Leviticus 7:23

KJV

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.

KJV (with Strong's)

Speak {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, Ye shall eat {H398} no manner of fat {H2459}, of ox {H7794}, or of sheep {H3775}, or of goat {H5795}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Say to the people of Isra'el, 'You are not to eat the fat of bulls, sheep or goats.

Berean Standard Bible

“Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘You are not to eat any of the fat of an ox, a sheep, or a goat.

American Standard Version

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no fat, of ox, or sheep, or goat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:23 delivers a clear and absolute divine prohibition to the Israelites, forbidding the consumption of the internal fat from animals designated for sacrifice—specifically oxen, sheep, and goats. This command, integral to the detailed laws surrounding the peace offering and the broader sacrificial system, serves as a profound theological statement. It underscores God's supreme holiness, His exclusive ownership of the choicest parts of creation, and the covenant people's call to offer Him their very best in worship and devotion, thereby distinguishing them as a nation set apart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7:23 is strategically placed within the extensive legal corpus detailing the various sacrificial offerings, specifically following the regulations for the guilt offering [Leviticus 7:1-10](/leviticus/7-1-10 "Leviticus 7:1-10 - Laws for the Guilt Offering") and preceding further instructions regarding the priests' portions. More precisely, it is an emphatic reiteration of a fundamental principle within the comprehensive laws governing the peace offering (also known as the fellowship offering or offering of well-being), which are delineated from [Leviticus 7:11-36](/leviticus/7-11-36 "Leviticus 7:11-36 - Regulations for the Peace Offering"). Unlike other sacrifices, the peace offering uniquely allowed the worshiper to partake in a communal meal after specific portions were presented to God and the priests. However, certain elements, most notably the blood and the internal fat, were explicitly reserved for Yahweh alone. This reservation symbolized God's preeminence, His ownership of life, and the sacredness of the offering, reinforcing the overarching principle that what is consecrated to the Lord must not be appropriated by humans. The verse thus serves as a crucial boundary marker within the sacred economy of Israel's worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, sacrificial practices were ubiquitous, yet Israel's divinely ordained system stood in stark contrast to the rituals of surrounding pagan cultures. While many pagan societies consumed the entire animal, including its fat, in their cultic meals, Israel's dietary laws, particularly the prohibitions concerning fat and blood, were foundational to their identity as a holy people set apart for God. This command was far more than a mere health regulation; it was a profound theological declaration. The internal fat (_chelev_), especially the rich suet covering vital organs and the fat tail of sheep, was universally considered the "best," "richest," or "choicest" part of the animal, often associated with vitality, prosperity, and abundance. By strictly reserving this preeminent portion for God, Israel publicly acknowledged His supreme sovereignty, their absolute dependence on Him, and their unique covenant relationship. This prohibition, first introduced in [Leviticus 3:17](/leviticus/3-17 "Leviticus 3:17 - General Prohibition of Fat and Blood") as a perpetual statute, underscores its fundamental importance throughout the sacrificial system and for the spiritual purity of the covenant community.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 7:23 contributes significantly to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and His demand for a consecrated people. The distinction between the sacred (God's portion) and the common (what humans may consume) is paramount, teaching Israel to live a life set apart. Secondly, it highlights God's **Sovereignty and Ownership**. By reserving the "best" for Himself, Yahweh asserts His ultimate dominion over all creation and His right to receive the preeminent honor. This principle underscores that all good things come from Him and are ultimately His. Thirdly, the command contributes to the theme of **Obedience and Covenant Fidelity**. Adherence to such specific and seemingly arbitrary laws tested Israel's willingness to submit to God's authority, demonstrating their faithfulness to the covenant established at Sinai, as seen in the broader context of the Mosaic Law in [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"). Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Distinction**, marking Israel as a unique nation whose worship practices and way of life were fundamentally different from those of their neighbors, reflecting their identity as God's chosen people, as elaborated in [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** From the primitive root H1696, this word signifies "to arrange" but is used figuratively to mean "to speak." In this context, "speak" emphasizes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the command. It is not a human suggestion or a cultural custom, but a direct utterance from God, delivered through Moses, making the prohibition an unchallengeable divine decree. This highlights the weight and binding nature of the instruction for the Israelites.
