Leviticus 9 19

Leviticus 9:19 kjv

And the fat of the bullock and of the ram, the rump, and that which covereth the inwards, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver:

Leviticus 9:19 nkjv

and the fat from the bull and the ram?the fatty tail, what covers the entrails and the kidneys, and the fatty lobe attached to the liver;

Leviticus 9:19 niv

But the fat portions of the ox and the ram?the fat tail, the layer of fat, the kidneys and the long lobe of the liver?

Leviticus 9:19 esv

But the fat pieces of the ox and of the ram, the fat tail and that which covers the entrails and the kidneys and the long lobe of the liver ?

Leviticus 9:19 nlt

Then he took the fat of the bull and the ram ? the fat of the broad tail and from around the internal organs ? along with the kidneys and the long lobes of the livers.

Leviticus 9 verses

Leviticus 9 19 Meaning

Leviticus 9:19 precisely details the specific fatty parts of the sacrificial bullock and ram that were designated to be wholly burned upon the altar. These included the fatty tail (from the ram), the fat covering the inwards, and the caul of the liver from both animals. These specific anatomical portions were consecrated to God as a "food offering" with a pleasing aroma, signifying His sole ownership of the choicest and richest elements of the sacrifice.

Leviticus 9 19 Context

Leviticus chapter 9 marks the pivotal "eighth day" in the consecration ceremony of Aaron and his sons as priests and the dedication of the Tabernacle. Following seven days of preparatory rituals outlined in Leviticus 8, this day was the momentous occasion for Aaron to begin his priestly ministry publicly. He first offered sacrifices for himself to atone for his own sin, then specific sacrifices for the entire community. Leviticus 9:19 specifically details the fatty parts taken from the bullock used as the sin offering (Lev 9:8) and the ram designated for the burnt offering (Lev 9:12). The precise burning of these fats on the altar, leading up to the visible appearance of God's glory and fire consuming the offerings (Lev 9:23-24), served as divine confirmation and acceptance of Aaron's priestly role and the establishment of God's dwelling among His people. Historically and culturally, this meticulous focus on the fat, by reserving it exclusively for God and burning it, starkly contrasted Israelite worship with contemporary pagan practices where fat was often consumed by worshipers, used for divination, or given to idols.

Leviticus 9 19 Word analysis

• and the fat (וְהַחֵלֶב vehachelev): "Chelev" refers to the fatty portions of the sacrificial animal. In Israelite sacrificial law, all such fat was exclusively designated for the Lord and strictly forbidden for human consumption (Lev 3:17). Symbolically, fat represented the best, richest, or most vital part of the animal, emphasizing that the most valuable and life-sustaining elements were to be wholly given to God. It underscores the concept of offering the absolute best and highlights the sacred distinction between common and holy.

• of the bullock (הַפַּר happar): This refers to a young male bovine, specifically the one designated for the sin offering that Aaron made for the people on this eighth day (Lev 9:2, 8). It highlights the type of animal from which these fat portions were to be taken.

• and of the ram (וְהָאַיִל vehayyil): This specifies the male sheep chosen for the burnt offering performed by Aaron (Lev 9:2, 12). Like the bullock, its fat portions were likewise consecrated to God.

• the fat tail (הָאַלְיָה ha'alya): This refers to the distinct and rich fatty appendage or rump found on certain breeds of sheep common in the ancient Near East, known as "fat-tailed sheep." It was considered a delicacy and was highly prized due to its high fat content. Its explicit mention underscores the offering of the very best and most valuable part of the sheep to God, a testament to the meticulousness required in the sacrificial cult.

• and that which covers the inwards (וְאֶת־הַמְכַסֶּה אֶת־הַקֶּרֶב ve'et-hamechasseh et-hakkerev): This phrase points to the omentum, a sheet of fatty membrane that encases or covers the abdominal organs (inwards/intestines). It signifies offering the inner, foundational fat of the animal, reinforcing the idea of a complete and thorough dedication of its vitality.

• and the caul of the liver (וְאֵת יֹתֶרֶת הַכָּבֵד ve'et yoteret hakkaved): This refers to the appendage or specific lobe of the liver, traditionally identified as a fatty membrane attached to it. The liver, often associated with the seat of life or emotions in ancient cultures, makes this portion particularly significant. Offering the fat connected to such a vital organ underscored the comprehensive offering of the animal's life essence to God.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "the fat of the bullock and of the ram, the fat tail, and that which covers the inwards, and the caul of the liver": This precise and comprehensive listing of specific fat portions from two different types of sacrificial animals underscores several crucial aspects. It demonstrates the meticulous detail and exactitude of God's sacrificial instructions, leaving no ambiguity about what constituted the "best" for Him. The repetition of "fat" and the explicit naming of internal fatty organs and the unique fat tail signify that the essence, the richest vitality, and the choicest parts of the animal's life were to be wholly given to Yahweh. These offerings, being entirely consumed by fire and ascending as a fragrant aroma, represented total surrender, purity, and the deepest dedication to God, setting Israelite worship apart from other ancient practices.

Leviticus 9 19 Bonus section

The concept of "fat" (Hebrew: chelev) in Levitical law is multifaceted. Beyond simply being the best part, its burning symbolized intense devotion and purity, as it was thoroughly consumed without remainder by the holy fire on the altar. The strong, sweet aroma produced from burning animal fat was explicitly linked to God's acceptance and pleasure, an image frequently found in sacrificial texts. This symbolic 'sweet aroma' points forward to Christ's own sacrifice, described in the New Testament as a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Eph 5:2), highlighting the ultimate fulfillment of these types in His perfect atonement. The strict prohibition against eating any chelev further reinforced the boundary between the sacred and the common, teaching Israel reverence for God's holiness and His ownership of all life's vital elements.

Leviticus 9 19 Commentary

Leviticus 9:19 underscores the precise requirements for the sacrificial fat, particularly during the momentous inauguration of Aaron's priestly ministry. The strict designation of the choicest fatty portions—the fat tail, the fat covering the inwards, and the caul of the liver—for exclusive consumption by the altar fire highlights a core theological principle: God demands and receives the "best" or the "richest" from His people. This "fat" was forbidden for human consumption, making it sacred and entirely dedicated to the Lord. By burning these parts, the Israelites acknowledged God's sovereignty over life itself and the vital essence of all living things. This act ensured ceremonial purity, affirmed the covenant relationship, and distinguished the Israelites' holy worship from pagan customs that often involved personal consumption or divination using animal parts. It served as a tangible expression of complete dedication, allowing the essence of the offering to ascend directly to the Divine Presence as a pleasing aroma, securing divine acceptance and the manifestation of God's glory among His people.