Leviticus 7 32

Leviticus 7:32 kjv

And the right shoulder shall ye give unto the priest for an heave offering of the sacrifices of your peace offerings.

Leviticus 7:32 nkjv

Also the right thigh you shall give to the priest as a heave offering from the sacrifices of your peace offerings.

Leviticus 7:32 niv

You are to give the right thigh of your fellowship offerings to the priest as a contribution.

Leviticus 7:32 esv

And the right thigh you shall give to the priest as a contribution from the sacrifice of your peace offerings.

Leviticus 7:32 nlt

Give the right thigh of your peace offering to the priest as a gift.

Leviticus 7 verses

Leviticus 7 32 Meaning

Leviticus 7:32 details a specific instruction regarding the priestly share from the fellowship or peace offering (šĕlāmîm). The worshiper, having brought a peace offering to the Tabernacle, was to present the "right thigh" (šôq hayyāmîn) of the sacrificial animal to the priest. This portion, designated as a "contribution" (tĕrûmāh), signifies a holy allocation, "lifted up" or "separated" from the general offering, meant for the sustenance and support of the ministering priest. It underscores God's provision for those who serve Him and highlights the worshiper's role in facilitating that provision as an act of obedience and gratitude.

Leviticus 7 32 Context

Leviticus 7:32 is part of a detailed exposition concerning the regulations for various offerings presented to the Lord at the Tabernacle, specifically focusing on the peace offering (šelāmîm). Chapters 6 and 7 of Leviticus supplement the earlier instructions (Leviticus 1-5), outlining the priests' roles and portions from these sacrifices, and how the offerings relate to the people. Prior to verse 32, Leviticus 7 specifies the priest's share from the grain offering (Lev 7:9-10) and other aspects of the peace offering, including that the fat of the offering is to be burned on the altar for the Lord (Lev 7:30-31), symbolizing His exclusive portion. The right thigh, mentioned here, along with the breast (Lev 7:31, 34), represent substantial and honorable portions given to the priests, underscoring their sustenance through divine provision via the offerings of the people. This arrangement ensured the Levitical priests, who had no land inheritance, would be supported in their sacred duties, distinguishing Yahweh's orderly provision from the potentially exploitative practices of some pagan priesthoods. It demonstrates a holistic covenant relationship where the people support the religious system as part of their devotion to God, and God, in turn, cares for His appointed servants.

Leviticus 7 32 Word analysis

• And: `wĕ-` (Hebrew: וְ). A common conjunction, here serving to link this instruction directly to the preceding regulations, emphasizing its place within the ongoing sacrificial laws.
• the right thigh: `šôq hayyāmîn` (Hebrew: שׁוֹק הַיָּמִין).
  • `šôq` (שׂוֹק): Refers to the leg or thigh, often implying strength or the primary moving part of an animal or person.
  • `hayyāmîn` (הַיָּמִין): Means "the right." The "right" side often symbolizes strength, favor, prominence, or a privileged position in ancient Near Eastern thought and biblical contexts. By specifying the "right thigh," it signifies a distinguished and valuable portion. This part is substantial and provides good sustenance. It highlights that the priestly share was not arbitrary but precisely delineated and honorable.
• you shall give: `yitten` (Hebrew: יִתֵּן). The verbal form indicates a future, imperative command, specifically for the worshiper bringing the sacrifice. It signifies an action to be performed by the offerer, highlighting their responsibility in sustaining the priestly service. This is not something the priest takes but is given by divine instruction.
• to the priest: `lakkōhēn` (Hebrew: לַכֹּהֵן). Refers to the `kōhēn` (כֹּהֵן), the individual or the office of the priest. This identifies the specific recipient of the designated portion. The priest acts as an intermediary between God and the people, and his livelihood is intrinsically linked to his service at the altar.
• as a contribution: `tĕrûmāh` (Hebrew: תְּרוּמָה). This term is crucial. It means a "heave offering" or "contribution," literally something "lifted up" or "separated."
  • The `tĕrûmāh` is not simply a gift, but a dedicated, sanctified portion, lifted from the larger offering or harvest for sacred purposes or for those designated as holy to the Lord (e.g., priests and Levites).
  • It represents a sacred apportionment by God for His servants, derived from what the people present to Him. Its significance lies in that it is presented by the people to God, and then by divine command, God assigns it to His priests. This ensures the priests are sustained by God’s economy, not merely human generosity.
• from the sacrifices: `mizzivḥê` (Hebrew: מִזִּבְחֵי). "From the sacrifices" or "from the offerings." This indicates the source of the `tĕrûmāh`. The portions for the priest are directly drawn from the sacred act of sacrifice, underlining their holiness and purpose.
• of your peace offerings: `šalmêkem` (Hebrew: שַׁלְמֵיכֶם). Specifically refers to the `šelāmîm` (peace offerings), plural possessive "your peace offerings."
  • `šelāmîm` (שְּׁלָמִים) derives from `šālôm` (שלום), meaning peace, wholeness, well-being, completion, or prosperity.
  • Unlike sin or guilt offerings (which deal with atonement for sin), peace offerings were often voluntary sacrifices offered in thanksgiving, to fulfill a vow, or simply to express fellowship with God. They typically involved communal feasting, where the worshiper, priest, and God shared in the offering (God received the fat, priests received specific portions, and the worshiper ate the remainder). The precise division here maintains divine order even within a joyous context.

Leviticus 7 32 Bonus section

The consistent allocation of specific portions like the breast (wave offering) and thigh (heave offering) to the priests throughout Leviticus and Numbers demonstrates a principle of divine economy. God ordained that those set apart for full-time ministry should be supported by the offerings of the people. This was foundational for the proper functioning of the Israelite worship system, ensuring the priests could dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties without needing to engage in secular labor for sustenance. This orderly system contrasted sharply with the chaotic and often exploitative practices of pagan priesthoods in the ancient Near East, which frequently relied on arbitrary fees or intimidation to extract resources from the populace. The biblical system provided stability, dignity, and a clear divine mandate for priestly provision, making it an act of worship to obey this command.

Leviticus 7 32 Commentary

Leviticus 7:32 precisely mandates the allocation of the "right thigh" of the peace offering as a sacred "contribution" to the priest. This injunction is not merely about priestly sustenance but is embedded within the detailed divine order of Tabernacle worship. It highlights several core principles: God's meticulous care for His ministering servants, ensuring their provision through consecrated portions derived from the worshipers' offerings. The designated "right thigh" emphasizes an honorable and substantial share, symbolizing strength and authority. As a "contribution" (tĕrûmāh), it's a sanctified allocation, "lifted up" for God and then specifically appointed for His priests, thereby underscoring divine authorization for their support. This divine instruction prevented arbitrary demands by priests and ensured the people's proper participation in supporting the Levitical priesthood. This act was crucial for maintaining the sacred functions of the Tabernacle, prefiguring the New Testament principle that those who minister spiritually deserve material support, reinforcing the partnership between those who give and those who serve.