Leviticus 10:14

KJV

And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place; thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: for [they be] thy due, and thy sons' due, [which] are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the wave {H8573} breast {H2373} and heave {H8641} shoulder {H7785} shall ye eat {H398} in a clean {H2889} place {H4725}; thou, and thy sons {H1121}, and thy daughters {H1323} with thee: for they be thy due {H2706}, and thy sons {H1121}' due {H2706}, which are given {H5414} out of the sacrifices {H2077} of peace offerings {H8002} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The breast that was waved and the thigh that was raised you are to eat in a clean place - you, your sons and your daughters with you; for these are given as your and your children's share of the sacrifices of the peace offerings presented by the people of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

And you and your sons and daughters may eat the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the contribution in a ceremonially clean place, because these portions have been assigned to you and your children from the peace offerings of the sons of Israel.

American Standard Version

And the wave-breast and the heave-thigh shall ye eat in a clean place, thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: for they are given as thy portion, and thy sons’ portion, out of the sacrifices of the peace-offerings of the children of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 10:14 specifies the divinely ordained portions of the peace offering—the wave breast and heave shoulder—that were perpetually designated for Aaron and his priestly descendants, including their entire households. This provision was to be consumed in a ritually clean place, emphasizing the sacredness of the priests' sustenance and their unique role as mediators between God and Israel. The verse underscores God's meticulous care for those consecrated to His service, ensuring their physical needs were met through the very sacrifices that facilitated fellowship with Him, even as it re-establishes order in the aftermath of the severe judgment against Nadab and Abihu.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 10:14 is situated within a profoundly significant and somber chapter that immediately follows the tragic deaths of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's elder sons, who offered "unauthorized fire before the Lord" as recounted in [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - The Sin and Judgment of Nadab and Abihu"). This catastrophic event served as a stark and immediate lesson on the absolute necessity of strict obedience to God's precise commands concerning worship and priestly conduct. In the wake of this severe judgment, Moses delivers further, urgent instructions to Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, regarding their ongoing priestly duties, particularly concerning the consumption of holy things. The preceding verses, specifically [Leviticus 10:8-11](/leviticus/10-8-11 "Leviticus 10:8-11 - Priestly Responsibilities and Discernment"), emphasize the priests' solemn responsibility for discerning between the holy and the common, the clean and the unclean, and for diligently teaching God's statutes to the Israelites. Leviticus 10:12-15 then specifically addresses the portions of various offerings that the priests were permitted to eat, clarifying their entitlements and the conditions for their consumption, thereby re-establishing order, provision, and a clear understanding of their role after a moment of profound disruption and divine wrath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The establishment of the Tabernacle system and the Levitical priesthood at Mount Sinai marked a pivotal new phase in Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, transforming them from a nomadic collection of clans into a holy nation. The priesthood was divinely instituted to mediate this relationship, performing sacrifices, maintaining ritual purity, and teaching the Law. While many ancient Near Eastern cultures had priests who received portions of offerings as their livelihood, Israel's system was unique in its divine ordination, the specific ritual significance attached to each portion, and its emphasis on holiness. The "peace offering" (Hebrew: _zevach sh'lamim_) was distinct among the sacrifices because it was the only one from which the worshiper, the priest, and God (via the altar fire) all partook, symbolizing communion, fellowship, and reconciliation. The "wave breast" and "heave shoulder" were not arbitrary selections but integral parts of the ritual, symbolizing presentation to God and then being returned as a sacred provision. This system ensured the priests' financial stability, allowing them to dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties without needing to engage in secular labor for sustenance, a common practice for religious functionaries in the ancient world. The pervasive concern for ritual purity, highlighted by the emphasis on a "clean place" for consumption, permeated all aspects of Israelite life, especially concerning anything connected to the sacred.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of [Leviticus 10](/leviticus/10 "Leviticus 10 - Priestly Conduct and Divine Judgment"), contributes significantly to several key themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Holiness**, demonstrating God's absolute authority over worship and His meticulous standards for those who approach Him. The immediate backdrop of Nadab and Abihu's judgment reinforces this. Secondly, it highlights **God's Provision for His Servants**, showing His faithfulness in sustaining the priesthood, enabling them to fulfill their sacred calling without material distraction. This provision is not charity but a divinely ordained "due." Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Ritual Purity and Order**, emphasizing that even the consumption of sacred food must adhere to specific regulations to maintain the sanctity of the covenant community. The distinction between holy and common, clean and unclean, is paramount throughout [the book of Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus - Laws of Holiness and Worship"), and this verse applies that principle to the priests' daily sustenance. Finally, it touches on the theme of **Covenantal Relationship**, as the priests' livelihood is directly tied to the offerings of the "children of Israel," illustrating the reciprocal nature of the covenant where the people's worship sustains those who mediate for them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **breast (Hebrew, _châzeh'_):** from חָזָה; the breast (as most seen in front); breast. This refers to the chest portion of the animal offered in the peace offering. It was specifically designated for the "wave offering," a ritual symbolizing its presentation to God and subsequent return as a consecrated portion for the priests, signifying divine acceptance and provision.
* **shoulder (Hebrew, _shôwq'_):** from שׁוּק; the (lower) leg (as a runner); hip, leg, shoulder, thigh. In the context of sacrificial offerings, _shôwq_ denotes the right thigh or shoulder of the animal. This portion was designated for the "heave offering," a ritual involving lifting the offering upwards. Its selection, alongside the breast, provided a substantial and significant portion of the animal, reinforcing the generous and divinely appointed provision for the priestly family.
* **due (Hebrew, _chôq'_):** from חָקַק; an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage); appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, [idiom] necessary, ordinance(-nary), portion, set time, statute, task. This word emphasizes that the wave breast and heave shoulder are not merely charitable gifts but a divinely established, legally binding entitlement for Aaron and his sons. It represents a fixed, perpetual ordinance from God, ensuring the priests' livelihood as a direct consequence of their sacred service and the covenant God made with them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place;":** This initial clause precisely identifies the specific portions from the peace offering—the breast, subjected to the ritual waving (_tenufah_), and the shoulder (right thigh), subjected to the ritual heaving (_terumah_). These rituals consecrated these parts, setting them apart as the priests' entitlement. The instruction to eat them "in a clean place" underscores the paramount importance of ritual purity for those consuming sacred food, ensuring that even their sustenance reflected the holiness of their calling and the offerings from which it derived. This place was ritually pure, free from any defilement, though not necessarily within the Tabernacle's most sacred areas.
* **"thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee:":** This phrase explicitly broadens the recipients of this divine provision beyond just the active male priests (Aaron and his sons) to include the female members of their households (daughters). This demonstrates God's comprehensive care for the entire priestly family, acknowledging that their well-being and sustenance were intricately linked to the sacred service performed by the male priests. It highlights the communal aspect of God's blessing within the family unit and ensures that the entire household dedicated to God's service was provided for.
* **"for [they be] thy due, and thy sons' due, [which] are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.":** This concluding clause provides the theological and legal justification for the priests' consumption of these portions. They are not merely discretionary gifts but a divinely ordained "due" or "statute" (_chôq_), a perpetual entitlement established by God's covenant. The verse explicitly states that these portions are "given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel," emphasizing that the people's offerings to God also served as the divinely appointed means of provision for those who ministered on their behalf. This establishes a reciprocal relationship within the covenant community, where the people's worship sustains the priests, and the priests' service mediates for the people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Legal Language** and **Prescription**, characteristic of the book of Leviticus, which functions fundamentally as a divine law code. It issues direct commands ("shall ye eat") and specifies precise conditions ("in a clean place") and beneficiaries ("thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters"). The meticulous naming of the "wave breast" and "heave shoulder" serves as **Specific Detail**, eliminating any ambiguity regarding the designated portions, which were themselves integral to a larger system of **Ritual Symbolism** within the sacrificial cult. The phrase "thy due, and thy sons' due" utilizes **Repetition** for emphasis, powerfully underscoring the divinely ordained right and perpetual entitlement of the priestly family to these provisions. This repetition serves to reinforce the idea that their sustenance is not a matter of charity but a covenantal obligation from God, securing their livelihood for their dedicated and unique service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 10:14 powerfully illustrates God's faithful and meticulous provision for those consecrated to His service, a principle that resonates far beyond the Old Covenant. It underscores the sacred nature of the priesthood's sustenance, which was directly linked to the offerings made to God, symbolizing that their very livelihood flowed from their dedication to Him and His acceptance of the people's worship. This divine arrangement ensured that the priests could devote themselves fully to their demanding duties without concern for material provision, fostering an environment of profound trust and dependence on God. Furthermore, the explicit inclusion of the entire priestly household in this provision highlights God's holistic care, extending His blessings to the family unit that supported the ministering priest, thereby emphasizing the communal and familial aspect of God's covenantal relationship with His people.

