Leviticus 7 4

Leviticus 7:4 kjv

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

Leviticus 7:4 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 7:4 niv

both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver, which is to be removed with the kidneys.

Leviticus 7:4 esv

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 7:4 nlt

the two kidneys and the fat around them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver. These are to be removed with the kidneys,

Leviticus 7 verses

Leviticus 7 4 Meaning

Leviticus 7:4 is part of the instructions concerning the fellowship offering (peace offering), detailing the specific internal fat and organs of the sacrificial animal that must be removed by the priest and presented to the Lord by fire, rather than being eaten by the offerer or priests. This designation emphasizes that the choicest, vital, and most sacred parts of the animal belong exclusively to God, symbolizing complete dedication and the sanctity of fellowship with Him.

Leviticus 7 4 Context

Leviticus 7:4 is embedded within a section of Leviticus that elaborates on the laws for various offerings introduced in chapters 1-6. Specifically, this verse details the regulations for the peace offering (also known as the fellowship offering or offering of well-being), as set forth in Leviticus 7:11-36. These verses differentiate between the parts of the animal that belong to the Lord (burnt on the altar), those given to the priests for their sustenance, and those returned to the offerer to eat in a sacred meal.

Historically, this detailed prescription for separating specific internal organs and fat from the sacrificial animal highlights the sanctity of God's portion. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, certain internal organs, especially the liver, were often used for divination and were also considered highly prized for consumption. By explicitly designating the fatty portions and certain internal organs exclusively for God by fire, the Israelite sacrificial system sharply distinguished itself from pagan practices. It countered any temptation towards divination or syncretism by reserving the choicest parts for the exclusive worship of the Holy God of Israel. This reinforced the monotheistic worship and purity required in approaching the Lord, emphasizing that His holiness demanded the highest reverence and the surrender of what was considered the very best, often symbolic of one's inner being and vital life.

Leviticus 7 4 Word Analysis

• and: (וְ, ve) A conjunction, connecting this instruction directly to the previous verse (Lev 7:3), which speaks of burning all the fat that covers the entrails. It signals a continuation of the items to be presented to the Lord by fire from the peace offering.
• the two kidneys: (אֶת־שְׁתֵּי הַכְּלָיֹות, et-sh’tei ha’kelayot) Kidneys, כְּלָיֹות (kelayot), are vital internal organs. In Hebrew thought, the kidneys were sometimes considered the seat of emotions, conscience, or the innermost thoughts, alongside the heart and mind (Job 19:27, Psa 73:21, Prov 23:16). Their designation for the Lord symbolizes the giving of the deepest and most vital parts of oneself to God. This choice underscored the sacredness of even what was hidden within the animal's body.
• with the fat: (וְהַחֵלֶב, v’ha’chelev) The Hebrew word for fat, חֵלֶב (chelev), specifically refers to the firm, solid suet fat, not merely muscle fat. Throughout Leviticus, this type of fat is consistently reserved for God, explicitly forbidden for human consumption (Lev 3:17, 7:23-25). Fat was considered the richest, choicest, and most flavorful part, symbolizing richness, abundance, and prosperity. Consecrating it to the Lord demonstrates that the worshiper is offering the very best.
• that is on them: (אֲשֶׁר עֲלֵיהֶן, asher aleihen) This phrase precisely indicates the fat adhering to or enveloping the kidneys, distinguishing it from other types of fat.
• which is by the loins: (עַל־הַכְּסָלִים, al-hakh’salim) The "loins" (כְּסָלִים, khasalim) refers to the fleshy part around the small of the back, encompassing the general area where the kidneys are situated. This detailed anatomical specificity emphasizes thoroughness and precision in carrying out the sacred command.
• and the lobe of the liver: (וְאֶת־הַיֹּתֶרֶת עַל־הַכָּבֵד, v’et-hayoteret al-hakkaved) The term יֹתֶרֶת (yoteret) refers to the "appendage" or "extra piece," commonly understood as the caudate lobe of the liver—a fatty projection of the liver itself. The liver (כָּבֵד, kaved) was considered a central and vital organ in ancient medicine and culture, sometimes even linked to the seat of life. In pagan contexts, livers were frequently used for divination (e.g., Ezekiel 21:21) or consumed in rituals for purported divine contact. By dedicating this to the Lord by fire, Israel's practice stands in stark contrast, reserving these inner vital parts solely for God and purifying the sacrificial act from such defiling associations.
• with the kidneys: (literally "on the liver" but contextually understood as the fatty lobe associated with or near the kidneys in the visceral cavity) This phrase further specifies the exact piece of the liver designated for offering, confirming it's not the entire liver, but a specific fatty portion near the kidneys.
• he shall remove: (יָסִירֶנּוּ, yasirenu) From the root סוּר (sur), meaning "to turn aside, take away, remove." This indicates a specific action of separation to be performed by the priest. The removal is not for human consumption or discard but for designated offering to God. It highlights the active and intentional dedication of these parts.

Leviticus 7 4 Bonus section

The careful distinction of fat and inner organs in Levitical law carries profound theological significance. The prohibition against consuming blood and fat (Lev 3:17, 7:23-27) served not only as a hygienic dietary regulation but primarily as a theological boundary. Blood symbolized life and belonged solely to God as the giver of life. Fat, as the richest part, similarly belonged to God, signifying that the best of everything should be consecrated to Him. This prevented Israelites from taking God's portion for themselves, fostering reverence and teaching the principle of setting aside what is holy. The act of offering these internal, often unseen, parts also suggests that God looks beyond outward appearances; He desires the deepest and most hidden aspects of one's offering, reflecting the purity and integrity of the worshiper's heart. This detailed anatomical specificity found in sacrificial law served to instruct Israel in holiness, submission, and the uniqueness of their worship in comparison to surrounding nations.

Leviticus 7 4 Commentary

Leviticus 7:4 prescribes that the two kidneys, with the fat covering them, and the fatty lobe of the liver, be separated from the animal and burned upon the altar in a peace offering. This specific command is crucial for understanding the sanctity of the Lord's portion in sacrifices. By reserving these internal organs and surrounding fat for divine consumption by fire, God emphasizes that the choicest, richest, and most vital parts of the animal belong to Him alone. The fat, considered the prime element and symbolically associated with abundance, and the kidneys/liver, representing essential life-giving organs or inner being, underscore that Israel's dedication to God must be total and from the very core of their existence. This act transforms what might be viewed as mere animal organs into sacred offerings, purifying the act of fellowship with a holy God and contrasting sharply with pagan rituals where such parts were often used for human divination or consumption in rituals aimed at controlling the divine. The burning signifies a complete offering, a fragrant aroma, ascending wholly to God.