Leviticus 3:3

KJV

And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that [is] upon the inwards,

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall offer {H7126} of the sacrifice {H2077} of the peace offering {H8002} an offering made by fire {H801} unto the LORD {H3068}; the fat {H2459} that covereth {H3680} the inwards {H7130}, and all the fat {H2459} that is upon the inwards {H7130},

Complete Jewish Bible

He is to present the sacrifice of the peace offerings as an offering made by fire to ADONAI; it is to consist of the fat covering the inner organs, all the fat above the inner organs,

Berean Standard Bible

From the peace offering he is to bring an offering made by fire to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them,

American Standard Version

And he shall offer of the sacrifice of peace-offerings an offering made by fire unto Jehovah; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 3:3 provides meticulous instructions for the peace offering, a unique sacrifice emphasizing communion and thanksgiving between God and His people. This verse specifically mandates that the internal fat of the sacrificial animal—the fat covering the inwards and all fat upon the inwards—was to be presented to the LORD as an offering consumed by fire. This act underscored God's absolute holiness, His exclusive claim to the choicest parts, and the worshiper's profound devotion, even as other portions of the sacrifice were shared in a communal meal, symbolizing fellowship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 3 is entirely dedicated to the regulations governing the peace offering, or *zevach shelamim*. It follows the detailed instructions for the burnt offering in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering"), which focused on complete devotion and atonement, and the grain offering in [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering"), which represented dedication of one's produce. Unlike these, the peace offering is a voluntary sacrifice, often offered in thanksgiving, for a vow, or as a freewill offering, uniquely emphasizing fellowship and communion rather than solely expiation. Chapters [Leviticus 3:1-5](/leviticus/3-1-5 "Leviticus 3:1-5 - Peace Offering of Cattle") provide instructions for offering cattle, while [Leviticus 3:6-11](/leviticus/3-6-11 "Leviticus 3:6-11 - Peace Offering of Sheep and Goats") detail offerings of sheep and goats, and [Leviticus 3:12-16](/leviticus/3-12-16 "Leviticus 3:12-16 - Peace Offering of Goats") addresses goats specifically, all reiterating the offering of the fat as the LORD's exclusive portion. The subsequent chapters, particularly [Leviticus 7:11-36](/leviticus/7-11-36 "Leviticus 7:11-36 - Laws for Peace Offerings and Priests' Portions"), further elaborate on the distribution of the peace offering, clarifying which parts were for the priests and the worshiper, highlighting its distinctive communal and relational aspect.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, fat was commonly regarded as a delicacy and a symbol of richness, vitality, and prosperity. However, within the Israelite sacrificial system, the internal suet (fat) of certain animals was uniquely consecrated to the LORD and expressly forbidden for human consumption, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 7:23-25](/leviticus/7-23-25 "Leviticus 7:23-25 - Prohibition on Eating Fat"). This prohibition elevated the fat from a mere food item to a sacred offering, signifying that the "best," "choicest," or "richest" part of the animal belonged exclusively to God. The act of burning the fat on the altar produced a "pleasing aroma" to the LORD, as noted in passages like [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - Burnt Offering Aroma"), symbolizing the worshiper's devotion and the divine acceptance of the offering. The peace offering, in general, served as a crucial ritual for maintaining the covenant relationship, allowing the Israelites to experience God's presence and blessing through shared communion meals, a stark contrast to the complete consumption of the burnt offering.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 3:3 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. The primary theme is **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and His demand for separation from the common. By reserving the fat for Himself, God reinforces His unique status and worthiness of the choicest offering. Closely related is the theme of **Worship and Devotion**, as the meticulous instructions for the fat signify that true worship requires intentionality, precision, and the offering of one's absolute best to God. Furthermore, the peace offering as a whole highlights the theme of **Covenant Relationship and Fellowship**. Unlike other offerings that primarily focused on atonement, the *shelamim* emphasized the restored or maintained state of peace between God and His people, culminating in a shared meal. This verse, by specifying God's portion, underscores that genuine fellowship with God is predicated on acknowledging His supremacy and giving Him His due. The theme of **Sacrifice and Atonement** is also subtly present, as even in a "peace" offering, the shedding of blood and the burning of a portion on the altar remind the worshiper of the cost of sin and the necessity of divine provision for reconciliation, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace Offering (Hebrew, _shelem'_):** Derived from the root *shalom* (שָׁלוֹם), meaning "peace," "wholeness," "completeness," or "well-being" (H8002). This offering was unique in that its primary purpose was not atonement for sin, but rather a voluntary expression of thanksgiving, the fulfillment of a vow, or a freewill offering. It signified a state of harmonious relationship and communion with God, where the worshiper experienced peace and fellowship, often culminating in a shared meal.
