Leviticus 7 3

Leviticus 7:3 kjv

And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof; the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards,

Leviticus 7:3 nkjv

And he shall offer from it all its fat. The fat tail and the fat that covers the entrails,

Leviticus 7:3 niv

All its fat shall be offered: the fat tail and the fat that covers the internal organs,

Leviticus 7:3 esv

And all its fat shall be offered, the fat tail, the fat that covers the entrails,

Leviticus 7:3 nlt

The priest will then offer all its fat on the altar, including the fat of the broad tail, the fat around the internal organs,

Leviticus 7 verses

Leviticus 7 3 Meaning

Leviticus 7:3 details the specific fatty portions of the peace offering (also known as the fellowship offering) that are to be consecrated to the LORD by burning them on the altar. These particular parts—the entire fat tail (of sheep), the fat covering the internal organs, the two kidneys and the fat around them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver—were considered the "best" or "choicest" parts and were exclusively God's portion, offered as "food" or a pleasing aroma to Him. This instruction emphasizes the sacredness of the offering and the principle of giving God one's finest.

Leviticus 7 3 Context

Leviticus Chapter 7 elaborates on the laws for various offerings, particularly building upon the foundational instructions given in chapters 1-5. Specifically, Leviticus 7:1-10 discusses the peace offering, guilt offering, and sin offering from the priests' perspective, detailing what portions belonged to God, the priests, and the offerer. Verse 3 is a direct continuation of the instructions for the peace offering initiated in chapter 3, providing a detailed list of the specific fatty parts that must be removed and presented to the LORD.

The historical and cultural context involves Israelite worship at the Tabernacle. Offerings were a central means by which the Israelites could approach a holy God, express gratitude, seek forgiveness, or maintain fellowship. The peace offering (Hebrew: zevakh sh'lamim, meaning "sacrifice of peace" or "fellowship sacrifice") was unique in that portions were consumed by the offerer and the priests, symbolizing communion between God, His priests, and His people. However, the fat was explicitly reserved for God alone. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, fat was considered a valuable and highly prized part of an animal, representing richness, health, and vitality. By stipulating that the finest fatty portions be offered exclusively to the LORD, the law reinforced God's supreme holiness, His exclusive claim on the best, and Israel's complete dedication and submission to Him, contrasting sharply with pagan practices where such choice parts might be eaten by the worshippers or their deities in a less reverent manner.

Leviticus 7 3 Word analysis

• And all the fat thereof: Hebrew: וְאֵת כָּל־חֶלְבּוֹ (wə'êt kol-ḥelbo).

  • all: כָּל־ (kol-). Emphasizes completeness; nothing is to be withheld from this specific category.
  • the fat: חֶלְבּוֹ (ḥelbo, from ḥēlev). Refers to the internal, deep, or rich fatty deposits rather than subcutaneous or superficial fat. It signifies the richest and most valuable portion of the animal, representing the vitality and abundance. In the Law, this type of fat was sacred and reserved exclusively for the LORD, distinct from common fat that could be consumed or removed from a carcass. It represents the very essence or "best" of the sacrifice, given directly to God as His due.

• the rump: וְאֵת הָאַלְיָה (wə'êt hāʾalyâ).

  • the rump: הָאַלְיָה (hāʾalyâ). This term specifically refers to the fat tail of sheep, especially certain breeds like the Syrian fat-tailed sheep. This tail was large and entirely composed of rich, delectable fat. Its explicit mention highlights its significant value and quantity, confirming it as a choice portion, particularly for the sheep from which peace offerings were frequently made.

• and the fat that covereth the inwards: וְאֶת־הַחֵלֶב הַמְכַסֶּה אֶת־הַקֶּרֶב (wə'et-haḥēlev haməḵasseh 'et-haqqereḇ).

  • that covereth the inwards: הַמְכַסֶּה אֶת־הַקֶּרֶב (haməḵasseh 'et-haqqereḇ). Refers to the omentum or peritoneum, the fatty membrane that encases or surrounds the digestive organs. This visceral fat was understood as an intimate part of the animal's life-sustaining organs and thus represented a deeper, more intrinsic offering.

• and the two kidneys: וְאֵת שְׁתֵּי הַכְּלָיֹת (wə'êt šəttê hakkiłāyoṯ).

  • the two kidneys: שְׁתֵּי הַכְּלָיֹת (šəttê hakkiłāyoṯ). Kidneys, being vital organs, were symbolically linked to the core being or affections in Hebrew thought. Their inclusion as part of God's portion signifies giving Him not just the valuable parts, but elements deeply connected to life itself.

