Leviticus 3 4

Leviticus 3:4 kjv

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

Leviticus 3:4 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 3:4 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 3:4 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 3:4 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 4 Meaning

Leviticus 3:4 precisely details certain vital and fatty organs from a peace offering animal (specifically cattle) that are to be consecrated to the Lord. This includes the two kidneys, with the rich fat surrounding them near the loins, and the fatty lobe or membrane attached to the liver. These specific portions were designated for removal by the priest and burning upon the altar, symbolizing the offering of the choicest parts to God and underscoring the holiness and significance of God's portion in the worship ritual.

Leviticus 3 4 Context

Leviticus chapter 3 details the regulations for the peace offering (Hebrew: shelamim), also known as the fellowship offering. This was a voluntary sacrifice brought by an individual to express thanksgiving, fulfill a vow, or simply to commune with God. Unlike other sacrifices, where the entire animal or specific parts went only to God or the priests, the peace offering uniquely involved the offerer partaking in the meat after the Lord's portion and the priest's portion were rendered. Leviticus 3:1-5 specifically outlines the procedure for offering an animal from the herd. Verse 4 specifies the precise internal organs and associated fat that are to be ritually removed by the priest or the offerer under priestly guidance, highlighting the meticulous attention required for approaching a holy God. Historically, in ancient Israelite worship at the Tabernacle, such detailed instructions were paramount, establishing a distinct, pure, and holy sacrificial system designed by God Himself, differing markedly from pagan sacrifices common in the surrounding cultures. The designated fatty parts were considered the choicest portions, reserved exclusively for the Lord, emphasizing His supreme honor and rightful claim over the very best.

Leviticus 3 4 Word analysis

• and: (וְ, ve-) A conjunction, connecting this specific instruction to the previous command regarding the fat of the entrails in Leviticus 3:3, indicating a continuation of the prescribed portions for the altar.
• the two kidneys: (שְׁתֵּי הַכְּלָיֹת, shtei ha-kəlayot)
  • kəlayot (כְּלָיֹת): Refers to the kidneys. In Hebrew thought, kidneys were often associated with the deepest inner being, emotions, or conscience, similar to the "heart." The removal of these vital organs for the offering signifies presenting the deepest, innermost parts of oneself to God.
• and the fat that is on them: (וְהַחֵלֶב אֲשֶׁר עֲלֵיהֶן, vəha-chelev asher aleihen)
  • chelev (חֵלֶב): This specific term for "fat" (distinguished from general animal fat) consistently refers to the internal sacrificial fat covering organs, considered the richest and most valuable part. Burning it on the altar signified offering the "best" and "richest" portion exclusively to the Lord.
• which is by the flanks: (אֲשֶׁר עַל הַכְּסָלִים, asher al ha-kəsālim)
  • kəsālim (כְּסָלִים): Refers to the loins or lower back/flanks, the anatomical region where the kidneys are situated. This provides specific anatomical precision, underscoring the exactness required in the sacrificial ritual.
• and the lobe above the liver: (וְאֵת יֹתֶרֶת הַכָּבֵד, və’et yoteret ha-kāved)
  • yoteret (יֹתֶרֶת): Translated as "lobe," "appendage," or "caul." Scholars debate the precise anatomical identification, but it refers to a fatty membrane or appendix associated with the liver.
  • kāved (כָּבֵד): Liver. A vital organ in ancient understanding. Its designated fatty appendage, like the kidneys' fat, was exclusively for the Lord.
• he shall remove with the kidneys: (יָסִיר עַל הַכְּלָיוֹת, yāsir al ha-kəlayot)
  • yāsir (יָסִיר): "He shall remove" or "take away." This active verb emphasizes the specific, prescribed action of separation that the priest (or the offerer) must perform.
  • al ha-kəlayot (עַל הַכְּלָיוֹת): Literally "upon the kidneys" or "along with the kidneys." It indicates that the fatty lobe of the liver is removed in close association with or as part of the same action as the removal of the kidneys.

Word Groups Analysis:

• "the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them... and the lobe above the liver": This detailed enumeration of specific internal, fat-rich organs underscores the precision demanded in God's worship. It emphasizes that no aspect of the offering was left to human discretion; every detail was divinely commanded, highlighting God's authority and Israel's required obedience in religious rites. These were considered among the most vital and valuable internal components of the animal.
• "he shall remove": This concise directive signifies the compulsory nature of the act. The chosen parts were not optional; their proper removal and consecration were fundamental to the acceptability of the peace offering. This specific act purified the animal for its role in the sacred ceremony and ensured God received His holy portion.

Leviticus 3 4 Bonus section

• The practice of dedicating certain fats to the Lord distinguished Israelite worship from other ancient Near Eastern pagan practices, where priests or worshipers often consumed all parts of the sacrifice.
• The meticulous detailing of parts to be offered served a didactic purpose, educating the Israelites about the sanctity of divine ordinances and the seriousness of their covenant relationship with a holy God. It was a tangible lesson in obedience.
• The phrase "food for the Lord" (as seen for burnt offerings, Lev 3:11, 16) describes these fatty offerings as a "pleasing aroma" or "sweet savor" to God, signifying His acceptance and delight in the obedient and pure offering.
• While Christ's sacrifice abolished the need for animal sacrifices (Heb 10:1-14), the underlying principle of offering our "best" to God remains relevant for believers today, now expressed through spiritual sacrifices of praise, service, and presenting our bodies as living sacrifices (Rom 12:1).

Leviticus 3 4 Commentary

Leviticus 3:4 provides intricate detail regarding the "fat of the Lord" in the context of the peace offering. By designating the two kidneys with their surrounding fat and the fat from the liver as exclusively for burning on the altar, God asserts His claim to the choicest and most vital portions of the sacrifice. This act underscores several crucial theological principles: firstly, it reinforces God's holiness and His right to receive the very best, symbolizing His supreme value over all other claims. The prohibition against human consumption of these specific fats (Lev 3:17, 7:23) set Israel apart, establishing distinct lines of holiness. Secondly, from a symbolic perspective, the kidneys and inner organs were often associated with the deepest parts of one's being, their innermost thoughts, desires, and emotions (e.g., Ps 73:21; Jer 17:10). Thus, offering these parts was a symbolic gesture of giving one's inner vitality and entire self to God in fellowship. Lastly, the extreme precision in these instructions, down to specific anatomical parts, emphasized the meticulous nature of true worship. It cultivated a spirit of careful obedience and reverence in the worshipers, demonstrating that approach to God was not arbitrary but governed by His explicit and unchangeable commands. This attention to detail ensured the integrity and sacredness of the encounter between a holy God and His people.