* **Fat (Hebrew, _cheleb'_):** This specific term refers to the rich, internal suet fat, distinct from the marbling or external fat of the animal (H2459). In the ancient world, fat was often seen as the richest and most valuable part of an animal, symbolizing vitality and prosperity. By designating *cheleb* exclusively for the LORD, God claimed the "best" or "choicest" portion, emphasizing His supreme holiness, worthiness, and the worshiper's complete devotion. Its burning produced smoke and a pleasing aroma, signifying acceptance.
* **Inwards (Hebrew, _qereb'_):** From a root meaning "to approach" or "be near," this term properly refers to the nearest part, the center, or the bowels (H7130). In the context of the sacrificial animal, it refers to the internal organs (intestines, liver, kidneys). The fat associated with these internal organs was particularly rich and was considered the most valuable part, hence its exclusive dedication to the LORD.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering":** This opening clause immediately identifies the specific type of sacrifice being discussed—the *shelamim*, or peace offering. It establishes the context for the subsequent instructions, emphasizing that these regulations apply to this particular voluntary offering, which is distinct from burnt or sin offerings in its purpose of fostering communion.
* **"an offering made by fire unto the LORD":** This phrase clarifies the method of presentation and the divine recipient. The designated parts of the animal were to be consumed by fire on the altar, signifying their consecration to God. The fire symbolized divine acceptance, purification, and the transformation of the earthly offering into a spiritual act of worship ascending to the divine realm, ultimately reaching "unto the LORD" (H3068, *Yᵉhôvâh*).
* **"the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that [is] upon the inwards":** This is the core instruction of the verse, specifying with meticulous detail the exact portions of the animal that were to be offered. "The inwards" refers to the internal organs (intestines, liver, kidneys, etc.). The "fat that covereth" (H3680, *kâçâh*) and "all the fat that is upon" these organs points to the most abundant, richest, and prized internal fat deposits. This precise detail underscores the meticulousness of God's requirements for worship and His absolute claim to the best, most vital parts of the offering, symbolizing the worshiper's complete devotion.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 3:3 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Precision and Specificity** are paramount, as the text meticulously details which exact parts of the animal—"the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards"—are to be offered. This legalistic precision highlights the seriousness and exactitude required in approaching a holy God, leaving no room for ambiguity in the worshiper's duty. **Repetition** of the word "fat" (חלב, *chelev*) within this short phrase emphatically underscores its significance and its exclusive designation for the LORD, reinforcing the idea that the choicest part is reserved for Him. Furthermore, the act of offering "by fire unto the LORD" employs **Symbolism**, where the burning of the fat represents the worshiper's devotion ascending to God, and the "pleasing aroma" (implied from other passages like [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - Burnt Offering Aroma")) symbolizes divine acceptance and the transformation of the earthly into the sacred. The fat itself is also a powerful **Symbol** of the best, the richness, and the vitality of the animal, indicating that God is worthy of the worshiper's most valuable offering, representing the very essence of life and prosperity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 3:3, by designating the fat as the exclusive portion for the LORD, powerfully communicates God's absolute holiness and His supreme worthiness of the "best." It teaches that genuine worship involves offering not merely a token, but the most valuable and vital aspects of what one possesses, reflecting a heart of complete devotion and reverence. This principle extends beyond the literal offering of animal fat to encompass the idea that God deserves our primary allegiance, our choicest time, talents, and resources. The peace offering, unique in its communal aspect, also prefigures the profound fellowship God desires with His people, a fellowship made possible by the very act of giving Him His due and acknowledging His sovereignty over all. This act of giving the "fat" is an act of trust and surrender, recognizing that true peace and well-being come from honoring God with our whole being.