* **Fat (Hebrew, _cheleb'_):** The Hebrew term H2459, _cheleb_, refers specifically to the rich, internal suet that covers the vital organs (e.g., kidneys, intestines) and the fat tail of sheep. It is distinct from the marbled fat within the lean meat, which was permissible for consumption. The significance of _cheleb_ lies in its symbolic value as the "best" or "choicest" part of the animal, representing its richness, vitality, and abundance. Offering this part to God signified giving Him the finest and most valuable portion, acknowledging His worthiness to receive the preeminent offering and His supreme ownership.
* **Eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** The Hebrew word H398, _ʼâkal_, is a primitive root meaning "to eat," used both literally and figuratively. In Leviticus 7:23, its literal sense of consuming food is central. The prohibition "Ye shall eat no manner of fat" directly forbids the physical ingestion of the specified fatty portions. The use of this fundamental verb underscores the direct and practical application of the command to the daily lives and dietary practices of the Israelites, making it a tangible expression of their obedience and reverence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak unto the children of Israel, saying":** This introductory phrase establishes the divine authority and direct address of the command. It signifies that this is not a human ordinance but a direct revelation from God, communicated through Moses, intended specifically for His covenant people, the Israelites. This emphasizes the foundational importance of obedience to divine instruction in their national and spiritual life, setting the stage for a non-negotiable decree.
* **"Ye shall eat no manner of fat":** This is the core prohibition of the verse. The phrase "no manner of" (from the Hebrew _kol_, meaning "all" or "every") functions as an emphatic negative, stressing the absolute and comprehensive nature of the interdiction. As detailed in the Key Word Analysis, "fat" (_chelev_) refers specifically to the rich, internal suet, which was considered the choicest part. This absolute prohibition underscores the sacredness of this particular portion, which was exclusively reserved for God as a burnt offering, symbolizing His portion and His ownership of the best.
* **"of ox, or of sheep, or of goat":** These three animals represent the primary categories of clean livestock commonly used for sacrificial offerings in ancient Israel. By explicitly listing them, the command makes it unequivocally clear that the prohibition applies universally to the internal fat from all such animals used in sacrifices. This enumeration reinforces the consistency and breadth of the divine law across their sacrificial practices, ensuring no ambiguity regarding its application.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 7:23 employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity, emphasis, and theological depth. The most overt device is **Prohibition**, which directly states what is forbidden ("Ye shall eat no manner of fat"), establishing clear and non-negotiable boundaries for the community's conduct. This is further strengthened by **Repetition**, as similar prohibitions concerning fat are found elsewhere in Leviticus (e.g., [Leviticus 3:17](/leviticus/3-17 "Leviticus 3:17 - General Prohibition of Fat and Blood")), underscoring the command's fundamental importance and its pervasive application within the sacrificial system. **Symbolism** is central to the verse's meaning, as the fat (_chelev_) itself serves as a powerful symbol of the "best," "choicest," or "richest" part of the animal, representing vitality, abundance, and preeminence. By reserving this for God, the text employs **Metonymy**, where the part (fat) stands for the whole concept of offering God one's finest and acknowledging His supreme ownership and worthiness. The specific mention of "ox, or of sheep, or of goat" uses **Enumeration** to provide a comprehensive scope, ensuring the command's application to all relevant sacrificial animals, leaving no room for exceptions or misinterpretation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 7:23, in its strict prohibition against consuming the internal fat of sacrificial animals, profoundly articulates God's unwavering demand for holiness and His absolute sovereignty over all creation. The fat, recognized as the richest, most vital, and choicest part, was exclusively reserved for Him, signifying that the "best" of all things belongs to the Lord. This principle instilled in Israel a deep understanding of the sacredness of life and the imperative of approaching God with utmost reverence, acknowledging His supreme authority and ownership. It underscored the concept of distinction, setting Israel apart from surrounding pagan nations whose sacrificial practices often lacked such specificity and reverence. Obedience to this command was not merely a ritualistic act but a tangible expression of their covenant fidelity and their commitment to living as a people consecrated to Yahweh, reflecting His character in their daily lives and worship.

