Leviticus 3:15

KJV

And the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] upon them, which [is] by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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 he is to remove with the kidneys.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 3:15 provides highly specific instructions regarding the portions of internal fat to be removed from the sacrificial animal in a peace offering and presented to the Lord by fire. This verse, situated within the broader regulations for the peace offering (also known as the fellowship offering), underscores the meticulous nature of Old Testament worship, emphasizing that the choicest and richest parts of the animal were consecrated exclusively to God, symbolizing His supreme holiness and worthiness of the best.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 3 meticulously details the regulations for the peace offering, a voluntary sacrifice distinct from the mandatory sin or guilt offerings. The chapter begins by outlining the types of animals acceptable for this offering—from the herd ([Leviticus 3:1](/leviticus/3-1 "Leviticus 3:1 - Peace Offering from the Herd")), from the flock (lamb or goat, [Leviticus 3:6-12](/leviticus/3-6-12 "Leviticus 3:6-12 - Peace Offering from the Flock"))—and the general procedure for its presentation, slaughter, and the sprinkling of blood. While specific portions of the meat were consumed by the priests and the worshiper in a communal meal, a unique and critical aspect of the peace offering, highlighted in verses like [Leviticus 3:3-5](/leviticus/3-3-5 "Leviticus 3:3-5 - Fat Portions from the Herd") and [Leviticus 3:9-11](/leviticus/3-9-11 "Leviticus 3:9-11 - Fat Portions from the Flock"), was the strict reservation of certain internal fat portions for the Lord. Our specific verse, [Leviticus 3:15](/leviticus/3-15 "Leviticus 3:15 - Specific Fat Portions for the Lord"), reiterates and consolidates these instructions, ensuring no ambiguity regarding precisely which parts of the fat were to be offered. The chapter concludes with a general and emphatic prohibition against eating fat or blood ([Leviticus 3:17](/leviticus/3-17 "Leviticus 3:17 - Prohibition on Fat and Blood")), reinforcing the sanctity of these elements as belonging solely to God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the peace offering was a unique expression of communion, thanksgiving, or the fulfillment of a vow, allowing the worshiper to share a sacred meal with God and fellow Israelites. The meticulous instructions regarding the fat were deeply rooted in the Israelite understanding of purity, holiness, and the nature of sacrifice. Fat (Hebrew: *cheleb*) was considered the richest, most vital, and most desirable part of the animal. Unlike the fat marbled within meat, the internal suet-like fat specified in [Leviticus 3:15](/leviticus/3-15 "Leviticus 3:15 - Specific Fat Portions") was explicitly forbidden for human consumption ([Leviticus 7:23](/leviticus/7-23 "Leviticus 7:23 - Prohibition on Eating Fat")). By dedicating this choicest part exclusively to God, the Israelites acknowledged His supreme sovereignty and holiness. The burning of the fat on the altar produced a "sweet aroma" to the Lord ([Leviticus 3:5](/leviticus/3-5 "Leviticus 3:5 - A Sweet Aroma to the Lord")), symbolizing a pleasing offering and the worshiper's complete devotion. This act was not merely ritualistic but a profound theological statement about who God is and what He deserves from His people.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 3:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and His demand for His people to be set apart. The prohibition on eating the fat, reserving it for God alone, underscores this divine distinction. Another key theme is **Worship and Obedience**, as the precise instructions highlight that acceptable worship must be conducted according to God's revealed will, not human preference. The peace offering itself embodies the theme of **Communion and Fellowship** with God, yet even within this context, the specific offering of the fat reinforces that true fellowship requires acknowledging God's ultimate ownership and worthiness of the "best." Finally, the meticulous nature of the command points to the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Worthiness**, asserting that God is due the most valuable and choicest parts of creation, reflecting His supreme authority and inherent glory, a concept echoed throughout the Old Testament sacrificial system (e.g., [Exodus 29:13](/exodus/29-13 "Exodus 29:13 - Fat for the Lord in Ordination Offering")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kidneys (Hebrew, _kilyâh'_):** From H3629, meaning a kidney as an essential organ, and figuratively, the mind or interior self. The inclusion of the kidneys signifies that the most vital and deeply internal organs, often associated with the seat of emotions and the innermost being in ancient Hebrew thought, were consecrated to God. This speaks to offering God not just the superficial, but the deep, essential core of the animal, representing a worshiper's profound and internal dedication.
