Leviticus 4 9

Leviticus 4:9 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 4:9 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 4:9 niv

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

Leviticus 4:9 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 4:9 nlt

the two kidneys and the fat around them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver. He must remove these along with the kidneys,

Leviticus 4 verses

Leviticus 4 9 Meaning

Leviticus 4:9 details a specific ritual requirement for the sin offering of an individual leader or common person: the removal and burning of all the sacrificial animal's internal fat portions and specific organs (kidneys, liver lobe) upon the altar. This act symbolizes that the best, richest part of the offering belongs exclusively to Yahweh, contributing to the "pleasing aroma" (Lev 1:9, 13, 17) and signifying the complete dedication and atonement required for unintentional sin. It reiterates a principle of holiness, emphasizing God's sole proprietorship over the life and vitality represented by the fat.

Leviticus 4 9 Context

Leviticus chapter 4 introduces the laws concerning sin offerings (chatta't) for unintentional sins committed by various categories of people: the anointed priest (vv. 1-12), the whole congregation (vv. 13-21), a ruler (vv. 22-26), and a common person (vv. 27-35). Verse 9 specifically addresses the fat and internal organs to be offered from the sin offering of a ruler (vv. 22-26) and a common person (vv. 27-35), detailing the exact portions of the animal (sheep or goat) to be dedicated to Yahweh. The instructions for these offerings largely parallel the instructions for the peace offering (Leviticus 3), underscoring that while the sin offering addresses atonement for transgression, it still contains elements of thanksgiving and fellowship, particularly by returning the "best" to God. This systematic approach to sacrifice in Israel distinguished it from surrounding pagan cultures, which often involved unpredictable, barbaric, or self-serving offerings. Yahweh's system emphasized order, divine prescription, and holiness, ensuring proper atonement and access to God. Historically, the elaborate details ensured the sanctity of the altar, underscored the severity of sin, and maintained the ritual purity necessary for the community's relationship with a holy God.

Leviticus 4 9 Word analysis

• And: Links this action directly to the preceding command (vv. 8 and 31).
• all: (Hebrew: kol, כֹּל) Signifies completeness and entirety. This isn't just a part, but every bit of the designated fat. This underscores God's claim on the best and the whole of the dedicated offering, representing full consecration.
• the fat: (Hebrew: ha-ḥēleḇ, הַחֵלֶב) More than just adipose tissue; in ancient Israelite culture, fat symbolized the richest, choicest, and most vital part of the animal. It represented vitality, prosperity, and the life force. Since the blood (representing the life, Lev 17:11) was drained for atonement, the fat represented the choicest remaining life essence or value that belonged to God alone. It was sacred to the Lord, prohibited for human consumption.
• that covers the entrails: Refers specifically to the omentum (a fold of the peritoneum, extending from the stomach to other abdominal organs) and other fatty membranes over the intestines. Precision in divine instruction.
• all the fat that is on the entrails: A slight reiteration, emphasizing all abdominal fat related to the digestive system.
• and the two kidneys: Kidneys (Hebrew: kĕlāyōt, כְּלָיוֹת) are vital organs. In biblical thought, they are often associated with the deepest inner thoughts, emotions, or moral nature of a person (e.g., Ps 7:9, Jer 17:10). Sacrificing them implies offering the innermost being to God.
• and the fat that is on them: The suet surrounding the kidneys, further emphasizing the complete offering of these organs with their choicest portions.
• which is by the loins: Provides anatomical precision, indicating the lumbar region where kidneys are located.
• and the lobe of the liver: (Hebrew: vĕ-hayyōttereṯ ‘al-hakkāvḗḏ, וְהַיּוֹתֶרֶת עַל־הַכָּבֵד) The term yōttereṯ refers to an appendage, specifically the caudate lobe or similar fatty extension of the liver. The liver was also considered a vital organ and was often central in ANE divination, but in Israel, it was purified and given to God, divorcing its pagan associations.
• which he shall remove with the kidneys: The simultaneous or joint removal indicates a cohesive process, ensuring all specified sacred portions are properly prepared together.

Words-group analysis:

• "All the fat...and the two kidneys and the fat that is on them...and the lobe of the liver...": This comprehensive listing highlights the meticulous detail required by God's commands. It demonstrates that the offering was not merely a symbolic gesture but involved precise adherence to divine will. The choice of these particular organs (fat, kidneys, liver lobe) represents the animal's most vital and internal parts, signifying the deepest and choicest parts of life offered back to God. This selection stands in contrast to common consumption, emphasizing the holiness and unique nature of these parts for the divine.
• "...which he shall remove with the kidneys...": This instruction implies an organized and priestly action, signifying reverence and precision in sacred rites. The verb "remove" (yāsîr, יָסִיר) here indicates setting apart for a holy purpose.

Leviticus 4 9 Bonus section

The repeated emphasis on "all the fat" across different offerings (peace, sin) underscores a unifying theological principle: God demands the best, not simply a sacrifice. The ritual consumption of parts by priests (e.g., the breast and thigh of the peace offering) and the offerer (rest of peace offering meat) contrast sharply with the sacred reservation of fat exclusively for God. This differentiation served as a constant reminder of Yahweh's distinct holiness and His specific requirements for interaction. This precision was crucial to ancient Israel's understanding of sin and reconciliation—even unintentional sin required a specific and costly atoning ritual, performed with exactness. This served as an object lesson in humility, dependence on God's prescribed means of atonement, and reverence for His commands.

Leviticus 4 9 Commentary

Leviticus 4:9 illustrates the profound theology embedded within Israel's sacrificial system. The burning of the "fat" (the best and richest parts of the animal, including specific internal organs) on the altar for the Lord was a non-negotiable aspect of the sin offering. This act reinforced several key principles: God's ultimate ownership ("All the fat is the LORD’s," Lev 3:16); the consecration of the choicest portions to Him (not merely leftovers or unwanted parts, a direct contrast to practices condemned in Malachi 1:8); and the concept of a "pleasing aroma" (Lev 1:9), which represented God's acceptance of the offering and the resulting atonement for sin. This verse emphasizes that reconciliation with a holy God requires a complete and unblemished dedication, a shadow pointing forward to the perfect, unreserved, and ultimate self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered "all" of Himself—the unblemished "lamb of God" (Jn 1:29)—to make full atonement for sin. Our "spiritual sacrifices" (1 Pet 2:5) today, our complete devotion, are like offering our "best fat" to the Lord, an acceptable and pleasing spiritual worship (Rom 12:1).