Leviticus 7:3

KJV

And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof; the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards,

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall offer {H7126} of it all the fat {H2459} thereof; the rump {H451}, and the fat {H2459} that covereth {H3680} the inwards {H7130},

Complete Jewish Bible

He is to offer all its fat - the fat tail, the fat covering the inner organs,

Berean Standard Bible

And all the fat from it shall be offered: the fat tail, the fat that covers the entrails,

American Standard Version

And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof: the fat tail, and the fat that covereth the inwards,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:3 provides specific divine instructions regarding the peace offering, detailing which parts of the sacrificial animal—specifically the fat, including the fatty tail (rump) and the fat covering the internal organs—were to be exclusively offered to the Lord. This command underscores God's holiness, His demand for the choicest parts, and the meticulous precision required in Israelite worship, signifying complete dedication and the acceptance of the offering as a "food offering" to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7:3 is situated within a larger section of Leviticus (chapters 6-7) that elaborates on the laws of various sacrifices, building upon the foundational descriptions in [Leviticus 1-5](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1-5 - Laws of Offerings"). While [Leviticus 6](/leviticus/6 "Leviticus 6 - Laws for Priests Regarding Offerings") focuses on the burnt, grain, sin, and trespass offerings, [chapter 7](/leviticus/7 "Leviticus 7 - Further Laws for Offerings") provides further regulations, particularly for the priests' portions and the proper handling of the sacrifices. Verse 3 specifically addresses the peace offering (`shelamim`), introduced in [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering"), which was unique among the sacrifices as it involved a communal meal shared by the worshipper, the priest, and God. Unlike the burnt offering, which was entirely consumed on the altar, or the sin offering, which focused on expiation, the peace offering was typically an expression of thanksgiving, a fulfillment of a vow, or a voluntary offering of fellowship. Within this context, the command to offer "all the fat thereof" highlights the specific, non-consumable portion reserved solely for the Lord, emphasizing His preeminence even in an offering designed for shared communion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, fat was highly prized, representing the richest, most vital, and most flavorful part of an animal. It was a symbol of abundance, health, and prosperity. The specific mention of "the rump" (the fatty tail of certain sheep breeds, like the fat-tailed sheep common in the Near East) further emphasizes the offering of the most valuable and desirable portions. The prohibition against human consumption of this particular fat, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 7:23-25](/leviticus/7-23-25 "Leviticus 7:23-25 - Prohibition on Eating Fat"), reinforces its sacred status and exclusive dedication to Yahweh. This cultural understanding of fat as the "best" part elevates the significance of its offering: it was not merely a ritualistic act but a tangible expression of giving God the choicest and most valuable aspects of one's possessions, symbolizing a complete and unreserved devotion. This practice was deeply embedded in the sacrificial system, which served as the primary means of approaching God and maintaining covenant relationship in ancient Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 7:3 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **God's Holiness and His Demand for Purity**. The meticulous instructions for separating the fat underscore that God is set apart and requires a distinct standard of worship. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Sacrifice and Atonement**, even within the peace offering, by emphasizing the precise dedication of specific parts to God as an act of worship and reconciliation. This points to the idea that access to God is on His terms. Thirdly, the verse contributes to the theme of **Covenant Relationship and Obedience**, as the detailed commands serve as a means for Israel to maintain their covenant with Yahweh through faithful adherence to His revealed will. Finally, it subtly foreshadows the concept of **Giving One's Best to God**, a principle that transcends the sacrificial system and applies to all aspects of life, as seen in later biblical teachings on offerings and worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Offer (Hebrew, _qârab'_):** This primitive root means "to approach" or "to bring near," and causatively, "to offer" or "present." In the context of sacrifice, it denotes the act of bringing an animal or its parts close to the altar, signifying dedication and presentation to God. It implies an intentional act of drawing near to the divine presence through the prescribed ritual, highlighting the purpose of the sacrifice as a means of communion and worship.
* **Fat (Hebrew, _cheleb'_):** This term specifically refers to the rich, internal, abdominal fat and suet of an animal, distinct from muscle tissue or general grease. In ancient Israelite culture, _chelev_ was considered the choicest and most valuable part, symbolizing richness, vitality, and health. Its exclusive dedication to God in sacrifices, and the strict prohibition against its consumption by humans ([Leviticus 7:23](/leviticus/7-23 "Leviticus 7:23 - Eating Fat Prohibited")), underscored its sacred status and God's right to the very best. It represented the essence and strength of the animal, thus signifying the worshiper's offering of their utmost to God.
* **Rump (Hebrew, _ʼalyâh'_):** This refers specifically to the large, fatty tail of certain breeds of sheep, particularly the fat-tailed sheep prevalent in the Middle East. This tail could weigh a significant amount and was considered a delicacy and a highly prized part of the animal due to its rich fat content. Its inclusion in the list of parts to be offered to God further emphasizes the principle of giving the most valuable and desirable portions of the sacrifice, reinforcing the idea that God deserves the "best of the best."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof;":** This clause establishes the central command: the worshiper (or the priest on behalf of the worshiper) must present the entirety of the animal's fat. The phrase "all the fat thereof" is emphatic, leaving no room for partiality. It signifies a complete dedication of the most valuable part to God, highlighting His demand for total consecration and the highest quality in worship. This act was a core component of the "food offering" (אִשֶּׁה, _ishsheh_) to the Lord, indicating its acceptance and pleasing aroma.
* **"the rump,":** This specifies the first particular type of fat to be offered. As discussed, the "rump" or fatty tail (_alyah_) was a highly valued and substantial part of certain sheep. Its explicit mention underscores the meticulous nature of God's instructions for the sacrificial system, ensuring that even the most prized and culturally significant fatty portions were reserved for Him. This detail reinforces the theme of giving God the "choicest" and most esteemed elements of the offering.
* **"and the fat that covereth the inwards,":** This second specification clarifies that not only the external, prominent fatty tail but also the internal visceral fat—that which envelops the organs such as the kidneys, liver, and intestines—must be offered. This demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the command: all internal fat, which was also considered rich and vital, was to be separated and dedicated to God. This detail ensures that the offering of fat was complete and thorough, leaving no valuable fatty portion for human consumption, thereby maintaining the sanctity and exclusivity of God's portion.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 7:3 primarily employs **Prescriptive Language** and **Detailed Specification**, characteristic of the legal and ritual texts within the Pentateuch. The verse functions as a direct command, laying out precise instructions for the handling of the peace offering. This exactitude underscores the divine authority behind the Law and the necessity of strict adherence in worship. Furthermore, the selection of "the fat," "the rump," and "the fat that covereth the inwards" serves as powerful **Symbolism**. The fat, being the richest and most vital part of the animal, **symbolizes** the "best" or "choicest" portion. By reserving this for God, the text communicates the theological principle that God deserves our highest reverence, our most valuable possessions, and the very essence of our devotion. The meticulous detail also highlights a form of **Metonymy**, where "the rump" stands for the entire fatty tail, emphasizing a specific, culturally significant part of the offering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 7:3, with its precise instructions for offering the fat, powerfully conveys several enduring theological truths. Firstly, it underscores God's absolute **holiness** and His demand for the best from His people. The fat, being the richest and most highly valued part of the animal, symbolizes the choicest of one's possessions and the essence of life itself. By reserving this exclusively for Himself, God teaches that He is worthy of our utmost devotion and that true worship involves giving Him our "firstfruits" and our very best, not merely our leftovers. Secondly, the meticulous detail highlights the importance of **divine prescription and obedience** in approaching a holy God. Worship is not to be arbitrary but conducted according to His specific commands, emphasizing that our relationship with God is predicated on humble submission to His revealed will. Finally, in the context of the peace offering, the burning of the fat on the altar, creating a "sweet savour," contributed to the overall purpose of facilitating **fellowship and peace** between God and His people, signifying the offering's acceptance and the worshiper's complete dedication.

* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with your wealth")
* [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Malachi 1:8 - Offering Defiled Sacrifices")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal offering of animal fat is no longer practiced under the New Covenant, the profound principles embedded in Leviticus 7:3 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary believers. The command to give God "all the fat thereof" challenges us to examine the quality and extent of our devotion in every area of life. It calls us to offer our "best" to God—not just what is convenient or leftover, but our prime time, our most fervent energy, our most significant resources, and our deepest affections. This means prioritizing God in our schedules, dedicating our most creative talents to His service, and giving generously from our financial abundance with a cheerful heart. It also speaks to the internal disposition of our hearts: are we holding back the "best" parts of ourselves—our hidden sins, our unyielded ambitions, our deepest fears—or are we presenting our whole selves as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God? This verse invites us to a life of wholehearted consecration, where every aspect of our being is offered in worship and obedience to the One who gave His very best for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "fat" or "choicest parts" of my life (time, talent, resources, affections) that I am currently holding back from God?**
* **How can I practically demonstrate a more "wholehearted" offering of myself to God in my daily life, moving beyond mere convenience or obligation?**
* **In what areas of my spiritual discipline (prayer, Bible study, service) can I commit to giving God my "best" rather than my leftovers?**

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

Answer: The fat was reserved for God because it was considered the richest, most valuable, and most vital part of the animal in ancient Israelite culture. By dedicating it exclusively to Him, it symbolized giving God the "best" and the "choicest" of the offering, underscoring His supreme holiness and worthiness of the highest honor. The prohibition against human consumption, explicitly stated in [Leviticus 7:23-25](/leviticus/7-23-25 "Leviticus 7:23-25 - Prohibition on Eating Fat"), further emphasized its sacred status. It was considered "food of the offering made by fire to the Lord" ([Leviticus 3:11](/leviticus/3-11 "Leviticus 3:11 - Fat as Food of the Offering")), signifying its acceptance and pleasing aroma to God, and distinguishing the sacred from the common. This separation reinforced the covenant relationship and God's unique claim over His people and their worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:3, with its emphasis on offering the choicest fat to the Lord, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, including the peace offering, was a shadow pointing to the reality found in Christ ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow")). Jesus did not offer the fat of animals; rather, He offered Himself as the perfect, unblemished [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the ultimate and most valuable sacrifice. He gave not merely the "fat" but His very life, His perfect obedience, and His spotless righteousness, which are infinitely more precious than any animal offering. His sacrifice on the cross was the "sweet-smelling aroma" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")) that perfectly pleased God, fulfilling the symbolic burning of the fat on the altar. Through His one, perfect, and complete offering, Jesus established true and lasting peace, providing genuine fellowship with God that the peace offerings only foreshadowed. We now approach God not through the blood of bulls and goats, but through the [precious blood of Christ](/1-peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood"), who gave His all so that we might have full access to the Father ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). He is the "best" offering, the "choicest" part, given once for all time.

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.

Leviticus 3:15

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 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 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 4:10

As it was taken off from the bullock of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall burn them upon the altar of the burnt offering.

Psalms 51:17

The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Leviticus 3:3

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,