Leviticus 7:4

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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:

Complete Jewish Bible:

the two kidneys, the fat on them near the flanks, and the covering of the liver, which he will remove with the kidneys.

Berean Standard Bible:

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

American Standard Version:

and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the caul upon the liver, with the kidneys, shall he take away;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And the two^{H8147} kidneys^{H3629}, and the fat^{H2459} that is on them, which is by the flanks^{H3689}, and the caul^{H3508} that is above the liver^{H3516}, with the kidneys^{H3629}, it shall he take away^{H5493}:

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Leviticus 7:4

1. **Themes:**
- **Ritual Purity and Sacrifice:** Leviticus 7:4 is part of the detailed instructions given to the Israelites regarding sacrificial offerings. The verse specifically addresses the priestly duties concerning the consumption of certain parts of the peace offering. The focus on the kidneys, fat, and caul (part of the liver) emphasizes the importance of ritual purity and the proper manner of sacrifice in ancient Israelite worship.
- **Holiness and Separation:** The instructions for the sacrifices underscore the theme of holiness. By setting apart certain parts of the animal for the priests or for God, the Israelites were reminded of the distinction between the holy and the common, and the need to approach God with reverence.
- **Divine Ordinance:** The precise instructions for the sacrifices reflect the idea that worship must be conducted according to divine command. This verse, like many in Leviticus, is a direct speech from God to Moses, highlighting the importance of adhering to God's laws.

2. **Historical Context:**
- **Time Period:** Leviticus is set during the time of Moses, specifically during the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. This period is traditionally dated to the late 2nd millennium BCE.
- **Purpose of Leviticus:** The book of Leviticus is a part of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) and serves as a manual for the priests of Israel, particularly the Levites. It outlines the laws and rituals that were to be followed to maintain the covenant relationship between God and the Israelite community.
- **Cultic Practice:** The detailed descriptions of sacrifices and offerings in Leviticus reflect the religious practices of the ancient Near East, adapted to the unique worship of Yahweh. These practices were central to the religious life of the Israelites and were meant to ensure the people's ritual purity and right relationship with God.
- **Social Order:** The sacrificial system also played a role in the social structure of Israel, with specific roles for the priests and Levites. The distribution of the sacrificial parts, as described in Leviticus 7:4, indicates a hierarchy within the priesthood and a system of support for the priestly class through the offerings brought by the people.

In summary, Leviticus 7:4 reflects the themes of ritual purity, holiness, and adherence to divine ordinance within the historical context of the Israelites' worship practices during the time of Moses in the wilderness.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H8147
   There are 647 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שְׁנַיִם
   Transliteration: shᵉnayim
   Pronunciation: shen-ah'-yim
   Description: dual of שֵׁנִי; feminine שְׁתַּיִם; two; also (as ordinal) twofold; both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two.
   
2. Strong's Number: H3629
   There are 26 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כִּלְיָה
   Transliteration: kilyâh
   Pronunciation: kil-yaw'
   Description: feminine of כְּלִי (only in the plural); a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self); kidneys, reins.
   
3. Strong's Number: H2459
   There are 69 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חֶלֶב
   Transliteration: cheleb
   Pronunciation: kheh'-leb
   Description: or חֵלֶב; from an unused root meaning to be fat; fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part; [idiom] best, fat(-ness), [idiom] finest, grease, marrow.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3689
   There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כֶּסֶל
   Transliteration: keçel
   Pronunciation: keh'-sel
   Description: from כָּסַל; properly, fatness, i.e. by implication (literally) the loin (as the seat of the leaf fat) or (generally) the viscera; also (figuratively) silliness or (in a good sense) trust; confidence, flank, folly, hope, loin.
   
5. Strong's Number: H3508
   There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יֹתֶרֶת
   Transliteration: yôthereth
   Pronunciation: yo-theh'-reth
   Description: feminine active participle of יָתַר; the lobe or flap of the liver (as if redundant or outhanging); caul.
   
6. Strong's Number: H3516
   There are 14 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כָּבֵד
   Transliteration: kâbêd
   Pronunciation: kaw-bade'
   Description: the same as כָּבֵד; the liver (as the heaviest of the viscera); liver.
   
7. Strong's Number: H5493
   There are 283 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: סוּר
   Transliteration: çûwr
   Pronunciation: soor
   Description: or שׂוּר; (Hosea 9:12), a primitive root; to turn off (literal or figurative); be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without.