Leviticus 7:25

KJV

For whosoever eateth the fat of the beast, of which men offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, even the soul that eateth [it] shall be cut off from his people.

KJV (with Strong's)

For whosoever eateth {H398} the fat {H2459} of the beast {H929}, of which men offer {H7126} an offering made by fire {H801} unto the LORD {H3068}, even the soul {H5315} that eateth {H398} it shall be cut off {H3772} from his people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For whoever eats the fat of animals of the kind used in presenting an offering made by fire to ADONAI will be cut off from his people.

Berean Standard Bible

If anyone eats the fat of an animal from which an offering made by fire may be presented to the LORD, the one who eats it must be cut off from his people.

American Standard Version

For whosoever eateth the fat of the beast, of which men offer an offering made by fire unto Jehovah, even the soul that eateth it shall be cut off from his people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:25 issues a severe prohibition against consuming the fat from any animal offered as a "fire offering" to the LORD, stipulating that any individual who violates this sacred command "shall be cut off from his people." This decree profoundly underscores the sanctity of God's designated portion within the sacrificial system, emphasizing divine ownership, the absolute necessity of obedience to covenant stipulations, and the grave consequences that accompany the desecration of what is consecrated to the Almighty. It functions as a powerful reminder of Israel's covenantal obligations and the pervasive holiness demanded in their worship and daily conduct.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7:25 is embedded within a detailed section (Leviticus 7:11-38) that provides specific instructions concerning the various peace offerings, also known as fellowship offerings or offerings of well-being. Unlike other sacrifices, a portion of the peace offering's meat was permitted for consumption by the worshiper and the priests after specific parts were presented to God. This verse, however, clarifies a crucial exception: the fat was explicitly reserved for the LORD. This prohibition is a consistent theme throughout the book of Leviticus, particularly in the foundational regulations for peace offerings outlined in [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - Laws of Peace Offerings"), where it is unequivocally declared that "all the fat is the LORD's" ([Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - All Fat is the LORD's")). The surrounding verses in [Leviticus 7](/leviticus/7 "Leviticus 7 - Further Laws for Offerings") continue to meticulously delineate the distribution of the offering among God, the priests, and the worshiper, highlighting the precise ritual requirements designed to ensure proper reverence and allocation according to divine command.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, fat was universally regarded as the richest, most desirable, and choicest part of an animal, symbolizing abundance, health, and vitality. By mandating that all the fat be reserved for the LORD and consumed as a "fire offering" on the altar, the Israelites were performing a profound act of worship, acknowledging God's supreme ownership and His inherent right to receive the very best. This prohibition was not merely a dietary regulation; it served as a potent theological statement, setting apart God's portion as uniquely holy and inviolable. This concept of consecration was central to Israel's identity as a holy nation, distinct and set apart by God. The severe penalty of being "cut off from his people" for violating such a command underscores the immense gravity of covenant disobedience in a society where religious and civil laws were intrinsically intertwined. Such a penalty, also applied in contexts like failing to be circumcised ([Genesis 17:14](/genesis/17-14 "Genesis 17:14 - Penalty for Uncircumcision")) or profaning the Sabbath ([Exodus 31:14](/exodus/31-14 "Exodus 31:14 - Penalty for Sabbath Breaking")), signified a profound separation from the covenant community and its protective blessings.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 7:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **God's Holiness and Sovereignty**, asserting His absolute right to the best of all offerings and demanding a people set apart for Him. This verse reinforces the principle that God is worthy of supreme reverence and exclusive dedication, as seen in the repeated emphasis on His portion being holy throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "The Book of Leviticus"). Secondly, it highlights the critical importance of **Covenant Faithfulness and Obedience**. Violation of such a command was not merely a ritualistic error but an act of rebellion against God's authority, directly threatening the integrity of the covenant relationship established at Sinai ([Exodus 24:7-8](/exodus/24-7-8 "Exodus 24:7-8 - The Covenant Ratified")). Lastly, the concept of being "cut off" speaks profoundly to **Divine Justice and the Consequences of Sin**, revealing that willful transgression against God's holy statutes carries dire spiritual, social, and even physical repercussions, emphasizing the imperative for purity and adherence to divine standards within the covenant community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fat (Hebrew, _cheleb_):** From an unused root meaning to be fat, this term refers to the choicest, richest, and most desirable part of an animal, whether literally or figuratively. In the context of offerings, it represents the "best" or "finest" portion, uniquely suitable for dedication to God. Its consumption by fire on the altar produced a pleasing aroma, symbolizing the worshiper's devotion and the divine acceptance of the sacrifice. The explicit prohibition against human consumption underscored its sacred status as exclusively belonging to the LORD, distinguishing His consecrated portion from that which was permissible for human consumption.
