Leviticus 7:25

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Leviticus 7:25 is a critical verse within the elaborate Old Testament sacrificial system, specifically addressing the prohibition against consuming the fat of animals offered as a "fire offering" to the LORD. It underscores the sanctity of God's portion and the severe consequences for violating divine commands, emphasizing the importance of holiness and obedience in ancient Israelite worship.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (Leviticus 7:11-38) detailing the regulations for various types of offerings, particularly the peace offering (also known as the fellowship offering), which allowed the worshiper to partake in the meat after certain portions were given to God and the priests. The fat, however, was always reserved for God, symbolizing the best and richest part of the animal. This prohibition is reiterated throughout the Pentateuch, for instance, in Leviticus 3:17, which states, "It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood." The strictness of these sacrificial regulations ensured that Israel understood God's absolute ownership and His demand for reverence.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Consecration: The command to abstain from the fat highlights the principle that certain things are set apart exclusively for God. The fat was considered sacred, representing the choicest part, and its consumption by humans would defile what was consecrated to the LORD.
  • Obedience to Divine Law: The severe penalty associated with disobedience underscores the absolute necessity of adhering to God's commands. It was not merely a dietary restriction but a test of faithfulness and respect for God's authority.
  • Reverence for God: By reserving the fat for burnt offerings, the Israelites demonstrated their acknowledgment of God's supremacy and their submission to His will. It was an act of worship and adoration.
  • Divine Justice: The consequence of being "cut off from his people" reveals God's justice in dealing with willful sin and rebellion against His holy statutes.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cut off from his people" (Hebrew: karath) denotes a severe punishment. It could mean:

  • Excommunication: Being expelled from the covenant community, losing the privileges and protection associated with belonging to Israel.
  • Premature Death: Divine judgment resulting in an early demise.
  • Loss of Posterity: The inability to have descendants, thus ending one's family line within Israel.
This penalty is mentioned in various contexts in the Old Testament, such as for failing to be circumcised (Genesis 17:14) or for breaking the Sabbath (Exodus 31:14), signifying a profound separation from God's blessings and the covenant relationship.

Practical Application

While the specific dietary laws regarding animal fat are part of the Old Covenant and do not apply to believers today in the same literal way, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant:

  • God Deserves Our Best: The core message is that God is worthy of our highest reverence and our choicest offerings. This translates today into offering God our best time, talents, resources, and devotion, rather than what is left over or inconvenient.
  • Obedience Matters: Even in the New Covenant, obedience to God's revealed will (as found in His Word) is crucial for a thriving relationship with Him (John 14:15).
  • Reverence for the Sacred: Though the sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 10:10), the concept of holiness persists. We are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes (1 Peter 1:15-16), recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: While believers are not "cut off" from salvation due to a single sin, willful and unrepentant rebellion can still lead to spiritual barrenness, loss of fellowship, and divine discipline.

Leviticus 7:25 serves as a powerful reminder of God's holiness, His expectation of obedience, and the serious nature of covenant relationship.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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Cross-References

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