* [Leviticus 3:17](/leviticus/3-17 "Leviticus 3:17 - General Prohibition of Fat and Blood")
* [Exodus 29:13](/exodus/29-13 "Exodus 29:13 - Fat as a Burnt Offering")
* [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Malachi 1:8 - Offering the Best to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary laws of the Old Covenant, including the prohibition on consuming animal fat, are not binding on New Covenant believers (as clarified by the teachings of Jesus in [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean") and the apostolic instruction in [Acts 10:15](/acts/10-15 "Acts 10:15 - Peter's Vision and Dietary Laws")), the enduring spiritual principles embedded in Leviticus 7:23 remain profoundly relevant for our lives today. The command to offer God the "fat"—the choicest, richest, and most vital part—calls us to a life of wholehearted devotion and sacrificial giving. It challenges us to give God our very best in every sphere: our time, talents, resources, and affections, rather than merely our leftovers, what is convenient, or what is least valuable to us. This means prioritizing Him in our daily schedules, dedicating our unique gifts and abilities to His service, managing our finances with generosity and stewardship, and cultivating a heart that seeks to honor Him above all else. It reminds us that true worship involves a posture of reverence and a humble acknowledgment of His supreme authority and ownership over all that we are and all that we possess. Our spiritual distinction as followers of Christ is not found in external dietary rules, but in an internal commitment to holiness and a life that consistently reflects God's preeminence and glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I consciously or unconsciously holding back from God, offering Him less than my "fat" or my very best?**
* **How does my daily routine, financial stewardship, and use of personal gifts demonstrate a genuine reverence for God's sovereignty and His ownership over all that I possess?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to cultivate a deeper commitment to offer God my "choicest" in my worship, service, and personal discipline?**
* **In what ways am I called to live distinctly as a follower of Christ in a world that often operates contrary to God's will and values?**

### FAQ
**Why was eating fat prohibited in the Old Testament?**

Answer: The prohibition against eating the internal fat (specifically the _chelev_, or suet) was primarily theological and symbolic, rather than merely for health reasons. In ancient Israelite culture, fat was considered the "best," "richest," or "choicest" part of the animal, symbolizing vitality, abundance, and prosperity. By reserving it exclusively for God as a burnt offering (e.g., [Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - All the Fat is the Lord's")), the Israelites were taught to acknowledge God's supreme ownership over all things and to offer Him the preeminent portion. It was a tangible expression of their reverence, obedience, and distinction as a holy people set apart for Yahweh, contrasting sharply with the practices of surrounding pagan nations who often consumed the entire animal in their rituals.

**Does this prohibition apply to Christians today?**

Answer: No, the specific dietary prohibition against eating fat from sacrificial animals, along with other Old Testament ceremonial dietary laws, does not apply to Christians today. The New Testament teaches that all foods are clean, signifying a shift from external ritual purity to internal heart purity. Jesus Himself declared all foods clean in [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean"), stating that it is not what goes into a person that defiles them, but what comes out of their heart. Furthermore, Peter's vision in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter's Vision and Cornelius' Conversion") explicitly clarified that God has cleansed what was once considered unclean, signifying the abolition of these ceremonial dietary distinctions for believers. While the literal command is no longer binding, the underlying spiritual principle of offering God our "best" and living a life of reverence, distinction, and wholehearted devotion remains profoundly relevant for believers under the New Covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:23, with its command to offer the choicest fat to God, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The entire Old Testament sacrificial system, including the meticulous offering of the "best" parts of animals, served as a prophetic shadow, pointing forward 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"). Christ did not offer merely the "fat" of an animal; He offered Himself—His sinless life, His perfect obedience, and His atoning death—as the very best and most precious "sacrifice and offering to God as a fragrant aroma" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). His unparalleled sacrifice on the cross represents the ultimate and most complete offering of "the choicest" to God, perfectly satisfying divine justice, providing complete atonement for sin, and fulfilling every shadow and type of the Mosaic Law. Through His perfect sacrifice, believers are now invited to offer themselves as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")). Our offering is no longer animal fat, but our entire being—our time, talents, resources, and devotion—as a spiritual act of worship, made possible by the cleansing and empowering [blood of the new covenant](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience") that Christ inaugurated. He is the preeminent one, to whom all our "best" is due, for He first gave His best for us, securing our salvation and eternal life.

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

Leviticus 3:16

And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: [it is] the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat [is] the LORD'S.

Leviticus 3:17

[It shall be] a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.

Leviticus 17:6

And the priest shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar of the LORD [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and burn the fat for a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Deuteronomy 32:38

Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, [and] drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, [and] be your protection.

Romans 13:13

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

1 Samuel 2:15

Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.

1 Samuel 2:17

Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.