* [Exodus 29:13](/exodus/29-13 "Exodus 29:13 - Offering the Fat in Consecration")
* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honoring God with Firstfruits")
* [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Malachi 1:8 - Offering the Lame and Sick")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal offering of animal fat is no longer practiced under the New Covenant, the spiritual principles embedded in Leviticus 3:3 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse challenges us to examine what "fat" or "best" we are truly offering to God in our lives. Are we giving Him our prime time, our undivided attention in worship, our most significant talents, our purest affections, or our most abundant resources? Or do we, perhaps inadvertently, offer Him the leftovers, the scraps of our busy lives, or the portions we deem less valuable? The call to give God the "fat" is a call to prioritize Him above all else, to acknowledge His sovereignty and His inherent worthiness of our utmost devotion. It is an invitation to cultivate a heart that seeks to honor God with excellence in every sphere, recognizing that true peace and fellowship with Him stem from a life of wholehearted surrender and generous giving, reflecting a deep love and reverence for our Creator and Redeemer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "offering the fat" look like in my daily life today, beyond financial giving, in terms of time, energy, and focus?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be holding back the "best" from God, offering Him less than my choicest efforts or resources?**
* **How does the principle of giving God the "fat" connect with cultivating a deeper sense of peace and fellowship with Him in my personal walk?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to intentionally offer my "best" to the LORD in a specific area of my life, demonstrating greater devotion and trust?**

### FAQ
**Why was the fat specifically reserved for the LORD and forbidden for human consumption?**

Answer: The internal fat (suet) was considered the richest, most vital, and choicest part of the animal in ancient Israelite culture. By reserving it exclusively for the LORD and forbidding its consumption by humans (cf. [Leviticus 7:23-25](/leviticus/7-23-25 "Leviticus 7:23-25 - Prohibition on Eating Fat")), God emphasized His absolute holiness and His supreme claim over the "best" of His creation. This act symbolized complete consecration and the worshiper's recognition that God is worthy of the highest honor and devotion. It also served as a clear distinction between the sacred and the common, reinforcing the unique and covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where God's portion was distinct and set apart.

**What is the difference between the peace offering and other offerings like the burnt offering?**

Answer: The peace offering (*shelamim*) was distinct from other offerings primarily in its purpose and outcome. The burnt offering (*olah*) was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete devotion, propitiation, and atonement, with nothing left for the worshiper ([Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering")). The sin offering (*chatta't*) and guilt offering (*asham*) dealt with specific sins and restitution, respectively, with only certain parts consumed and the rest typically reserved for the priests ([Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering") and [Leviticus 5](/leviticus/5 "Leviticus 5 - The Guilt Offering")). In contrast, the peace offering, while still involving a portion for God (the fat and kidneys), allowed the worshiper and priests to partake in a communal meal from the remaining meat ([Leviticus 7:11-18](/leviticus/7-11-18 "Leviticus 7:11-18 - Regulations for the Peace Offering")). This shared meal symbolized fellowship, thanksgiving, and a state of peace and communion between God and His people, making it unique in its emphasis on relational intimacy and joyful celebration of God's blessing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 3:3, with its emphasis on offering the choicest fat to the LORD, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, including the peace offering, was a shadow pointing to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as the fat represented the best, most vital, and richest part of the animal, Christ offered Himself as the perfect, unblemished, and ultimate sacrifice—the "best" offering humanity could ever present to God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). His life, death, and resurrection constitute the complete and final offering that truly takes away sin and establishes lasting peace between God and humanity ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ Reconciles All Things")). Through Christ, the fellowship and communion that the peace offering merely symbolized is now fully realized; we have direct access to God and are invited into an eternal covenant of peace and intimacy with Him ([Ephesians 2:14-18](/ephesians/2-14-18 "Ephesians 2:14-18 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, the burning of the fat, a "pleasing aroma" to the LORD, foreshadows Christ's self-offering, which was a fragrant spiritual sacrifice perfectly pleasing to God ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). In Him, we find not only atonement but also the deepest possible fellowship, having been reconciled to God through His ultimate, "fat"-like offering, the very essence of perfect sacrifice and peace.

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

Exodus 29:13

And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul [that is] above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] upon them, and burn [them] upon the altar.

Exodus 29:22

Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul [above] the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] upon them, and the right shoulder; for it [is] a ram of consecration:

Leviticus 4:8

And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bullock for the sin offering; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that [is] upon the inwards,

Leviticus 4:9

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,

Matthew 15:8

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me.

Romans 6:6

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Psalms 119:70

Their heart is as fat as grease; [but] I delight in thy law.