Leviticus 3:4

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

And the two {H8147} kidneys {H3629}, and the fat {H2459} that is on 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}.

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

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

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.

Commentary

Leviticus 3:4 specifies particular internal organs and fat from an animal that were to be removed and presented to the Lord as part of a peace offering (also known as a fellowship offering or sacrifice of well-being). This precise instruction, found within the broader context of Israelite sacrificial law, underscores the meticulousness required in approaching God and the sacred nature of the offerings.

Context of the Peace Offering

The peace offering was a voluntary sacrifice in ancient Israel, distinguished by its focus on fellowship and communion. It could be offered for thanksgiving, to fulfill a vow, or as a freewill offering. Unlike sin or burnt offerings, significant portions of the peace offering were consumed by the offerer and his family, symbolizing shared communion with God. However, certain parts—specifically the fat and internal organs mentioned in this verse—were exclusively reserved for God, to be burned on the altar as a "sweet savour." This practice, detailed throughout Leviticus 3, emphasized purity, reverence, and adherence to divine mandates within tabernacle worship.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Prescription and Obedience: The highly specific instructions regarding which parts of the animal to offer highlight God's sovereign authority and the absolute necessity of precise obedience in worship. Every detail of the Mosaic law was significant, demonstrating that God dictates the terms of engagement with humanity.
  • Holiness and God's Exclusive Portion: The "fat" (Hebrew: chelev) of the animal, including the fat on the kidneys and the caul above the liver, was considered the choicest and richest part. By designating "all the fat" as exclusively the Lord's, as stated in Leviticus 3:16, God emphasized His supreme worthiness to receive the very best. This symbolized that the purest and most valuable aspects of the offering belonged solely to Him, signifying His holiness.
  • Atonement and Purity: While the peace offering was not primarily for sin atonement, the careful separation and burning of certain parts underscored the broader principles of purity and the covering of sin inherent in the sacrificial system. This preparation was essential for the people to experience fellowship with a holy God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fat" used here is chelev (חֵלֶב), which specifically refers to the rich, internal suet or fatty membranes, such as those found on the kidneys and the omentum (the "caul above the liver," Hebrew: yoteret al hakaved). This type of fat was strictly forbidden for human consumption because it was consecrated as God's portion, a prohibition explicitly stated in Leviticus 7:23. This contrasts with edible fat (*shuman*), which could be consumed.

Practical Application

Although the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the underlying principles of Leviticus 3:4 continue to resonate with believers today:

  • Offering Our Best to God: Just as the Israelites were commanded to give the choicest parts of their animals, we are called to offer our best to God in every aspect of our lives—our time, talents, resources, and our very selves. This reflects the New Testament call to present our bodies as a "living sacrifice" to God.
  • Obedience in Worship: The precise instructions underscore the importance of intentional and obedient worship. True worship is not merely emotional but also involves a commitment to God's revealed will and principles.
  • Understanding Christ's Fulfillment: These ancient sacrifices, including the peace offering, foreshadowed the ultimate and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself perfectly, enabling true and lasting fellowship between God and humanity.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 3:10

    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.

  • 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,

  • 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 9:10

    But the fat, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver of the sin offering, he burnt upon the altar; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Leviticus 7:4

    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:

  • Leviticus 8:25

    And he took the fat, and the rump, and all the fat that [was] upon the inwards, and the caul [above] the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and the right shoulder:

  • 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.
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