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh_):** Properly, a breathing creature or vitality, this term is used very widely to denote the entire person, emphasizing the individual's personal responsibility and the holistic nature of the penalty. It can refer to any living being, appetite, body, breath, or the self. In this context, "the soul that eateth" underscores that the individual, in their entirety, is accountable for the transgression, and the consequence of being "cut off" affects their whole being and relationship with the community.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _kârath_):** A primitive root meaning to cut (off, down, or asunder), this verb implies to destroy or consume. Specifically, in a covenantal context, it refers to making an alliance or bargain, originally by cutting flesh. In punitive contexts like Leviticus 7:25, "being cut off from his people" signifies a severe punitive action, often with divine sanction, leading to excommunication, premature death, or the termination of one's family line, representing a profound separation from God's blessings and the covenant relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For whosoever eateth the fat of the beast":** This initial clause identifies the specific forbidden action: the consumption of animal fat. The universal quantifier "whosoever" emphasizes that this prohibition applies to every Israelite, regardless of their social standing or role, highlighting the democratic nature of covenant law. The phrase "the fat of the beast" precisely defines the consecrated part of the animal that is off-limits for human consumption.
* **"of which men offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD":** This crucial qualifying phrase clarifies the scope of the prohibition. It specifies that the ban on eating fat applies exclusively to animals that have been designated and presented as sacrifices to Yahweh. This distinction is vital, differentiating between ordinary animals slaughtered for food (whose fat, in some cases, could be eaten) and those consecrated for the altar. This qualification reinforces that the fat's sacredness derives directly from its dedication to God in the act of worship.
* **"even the soul that eateth [it] shall be cut off from his people":** This concluding clause declares the severe and non-negotiable consequence for violating the divine command. "The soul" (Hebrew: _nephesh_) underscores the individual's personal accountability and the comprehensive nature of the penalty, affecting their entire being and relationship with the community. "Shall be cut off from his people" signifies a profound and permanent separation, which could manifest as excommunication from the covenant community, direct divine judgment leading to an early death, or the termination of one's lineage, thereby emphasizing the extreme gravity of profaning God's holy portion.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 7:25 is a prime example of **Legal Language**, characteristic of the Mosaic Law, presenting a clear, unequivocal prohibition ("whosoever eateth...") followed by a direct and severe consequence ("shall be cut off"). This precise, declarative style leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the divine command and its associated penalty, underscoring the absolute authority of the lawgiver. The verse also employs profound **Symbolism**, where the "fat" represents the choicest, richest, and most valuable part of the animal. By reserving the fat exclusively for the LORD, the text powerfully symbolizes the principle of giving God one's absolute best, not merely what is left over or deemed less valuable. Furthermore, the phrase "cut off from his people" functions as a form of **Merism** or **Extreme Consequence**, signifying a complete and utter severance from the covenant community and its blessings. It serves as a stark warning, emphasizing the absolute seriousness of the transgression and the profound rupture it causes in the relationship between the individual, the community, and God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 7:25 profoundly illustrates several core theological principles foundational to the Old Covenant. Firstly, it underscores God's absolute **holiness and sovereignty**, asserting His inherent right to the "best" (the fat) of all offerings. This establishes a fundamental truth: God is worthy of supreme reverence, exclusive dedication, and the highest honor. Secondly, the severe penalty for disobedience highlights the critical importance of **covenant faithfulness and obedience**. In ancient Israel, violation of such a command was not merely a dietary lapse but an act of direct rebellion against God's authority, threatening the very fabric of the covenant relationship and the purity of the community. This demonstrates that God takes His commands with utmost seriousness and expects His people to do the same. Lastly, the concept of being "cut off" speaks to **divine justice and the consequences of sin**, revealing that willful transgression against God's holy statutes carries dire spiritual, social, and potentially physical repercussions, emphasizing the need for purity and adherence to divine standards within the covenant community.