* **Fat (Hebrew, _cheleb'_):** From H2459, meaning fat, whether literally or figuratively, and hence, the richest or choice part. This term specifically refers to the internal, suet-like fat surrounding the organs, distinct from the edible fat marbled in meat. In the ancient Near East, fat was often seen as the richest, most valuable, and most flavorful part of an animal. By reserving this choicest portion for God, the offering communicated the worshiper's commitment to giving God the absolute best and acknowledged His preeminence. It also underscored the divine prohibition against consuming this particular type of fat, marking it as holy and set apart for the Lord.
* **Flanks (Hebrew, _keçel'_)::** From H3689, properly meaning fatness, by implication the loin (as the seat of the leaf fat) or generally the viscera. This term specifically locates the fat associated with the kidneys, indicating the fat found in the lumbar region, near the loins. Its inclusion emphasizes the precise anatomical detail required for the offering, ensuring that only the specific, highly valued internal fat was dedicated, rather than any general body fat.
* **Caul (Hebrew, _yôthereth'_):** From H3508, meaning the lobe or flap of the liver (as if redundant or outhanging). This refers to the fatty membrane or lobe of the liver. The liver itself was considered a vital organ, and the caul, being a fatty appendage directly associated with it, was therefore also deemed a highly significant and rich portion. Its inclusion further emphasizes the meticulousness of God's instructions and the comprehensive nature of dedicating the animal's choicest internal elements to Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] upon them, which [is] by the flanks":** This clause precisely identifies the first set of fat portions to be removed. It specifies both kidneys, which are paired organs, and the rich, suet-like fat that encases them. The phrase "by the flanks" further pinpoints the location, ensuring that only the fat directly associated with these vital organs, and not other subcutaneous fat, is included in the offering. This level of detail highlights the divine precision required in worship, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding what is to be offered.
* **"and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.":** This second clause adds another crucial fatty portion: the "caul above the liver." This is a specific fatty lobe or membrane attached to the liver, another vital organ. The phrase "with the kidneys" serves as a summary or reiteration, emphasizing that these specified fatty parts—the kidney fat and the liver caul—are to be meticulously separated from the animal. The verb "take away" (Hebrew: *çûwr*, H5493) implies a careful and complete removal, signifying their dedication and separation for the Lord alone, emphasizing the sacredness of these elements.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Leviticus 3:15 is **Detailed Enumeration** and **Precision**. The verse meticulously lists specific anatomical parts ("the two kidneys," "the fat that is upon them," "the caul above the liver") and their precise locations ("by the flanks"). This exactitude is not merely for anatomical accuracy but serves a profound theological purpose: to underscore the divine origin and non-negotiable nature of the sacrificial instructions. It communicates that worship is not to be casual or arbitrary but must adhere strictly to God's revealed will, reflecting His holy character. This detailed enumeration also functions as a powerful form of **Symbolism**, where the choicest internal fats represent the "best," the "richest," or the "most vital" offering. By demanding these specific, vital parts, God symbolically claims the core essence of the offering, signifying His ultimate ownership and worthiness of the worshiper's most valuable possessions and deepest devotion, reinforcing the theme of consecration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 3:15, with its precise instructions for offering the choicest fat, powerfully conveys the theological principle that God is worthy of our absolute best, not merely our leftovers or what is convenient. This act of setting apart the richest portions for the Lord underscores His holiness and sovereignty, reminding us that true worship involves a complete dedication of what is most valuable. The peace offering, in which this verse is embedded, uniquely fostered communion, symbolizing a shared meal with God, yet even in this context of fellowship, certain elements were exclusively reserved for Him, highlighting the sacred boundary between the divine and the human, and the reverence due to the Almighty. The burning of these choicest parts as a "sweet aroma" signifies a pleasing and acceptable offering, a tangible expression of the worshiper's devotion and recognition of God's supreme worth.

