant.

Leviticus 3 10 Context

Leviticus Chapter 3 details the regulations for the peace offering, also known as the fellowship offering (שְׁלָמִים, shelāmîm). Unlike the burnt offering (holistic devotion) or the sin offering (atonement for sin), the peace offering is characterized by thanksgiving, vows, or freewill, signifying communion and well-being between God and the worshiper. It's unique because parts of the animal are burned on the altar for the Lord, some parts are given to the priests, and the remaining parts are consumed by the offerer and his family, fostering a communal meal with God. The specified removal and offering of the choicest fatty portions in verse 10 underscore the sacredness of what is dedicated to the Lord. In contrast to many ancient Near Eastern cults that might offer different or all parts of an animal to their deities, Israel's peace offering ritual strictly demarcated what was uniquely YHWH's.

Leviticus 3 10 Word analysis

• Also (וְאֵת֙ - ve'et): This conjunction links this verse to the preceding instructions regarding the peace offering. It signifies that these specific parts are also to be dedicated, adding to the detailed requirements for the offering.

• Two Kidneys (שְׁתֵּי הַכְּלָיֹת֙ - shattey hakkelayôt): "Kidneys" (כְּלָיֹת - kelyāyôt) are often, in Hebrew thought, metaphors for the deepest affections, innermost being, and sometimes, the seat of the conscience or will. Their inclusion signifies the giving of the innermost, vital essence of the animal. This aligns with God testing the "heart and kidneys" (Jer 11:20) in other scriptures.

• With the Fat That Is On Them (הַחֵ֜לֶב אֲשֶׁ֣ר עֲלֵיהֶ֗ן - haḥelev 'asher ‘aleyhen): "Fat" (חֵלֶב - chelev) in the biblical sacrificial system represents the richest, most abundant, and vital part. Leviticus 3:16-17 emphatically states "all fat is the Lord's," meaning it's exclusively dedicated to God, signifying the choicest part and vitality. The specific fat "on them" refers to the adipose tissue surrounding the kidneys.

• At the Loins (עַל־הַכְּסָלִים֙ - ‘al-hakkesaliym): "Loins" (כְּסָלִים - kesaliym) refer to the muscular region of the lower back/flanks, specifying the precise anatomical location of the kidneys and their fat, ensuring exact compliance with the command.

• And the Fatty Lobe (וְאֵת֙ הַיֹּתֶ֙רֶת֙ - ve'et ha`yôteret): "Fatty lobe" (yoteret) specifically refers to the caudate lobe of the liver, or perhaps the omentum, a fatty membrane that covers the intestines. This too is considered a highly fatty, choice part, distinct from the organ itself, reinforcing the dedication of the animal's richness.

• That Is On the Liver (עַל־הַכָּבֵ֔ד - ‘al-hakkāvēd): "Liver" (כָּבֵד - kāvēd) is a large and vital organ. The command specifies not the liver itself, but the fatty lobe upon it, distinguishing between the edible organ for priests/offerer and the fat exclusively for God.

• With the Kidneys (עַל־הַכְּלָיֹ֖ת - ‘al-hakkelayôt): This phrase emphasizes that the fatty lobe of the liver is removed in conjunction with or in the same manner as the kidneys, or that it is considered as important for removal as the kidneys.

• He Shall Remove (יָסִירֶ֑נָּה - yāsiyrennāh): This verb implies a careful, deliberate act of separation. The specified parts must be excised cleanly from the rest of the animal, highlighting the precision required in offerings to a holy God.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • The internal fatty organs: The kidneys and the fatty lobe of the liver represent the internal richness and vitality of the animal. By demanding these, God emphasized the offering of the very best and deepest parts, not just external presentation. This also served as a hygienic principle, as fat tends to decay quickly if not removed.
  • Exclusivity of God's Portion: The detailed instructions for removing these specific fatty parts reinforce the sacred principle that "all fat is the Lord's." This sets apart YHWH's requirements from other pagan cults and teaches His people about holiness and setting aside the "best" for Him.
  • A pleasing aroma: While not explicitly stated in verse 10, these fatty portions were burnt on the altar to become a "pleasing aroma to the Lord" (Lev 3:16). This signifies divine acceptance and satisfaction with the sincere offering from the worshiper.

Leviticus 3 10 Bonus section

The consistent command to offer the chelev (fat) in various sacrifices across Leviticus serves a double purpose. It's a symbolic offering of the best, most valuable part, reflecting the animal's prosperity and strength. It also implicitly distinguished Israelite dietary practices where external fat (suet) could be eaten, but the highly vascularized internal fats from offerings were strictly for God and were forbidden to be consumed, emphasizing a separation and a distinct set of holy ordinances. This focus on "internal" vital organs also reflects a deep-seated biblical theme where God is concerned with the "heart" and innermost being, rather than mere outward display, aligning with Psalms where the kidneys are seen as the seat of affections or conscience.

Leviticus 3 10 Commentary

Leviticus 3:10 meticulously details the fatty organs to be offered to God as part of the peace offering. The specification of kidneys, their surrounding fat at the loins, and the fatty lobe of the liver underscores that the choicest and richest parts of the animal are exclusively God's. This instruction is not merely a dietary rule but a profound theological statement. "Fat" symbolizes the "best," the most abundant, and the life-giving essence. By dedicating these internal, vital portions to God, the Israelite acknowledged divine ownership over all good things and expressed deep reverence and heartfelt worship. The ritual highlighted the holiness of God, the distinction between the sacred and profane, and the worshiper's sincere commitment in communion with Him. It taught that genuine devotion requires giving our best, not just what is convenient or leftover. In a broader sense, this command echoes the principle of giving God our innermost thoughts, intentions, and vital energies in our walk of faith.

Examples for practical usage:

• In one's personal devotion, setting aside the prime time of the day for prayer and scripture study, rather than leftover minutes.
• When using gifts and talents, striving for excellence to glorify God, rather than merely "getting by."
• In financial giving, committing the "first fruits" (a portion of income off the top) as a trust in God, rather than giving from what is left over.