* [Numbers 18:8-20](/numbers/18-8-20 "Numbers 18:8-20 - The Priests' Portion and Inheritance")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-5](/deuteronomy/18-1-5 "Deuteronomy 18:1-5 - The Priests' Inheritance and Dues")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13-14 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Gospel Ministers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 10:14, though deeply rooted in the ancient Levitical system, offers profound and enduring insights for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a faithful and generous provider, especially for those who dedicate their lives to His service. This principle encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in His provision, whether we are engaged in full-time vocational ministry or serving Him faithfully in our daily vocations and spheres of influence. The emphasis on eating in a "clean place" also serves as a potent spiritual reminder of the importance of purity, reverence, and holiness in all aspects of our lives, particularly concerning our approach to God and our spiritual practices. Our worship, our service, and indeed our very lives should always be marked by a profound respect for God's holiness, recognizing that everything associated with Him is sacred. Furthermore, the inclusion of the entire priestly family in the divine provision highlights the communal nature of God's blessings and the vital importance of supporting and valuing the families of those who serve in ministry. We are called, as the body of Christ, to be mindful of those who labor among us, ensuring they and their families are cared for, thereby reflecting God's own meticulous and holistic care for His servants.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of God's faithful provision for the priests encourage me in my own service and trust in Him amidst life's uncertainties?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a greater sense of "cleanliness" or reverence in my daily spiritual practices, reflecting the sacredness of God's presence in my life?**
* **How can my local church or Christian community better support those who serve in ministry, extending care and provision to their families as well?**
* **What does it mean for me, as a New Covenant believer, to understand my spiritual blessings and access to God as a "due" purchased by Christ, rather than a charitable gift I might lose?**

### FAQ

**Why were these specific parts—the breast and shoulder—designated for the priests?**

Answer: The breast and shoulder were designated for the priests due to their specific ritual significance and practical value within the peace offering. The "wave breast" (Hebrew: _chazeh hat-tenufah_) was presented by a horizontal waving motion before the Lord, symbolizing its presentation to God and then being given back to the priest as a divine provision. The "heave shoulder" (Hebrew: _shoq hat-terumah_) was lifted upwards, signifying its elevation and dedication to God. These actions ritually consecrated these portions, making them uniquely suitable as the priests' "due" or entitlement. They were not just any parts of the animal, but those that had been ritually sanctified through specific, symbolic actions, emphasizing that the priests received their sustenance directly from God's hand after it had been offered to Him. This also ensured a consistent and substantial portion for the priestly family, as these were significant and desirable cuts of meat, providing ample nourishment.

**What does "in a clean place" mean, and why was it important for the priests to eat there?**

Answer: "In a clean place" (Hebrew: _maqom tahor_) refers to a location that was ritually pure, free from any ceremonial defilement. This was crucial because the meat came from a holy offering made to the Lord, and anything holy had to be treated with the utmost reverence and purity. While it didn't necessarily mean within the sacred precincts of the Tabernacle itself (like the Holy Place or Most Holy Place), it required that the priest and his family be ritually clean themselves and that the place of consumption not be defiled by anything unclean. This requirement underscored the pervasive concern for ritual purity that permeated all aspects of Israelite worship and daily life, particularly concerning sacred things. It ensured that sacred food, once consecrated, maintained its holiness and was consumed in a manner that honored God and His commands, preventing any contamination or disrespect to the divine provisions. It reinforced the idea that holiness extended beyond the Tabernacle walls into the daily lives of those who served God, reminding them of their constant need for purity in His presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 10:14, with its detailed provisions for the Levitical priesthood, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "wave breast" and "heave shoulder" were portions of the peace offering, symbolizing communion, reconciliation, and fellowship with God. These Old Testament offerings, and the Levitical priests who mediated them, pointed forward to Christ, who is our perfect and eternal [Peace Offering](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace") and the ultimate means of reconciliation with God. He is both the perfect sacrifice, having offered Himself once for all time on the cross ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")), and our eternal High Priest, interceding for us in heaven ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor")). Just as the Levitical priests lived from the offerings, Christ, through His perfect sacrifice and resurrection, provides eternal spiritual sustenance for all who believe in Him. He declared Himself to be the [bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and the [living water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water"), offering Himself as the spiritual "due" for His new covenant people, the church, which is now a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). The requirement to eat in a "clean place" foreshadows the spiritual purity required for fellowship with God, a purity that is now achieved not through ritual washing or dietary laws, but through the cleansing blood of Christ ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). In Christ, God's provision for His servants is not merely physical sustenance from animal sacrifices, but eternal life, spiritual nourishment, and perfect fellowship, freely given to all who are united with Him, the true and greater Priest.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 18:11

And this [is] thine; the heave offering of their gift, with all the wave offerings of the children of Israel: I have given them unto thee, and to thy sons and to thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: every one that is clean in thy house shall eat of it.

Leviticus 7:29

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, He that offereth the sacrifice of his peace offerings unto the LORD shall bring his oblation unto the LORD of the sacrifice of his peace offerings.

Leviticus 7:34

For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons by a statute for ever from among the children of Israel.

John 4:34

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

Leviticus 9:21

And the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved [for] a wave offering before the LORD; as Moses commanded.

Exodus 29:24

And thou shalt put all in the hands of Aaron, and in the hands of his sons; and shalt wave them [for] a wave offering before the LORD.

Exodus 29:28

And it shall be Aaron's and his sons' by a statute for ever from the children of Israel: for it [is] an heave offering: and it shall be an heave offering from the children of Israel of the sacrifice of their peace offerings, [even] their heave offering unto the LORD.