Leviticus 3 15

Leviticus 3:15 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 3:15 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 3:15 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 3:15 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 3:15 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 15 Meaning

Leviticus 3:15 specifies the exact fatty parts of an animal to be removed and presented to the Lord as a burnt offering within the context of a peace (fellowship) offering. These parts include the two kidneys with their surrounding fat by the loins, and the fatty lobe of the liver. The verse underscores that these choice internal fats, which represent the best and richest parts of the animal, are to be wholly dedicated to God, symbolizing an offering of innermost vitality and prosperity. This dedication reinforces God's unique claim over the most excellent elements of the sacrifice and establishes a clear distinction between what is consecrated to Him and what may be consumed by humans.

Leviticus 3 15 Context

Leviticus Chapter 3 details the regulations for the "peace offering" (zevach shelamim), also known as the fellowship offering. This offering was unique because, unlike burnt offerings (entirely consumed) or sin offerings (specific parts for atonement), a portion of it was consumed by the offerer, symbolizing fellowship and communion with God. The offering could be for thanksgiving, a vow, or a freewill offering. Within this context, verses 15-16 precisely outline which specific fatty parts of the sacrificed animal—regardless of whether it was a herd animal, sheep, or goat—were exclusively for the Lord and were strictly forbidden for human consumption. This emphasis on giving the best to God (the fat) underscores divine holiness and ownership, and the distinction between what is consecrated for sacred use and what is common. Historically and culturally, animal sacrifices were central to ancient Near Eastern religions, but Israel's system was distinct in its specific rules, such as the prohibition on consuming fat and blood, which set apart YHWH's worship from pagan practices. This particular instruction reinforced God's unique authority and provision.

Leviticus 3 15 Word analysis

• and the two kidneys (וְאֵת שְׁתֵּי הַכְּלָיֹת, ve’et shteiy haklayot):
  • kidneys (כְּלָיֹת, kelyayot): Anatomically, these are filtering organs. Biblically, kidneys (along with the heart) are often used metaphorically to represent the innermost being, the seat of emotions, conscience, thoughts, and deepest affections (Psa 7:9, Jer 17:10, Prov 23:16). Offering them suggests surrendering the deepest parts of oneself, one's innermost life and intentions, to God. Their presence in this offering emphasizes God's claim over not just physical sacrifices but the worshipper's complete self.
• with the fat that is on them (הַחֵלֶב אֲשֶׁר עֲלֵיהֶן, ha’chelev asher aleihen):
  • fat (חֵלֶב, chelev): This term refers specifically to the rich, visceral fat of the sacrificial animal, distinct from other animal fat (like suet or fat that is part of meat). It consistently represents the choicest, best, richest, and most luxuriant part. Because it was considered the finest and purest part, it was exclusively dedicated to God as "food of the offering made by fire" (Lev 3:11, 16). This highlighted God's worthiness of the ultimate and unadulterated devotion. This chelev was forbidden for human consumption (Lev 7:23-25), setting Israel apart from pagan customs that often consumed all parts of the sacrificed animal. This distinction asserts God's unique claim and absolute holiness.
• which is by the flanks (אֲשֶׁר עַל הַכְּסָלִים, asher al haksalim):
  • flanks (כְּסָלִים, k'salim): This term refers to the loins or hip area. This anatomical precision ensures the priests removed the correct parts. It emphasizes the specific, prescribed nature of the ritual, reinforcing that the offering must be exactly as God commanded.
• and the fatty lobe above the liver (וְאֵת הַיֹּתֶרֶת עַל הַכָּבֵד, v’et hayoteret al hakaved):
  • fatty lobe (הַיֹּתֶרֶת, hayoteret): This specifically refers to the caudate lobe or appendix of the liver, often encased in fat. The term means "excess" or "appendage."
  • liver (כָּבֵד, kaved): A vital organ. The Hebrew word kaved is related to the word for "heavy" or "glorious." Offering a specific, fatty part associated with such a vital organ reinforces the concept of offering a significant portion of life and vitality to God. In some ancient cultures, the liver was also used for divination, making the explicit direction for its offering in Israel's worship a potential polemic against such practices, dedicating even the most 'mysterious' parts wholly to YHWH.
• with the kidneys (עַל הַכְּלָיוֹת, al ha’kelayot):
  • This phrase clarifies that the fatty lobe of the liver is removed in connection with the kidneys and their fat, as a specific, combined package of internal offerings. It ensures the whole defined portion is offered, not just isolated parts.
• he shall remove it (יָסִירֶנָּה, yasirenna):
  • remove (יָסִיר, yasir): This verb indicates a definite, active separation or taking away. It is a priestly action, highlighting their specific role in executing God’s commandments precisely. This act of "removal" implies separating the sacred portion from the rest of the animal, setting it apart exclusively for YHWH.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks": This phrase precisely identifies the primary organs and their specific fatty deposits to be removed. It highlights the requirement to offer not just muscle but the deeper, rich, inner organs—symbolically offering the very seat of one’s being and life force, the choicest part of the animal from its internal core. The fat emphasizes the "best" aspect, dedicated exclusively to God.
• "and the fatty lobe above the liver with the kidneys, he shall remove it": This specifies an additional vital organ's fatty part, reiterating the thoroughness required. The inclusion of the "fatty lobe above the liver" reinforces the idea of offering internal, vital parts beyond just the kidneys. The final instruction "he shall remove it" underscores the priestly responsibility and the deliberate act of consecration, making the offering pure and fit for the Lord, in exact accordance with His divine ordinance. The repeated emphasis on "fat" points to God's proprietorship over what is most valuable.

Leviticus 3 15 Bonus section

The phrase "food of the offering made by fire" (לחם אשה, lechem isheh), seen in parallel verses (Lev 3:11, 16) regarding these very fatty parts, metaphorically describes them as "God's food." This doesn't imply that God physically "eats" but signifies His acceptance, sustenance, and the establishment of intimate communion with the offerer. It highlights that the most choice part of the offering was for God's delight, reflecting a covenant meal where God, in essence, dines with His people by accepting their dedication. This underscores the relationship-building aspect of the peace offering. The precision in specifying "fat by the flanks" and "fatty lobe above the liver" emphasizes God’s absolute holiness and demand for exacting obedience in worship, rejecting any casual or half-hearted approach. It also subtly prepares the people for the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Christ, who truly gave His best and inner life for our reconciliation (Heb 10:1-10).

Leviticus 3 15 Commentary

Leviticus 3:15 provides intricate details for the peace offering, emphasizing God's claim over the choicest internal parts of the sacrifice: the kidneys, their fat, and the fatty lobe of the liver. This directive is profoundly significant, establishing foundational truths about divine holiness, human reverence, and the nature of offerings. By requiring the offering of chelev, the richest fat, God signals that only the best is suitable for Him. This isn't merely a dietary restriction but a theological statement: God deserves and demands absolute preeminence and perfection. The prohibition on humans consuming this fat (Lev 3:17) underscores a stark sacred/profane distinction, setting apart God's portion as utterly unique and holy. Metaphorically, offering these internal organs speaks to the worshipper giving their inner self – their emotions, will, and deepest intentions – to God. It transforms an external ritual into an expression of internal devotion, urging believers to offer their "best" and their "innermost" to the Lord, seeking true peace and communion with Him. The historical context also reveals this as a polemic against contemporary pagan practices where priests and worshippers might consume all parts of sacrifices, showing Israel’s worship as singularly focused on the holy and exclusive demands of YHWH.