Leviticus 7:31

KJV

And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar: but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall burn {H6999} the fat {H2459} upon the altar {H4196}: but the breast {H2373} shall be Aaron's {H175} and his sons {H1121}'.

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen is to make the fat go up in smoke on the altar, but the breast will belong to Aharon and his descendants.

Berean Standard Bible

The priest is to burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons.

American Standard Version

And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar; but the breast shall be Aaron’s and his sons’.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:31 precisely delineates the sacred distribution of the peace offering, a unique sacrifice in ancient Israel designed to foster communion between God, the offerer, and the priesthood. This verse specifically mandates that the choicest portion, the fat, is to be consumed by fire upon the altar as an exclusive offering to the Lord, symbolizing His supreme holiness and the dedication of the worshiper's best. Concurrently, the breast of the animal is designated for Aaron and his priestly descendants, providing essential sustenance for those dedicated to sacred service at the tabernacle, thereby illustrating God's meticulous provision for His ministers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7:31 is situated within the broader instructional framework of [Leviticus 6-7](/leviticus/6 "Leviticus 6-7 - Regulations for Priests"), which provides detailed regulations for the priests concerning the proper handling, consumption, and distribution of various sacrifices introduced earlier in the book. Specifically, this verse concludes the comprehensive instructions regarding the peace offering (also known as the fellowship offering or offering of well-being), which begins in [Leviticus 7:11](/leviticus/7-11 "Leviticus 7:11 - Regulations for the Peace Offering"). Unlike the burnt offering (entirely consumed by fire) or the sin/guilt offerings (largely consumed by priests but not the offerer), the peace offering was unique in its communal aspect, involving a shared meal where portions were allocated to God (via the altar), the priests, and the offerer. The verses immediately preceding Leviticus 7:31 detail the types of peace offerings (thanksgiving, vow, freewill) and the conditions for their consumption, while the verses immediately following, such as [Leviticus 7:32-34](/leviticus/7-32-34 "Leviticus 7:32-34 - Priestly Portions from the Peace Offering"), further specify the priestly portions, including the right thigh and the wave breast, underscoring the divine decree for their sustenance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the divinely ordained sacrificial system was the central means of approaching God, expressing worship, offering thanksgiving, and experiencing fellowship. The Tabernacle served as the focal point of worship, and the priesthood, specifically the descendants of Aaron, were the appointed mediators between God and the people. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites, including the priests, did not receive a territorial inheritance in the Promised Land, as explicitly stated in [Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20-24 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Levites' Inheritance and Provision"). Consequently, their livelihood was entirely dependent on the tithes and offerings brought by the other tribes. The precise allocation of specific portions of the sacrifices, such as the breast and the right thigh from the peace offering, was a crucial aspect of God's covenantal provision for their sustenance, ensuring that those who dedicated their lives to sacred service were adequately cared for. The burning of the fat on the altar also resonated with ancient Near Eastern cultural practices, where the choicest parts of animals were frequently offered to deities, signifying profound respect, honor, and the dedication of the most excellent to the divine realm.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 7:31 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, emphasizing that God is set apart and worthy of the very best, as symbolized by the exclusive dedication of the fat to Him. This aligns with the overarching call for Israel to be a holy nation set apart for God, as seen in [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"). The verse also highlights **Divine Provision and Sustenance**, demonstrating God's meticulous care for His chosen ministers, the priests, by allocating specific portions of the offerings for their livelihood. This theme is foundational to God's covenant relationship with Israel, where He promises to provide for His people if they obey His statutes, as seen in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience"). Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Worship and Dedication**, showing that true worship involves giving God our "best" and acknowledging His supreme authority over all aspects of life, a principle echoed in passages like [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Priest (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** From H3548, this term refers to one officiating in sacred rites, specifically a priest. In the context of Leviticus, the priest is the divinely appointed mediator, responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals exactly as prescribed by God. Their role is crucial in facilitating the people's approach to God and ensuring the proper handling of holy things.
* **Fat (Hebrew, _cheleb'_):** From H2459, this refers to the internal, suet-like fat covering the vital organs. In the sacrificial system, _cheleb_ was considered the richest, choicest, and most vital part of the animal. Its exclusive reservation for God, to be burned on the altar, symbolized the dedication of the "best" to Him and underscored His unique claim to the most excellent. It was strictly forbidden for human consumption in the context of offerings.
* **Breast (Hebrew, _châzeh'_):** From H2373, this term denotes the brisket or chest portion of the animal. In the peace offering, the breast was part of the "wave offering" and, along with the right thigh, constituted a significant and regular source of food for the priestly families. Its allocation to Aaron and his sons emphasized God's direct provision for those dedicated to His service, ensuring their sustenance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar":** This clause specifies the divine portion of the peace offering and the ritual action required. The priest, acting as God's designated representative, is commanded to perform the burning of the fat. The altar, the sacred point of communion and atonement, is the designated place where this offering is consumed by fire. This act symbolizes the ascent of the choicest part of the offering to God as a pleasing aroma, underscoring God's sovereignty and His rightful claim to the most vital and excellent parts of the worshiper's dedication. It signifies the worshiper's commitment of their very best to the Lord.
* **"but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'":** This clause delineates the priestly portion, establishing God's provision for His ministers. Following the dedication of the fat to God, the breast of the animal is explicitly designated as the rightful share for Aaron and his male descendants who served as priests. This provision highlights God's faithfulness in sustaining those who minister on His behalf. It signifies that those who dedicate their lives to sacred service are to be supported by the community through the offerings, enabling them to fulfill their duties without needing to engage in secular labor for their livelihood. This portion served as a physical manifestation of the covenantal relationship, where God provides for His chosen servants and they, in turn, serve Him.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 7:31 employs several literary devices to convey its precise theological and practical instructions. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "fat" representing the choicest, most vital part of the offering, exclusively reserved for God to signify His supreme holiness and the worshiper's unreserved dedication. The "breast" **symbolizes** God's direct provision for the priesthood, representing their sustenance and their right to partake in the sacred. The verse also utilizes **Prescriptive Language**, characteristic of legal and ritual texts throughout Leviticus. The use of direct commands and declarative statements ("shall burn," "shall be") emphasizes the divine authority behind these regulations and the meticulous adherence required in the performance of the sacrificial system. Furthermore, there is a clear element of **Distinction** or **Separation**, as the verse meticulously delineates what belongs exclusively to God and what belongs to His priests, reinforcing the sacred boundaries and proper protocol in approaching the divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 7:31, though part of an ancient sacrificial system, reveals enduring theological principles concerning God's sovereignty, His meticulous provision, and the nature of true worship. The command to offer the fat to God underscores His supreme worthiness to receive the "best" of all things, signifying that genuine worship involves unreserved dedication and the giving of our choicest resources. Concurrently, the allocation of the breast to the priests highlights God's faithfulness in sustaining those who minister on His behalf, establishing a divine precedent for supporting spiritual leadership within the community of faith. This precise division of the offering also reinforces the concept of communion, where God, His servants, and the worshiper share in the sacred act, fostering a deeper covenantal relationship built on mutual provision and fellowship.