* [Exodus 29:13](/exodus/29-13 "Exodus 29:13 - Fat for the Lord in Ordination Offering")
* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with your Wealth")
* [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Malachi 1:8 - Offering the Lame and Blind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient ritual described in Leviticus 3:15 carries profound implications for contemporary believers. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the underlying principle of giving God our "best" remains eternally relevant. This isn't just about financial giving, but about dedicating our whole lives—our time, talents, energy, and deepest affections—to Him. Just as the choicest fat was set apart, we are called to consecrate the most vital and valuable aspects of our being to God, not out of obligation, but out of a heart of worship and gratitude for His immeasurable grace. This means pursuing excellence in our service, giving generously from our resources, and prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else, recognizing that He deserves nothing less than our wholehearted devotion. It challenges us to examine what we truly value and to ensure that God occupies the preeminent place in our lives, receiving the "firstfruits" of all we possess and all we are.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fat" or "choicest parts" of your life (time, talent, resources, affections) are you currently reserving for yourself, rather than offering to God?**
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's commands in Leviticus 3:15 challenge your approach to worship and obedience, prompting you to consider the quality of your offering?**
* **In what practical ways can you demonstrate giving your "best" to God in your daily life this week, beyond just monetary contributions?**
* **How does the concept of "communion" in the peace offering, combined with the giving of the fat, inform your understanding of fellowship with God and the sacredness of His presence?**

### FAQ

**Why was fat specifically forbidden for human consumption but offered to God?**

Answer: The internal, suet-like fat (Hebrew: *cheleb*) was considered the richest and most vital part of the animal, symbolizing its "best." By reserving this choicest portion exclusively for God and forbidding its consumption by humans, the Israelites were taught that the "best" belonged solely to the Lord, emphasizing His holiness, sovereignty, and worthiness of supreme honor. This prohibition also underscored the sacredness of the offering and the clear distinction between the holy and the common, as detailed in [Leviticus 7:23-25](/leviticus/7-23-25 "Leviticus 7:23-25 - Prohibition on Eating Fat and Blood"). It served as a constant reminder that God is set apart and deserves the highest reverence and dedication.

**What is the significance of the "kidneys" and "caul above the liver" being mentioned specifically?**

Answer: The kidneys and the caul (fatty lobe) of the liver were considered vital and deeply internal organs, often associated with the core essence or life force of the animal. Their specific mention in [Leviticus 3:15](/leviticus/3-15 "Leviticus 3:15 - Specific Fat Portions") highlights the meticulousness of God's instructions and the comprehensive nature of the offering. It signifies that not just any fat, but the most essential and richest internal fat, representing the very core of the animal, was to be consecrated to the Lord. This level of detail ensured that the offering was precise and complete, reflecting the worshiper's full devotion and acknowledging that God is worthy of the most intimate and vital aspects of the sacrifice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 3:15, with its emphasis on offering the choicest internal fat to the Lord as a "sweet aroma," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, including the peace offering, served as a profound shadow pointing to the perfect and complete sacrifice of Christ. While the fat of the animal represented the "best" of the offering, Jesus himself is the ultimate "best" and the spotless [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His self-offering on the cross was not merely an external ritual but an internal, wholehearted surrender of His very life, a sacrifice "to God as a fragrant aroma and a sacrifice" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Through His atoning work, Jesus provided the true and lasting communion that the peace offering only symbolized, establishing a new covenant where believers can have direct and unhindered fellowship with God ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God through Christ")). We are now called to offer ourselves as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")), not with animal fat, but with our entire being—our minds, bodies, and spirits—in response to the perfect and complete offering of Christ, who gave His absolute best for us, securing our peace with God.

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.