• and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks: וְאֶת־הַחֵלֶב אֲשֶׁר עֲלֵיהֶן אֲשֶׁר עַל־הַכְּסָלִים (wə'et-haḥēlev 'ăšer 'ălehēn 'ăšer 'al-hakkesālîm).

  • the fat that is on them: Refers to the substantial fat deposits directly attached to and surrounding the kidneys.
  • by the flanks: אֲשֶׁר עַל־הַכְּסָלִים ('al-hakkesālîm). Literally "on the loins" or "flanks," specifying the precise location of these fat deposits around the kidneys, further detailing the precise offering required.

• and the caul above the liver: וְאֵת הַיֹּתֶרֶת עַל־הַכָּבֵד (wə'êt hayyoṯeret 'al-hakkāḇēd).

  • the caul above the liver: הַיֹּתֶרֶת עַל־הַכָּבֵד (hayyoṯeret 'al-hakkāḇēd). This refers to the fatty appendage or lobe connected to the liver, often translated as the "appendix of the liver" or "caul." The liver itself was considered a very vital organ, and this fatty lobe connected to it was particularly rich. Its inclusion confirms the meticulous and thorough nature of the divine command to offer the absolute finest parts.

• with the kidneys, it shall he take away: עַל־הַכְּלָיֹת יְסִירֶנָּה (al-hakkiłāyoṯ yəsîrenâ).

  • with the kidneys: עַל־הַכְּלָיֹת (al-hakkiłāyoṯ). This phrase often clarifies that the removal of the fat is done together with the kidneys, or it may function as an appositive emphasizing that the caul is taken away "with the kidneys," implying they are presented as a singular sacred group to the LORD.
  • it shall he take away: יְסִירֶנָּה (yəsîrenâ). The verb yasir (to remove, take away, set apart) indicates the physical separation of these portions from the rest of the carcass. Once removed, these designated parts are then brought to the altar to be burned (as seen in the broader context of Lev 3). This "taking away" signifies setting apart as holy to the LORD, not for common use.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "And all the fat thereof, the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver": This lengthy enumeration underscores the extreme precision and detail God requires in worship. It emphasizes that no stone is left unturned; every specific fatty, choice part is for Him. It highlights God's demand for thoroughness and His claim over the best and most valuable aspects of what is offered, reflecting the ultimate dedication from the worshipper. These items were consistently mentioned across various offerings where fat was consecrated, signifying a uniform standard for "God's portion." The inclusion of both specific named parts (rump, kidneys, caul) and more general descriptors ("fat that covereth the inwards," "fat that is on them") indicates a comprehensive intent to collect all significant internal fat deposits.

Leviticus 7 3 Bonus section

The specific listing of fat portions to be removed in Leviticus 7:3 and related verses is crucial for understanding the concept of "holy" vs. "common." While general "fat" from common animals could be eaten, the particular fat described here—visceral fat from an animal sacrificed to the Lord—was expressly forbidden for human consumption (Lev 7:23-25). This distinction further solidified the idea of items set apart solely for God, emphasizing that His portion was utterly sacred and separate. It served as a constant reminder to the Israelites of the sharp division between the profane and the holy. This strict separation also protected the sanctity of the altar and God's exclusive proprietorship over these offerings. It was a visible and tangible expression of God’s glory and worthiness, demanding precision and respect from those who sought to draw near to Him through sacrifice.

Leviticus 7 3 Commentary

Leviticus 7:3 is a precise directive within the regulations for the peace offering, emphasizing the LORD's exclusive claim on the choicest fatty portions of the sacrifice. This was not merely about discarding unwanted parts; in the ancient world, visceral fat was a prized delicacy and a source of rich flavor and energy. By commanding that these particular parts—the fat tail, visceral fat, kidneys, and liver lobe—be removed and burnt on the altar, God declared them as uniquely His "food." This signified His preeminence and holiness, asserting that only the very best was acceptable for Him. The burning of the fat produced a "pleasing aroma" (Lev 3:16) for God, symbolizing the worshipper's complete devotion and the acceptance of the sacrifice. This act teaches that approaching God requires offering what is costly, valuable, and representative of one's purest devotion, holding nothing back. It underscores the concept that genuine worship involves surrendering our best to the Most High.

Practical Usage:

• Giving your best: In our service to God today, this verse reminds us to give Him our best talents, time, and resources, not just what's convenient or leftover (Col 3:23).
• Holy living: It teaches that God desires our "choicest parts," not just superficial outward actions but the deepest parts of our lives—our hearts, minds, and affections (Rom 12:1).
• Reverence in worship: The detailed instruction highlights the importance of reverence and attention to detail in our approach to God, reflecting His holiness and our need to approach Him on His terms.