* [Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - The Fat is the Lord's")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13-14 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Those Who Preach the Gospel")
* [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - A Fragrant Offering Pleasing to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 7:31, though rooted in the Old Covenant sacrificial system, offers profound and timeless principles for contemporary Christian living. The directive to offer the "fat"—the choicest part—to the Lord challenges us to critically examine what "best" we are offering to God in our modern context. This principle extends far beyond mere financial contributions; it encompasses our time, our talents, our energy, and the deepest affections of our hearts. Are we giving God our leftovers, or are we intentionally dedicating our firstfruits and our most vital resources to His glory and purposes? Furthermore, the provision for Aaron and his sons through the offerings serves as a powerful reminder of our ongoing responsibility to support those who dedicate their lives to full-time ministry today. Just as the ancient priests were dependent on the offerings for their sustenance, so too are many pastors, missionaries, evangelists, and Christian workers today dependent on the generosity and faithful care of the body of Christ. Our intentional and sacrificial support enables them to focus wholeheartedly on their sacred calling, ensuring that the work of the Kingdom continues to flourish and expand. Finally, the communal nature of the peace offering, where God, priests, and offerer shared in the meal, points us toward the profound joy of fellowship and communion that we experience with God and with one another through Christ, particularly in acts of corporate worship and shared meals like the Lord's Supper.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life (time, talent, treasure, energy) am I truly offering the "fat"—my best—to the Lord, and where might I be holding back or offering less than my choicest?**
* **How does understanding God's meticulous provision for the priests in Leviticus 7:31 shape my perspective on and commitment to supporting those in full-time ministry today?**
* **Considering the peace offering as a communal meal that fostered fellowship, how can I cultivate a deeper sense of shared communion and intimate fellowship with God and fellow believers in my daily life and church community?**