* [Leviticus 3:17](/leviticus/3-17 "Leviticus 3:17 - Perpetual Statute Against Eating Fat and Blood")
* [Exodus 31:14](/exodus/31-14 "Exodus 31:14 - Penalty for Sabbath Breaking")
* [Genesis 17:14](/genesis/17-14 "Genesis 17:14 - Penalty for Uncircumcision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary prohibition against eating animal fat from sacrifices is part of the Old Covenant ceremonial law and does not apply to New Covenant believers in a literal sense, the enduring principles embedded in Leviticus 7:25 remain profoundly relevant for our spiritual lives today. The verse challenges us to deeply consider what we deem "the best" in our lives and to whom we ultimately offer it. God still deserves our choicest offerings—not merely in terms of material possessions, but more significantly, in our time, talents, energy, affections, and devotion. Are we giving God our leftovers, or are we intentionally setting apart our "fat," our prime resources, for His glory and purposes? This passage calls us to a life of intentional and wholehearted obedience, recognizing that our reverence for God is demonstrated not just in our words or intentions, but tangibly in our actions and our faithful adherence to His revealed will. It serves as a stark reminder that willful disobedience, even in matters that may seem small or insignificant to us, can indeed sever our fellowship with God and hinder our spiritual growth. As New Covenant believers, we are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes, understanding that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that our entire lives are meant to be an offering of worship, pleasing and acceptable to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fat"—meaning the best, choicest parts of my life—am I currently reserving for myself rather than offering wholeheartedly to God?**
* **How does my daily obedience (or lack thereof) tangibly reflect my reverence for God's holiness and His commands in my life?**
* **In what specific ways might I be inadvertently "cutting myself off" from spiritual blessings or deeper fellowship with God through unrepentant sin, spiritual neglect, or a lack of intentional devotion to His Word?**
* **How can I cultivate a more profound sense of the sacred in my everyday life, recognizing that every aspect of my existence can be transformed into an act of worship offered to the LORD?**

### FAQ

**Why was eating the fat of sacrifices forbidden in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The prohibition against eating the fat of animals offered as "fire offerings" to the LORD was primarily theological and symbolic, rather than merely a dietary restriction. In ancient Israelite culture, fat was considered the richest, choicest, and most vital part of an animal. By reserving all the fat exclusively for God and burning it on the altar, the Israelites were performing a profound act of worship, acknowledging God's supreme ownership, His absolute holiness, and His inherent right to receive the very best of their offerings. This act symbolized complete dedication, reverence, and the giving of the most precious portion to God. The command is explicitly stated in [Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - All Fat is the LORD's"), which declares, "all the fat is the LORD's." It served to distinguish God's sacred portion from what was permissible for human consumption, thereby reinforcing the sanctity of the sacrificial system and the covenant relationship between God and His people.

**What does it mean to be "cut off from his people" as a consequence for disobedience?**

Answer: The phrase "cut off from his people" (Hebrew: _kârath_) denotes a severe penalty with multiple potential interpretations, all signifying a profound and devastating separation from the covenant community and its blessings. It could mean:
1. **Excommunication:** The individual would be expelled from the social, religious, and economic life of Israel, losing all privileges, protections, and communal identity associated with belonging to God's covenant people.
2. **Premature Death:** Divine judgment could result in the individual's early demise, often understood as a direct act of God's justice against severe transgression.
3. **Loss of Posterity:** The individual's family line would be terminated, meaning they would have no descendants to carry on their name or inheritance within Israel, effectively erasing their legacy.
The specific meaning often depended on the context of the transgression, but in all cases, it represented a profound rupture in the individual's relationship with God and the community, emphasizing the extreme gravity of willful disobedience to divine commands, as seen in other contexts like [Genesis 17:14](/genesis/17-14 "Genesis 17:14 - Penalty for Uncircumcision") for neglecting circumcision or [Exodus 31:14](/exodus/31-14 "Exodus 31:14 - Penalty for Sabbath Breaking") for profaning the Sabbath.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:25, with its strict prohibition against consuming God's consecrated fat and its severe penalty of being "cut off," powerfully foreshadows the absolute holiness of God and the ultimate, perfect sacrifice required to atone for sin. The fat, representing the "best" reserved exclusively for God, points directly to Jesus Christ as the unblemished, perfect "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), who offered Himself as the ultimate "fire offering" to the LORD. His sacrificial death on the cross was the complete and final fulfillment of all Old Testament offerings, perfectly satisfying God's righteous demands for holiness and justice once for all ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")). Whereas the Israelite who ate the fat was "cut off" from his people, Christ's being "cut off" from the land of the living on the cross ([Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - Christ Cut Off from the Land of the Living")) ensures that all who believe in Him are *not* cut off from God, but are instead brought into eternal fellowship and adoption as His children ([Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption as Sons")). Through Christ, believers are now called to present their entire lives as "living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), offering their "best" in worship and obedience, not through animal fat, but through lives transformed by the indwelling Holy Spirit. This spiritual offering is our reasonable service, reflecting the profound holiness to which we are called, just as God Himself is holy ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")).

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.