### FAQ
**Why was the fat reserved exclusively for the Lord and forbidden for human consumption?**

Answer: The fat (Hebrew: _chelev_) was considered the choicest, richest, and most vital part of the animal, symbolizing the "best" and the very essence of life. Reserving it exclusively for God underscored His holiness, supremacy, and the sacredness of the offering. It was a tangible and visual recognition that the very best belongs to Him and that the worshiper was dedicating their most excellent possession as an act of worship. This prohibition also served to distinguish Israel's worship practices from those of surrounding pagan nations and to emphasize the unique covenantal relationship between God and His people, where He claims the preeminent portion of all that is offered.

**What was the significance of the breast being given to Aaron and his sons?**

Answer: The breast, along with the right thigh (mentioned in [Leviticus 7:32](/leviticus/7-32 "Leviticus 7:32 - The Right Thigh as Priestly Portion")), were designated as the priests' portions from the peace offering. This was profoundly significant because the Levitical priests had no tribal land inheritance, meaning they did not possess their own land to cultivate for food or generate income. These portions from the offerings were their primary means of livelihood, ensuring that those dedicated to God's service were adequately cared for and could focus entirely on their sacred duties without being burdened by secular work for sustenance. It also symbolized their right to partake in the sacred things of God as His chosen ministers, reinforcing their unique position as mediators between God and the people, sustained by His divine provision.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:31, like the entire sacrificial system, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "fat" offered to God, symbolizing the choicest and most vital part of the sacrifice, points directly to Christ's perfect, unblemished, and complete sacrifice. He is the [Lamb of God without spot or blemish](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ's Precious Blood"), whose life and death were entirely pleasing and acceptable to the Father, the ultimate "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). His offering was not merely a portion but His entire being, given once for all to atone for sin and establish eternal peace ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the "breast" given to Aaron and his sons, representing priestly provision and sustenance, is fulfilled in Christ as our ultimate spiritual sustenance. He is the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and the [Living Water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water"), who provides for all our spiritual needs and sustains us eternally through His finished work. Through His perfect sacrifice, believers are no longer dependent on animal sacrifices but are brought into direct, intimate communion with God. We, as a [royal priesthood](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood"), now partake in the benefits of His sacrifice, experiencing true peace with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")) and sharing in the spiritual feast of His presence, especially as we remember His sacrifice and anticipate His return in the Lord's Supper ([1 Corinthians 10:16](/1_corinthians/10-16 "1 Corinthians 10:16 - The Cup of Blessing and the Bread")).

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 7:34

For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons by a statute for ever from among the children of Israel.

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 3:5

And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which [is] upon the wood that [is] on the fire: [it is] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Leviticus 3:11

And the priest shall burn it upon the altar: [it is] the food of the offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Leviticus 6:16

And the remainder thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat: with unleavened bread shall it be eaten in the holy place; in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation they shall eat it.

Leviticus 8:29

And Moses took the breast, and waved it [for] a wave offering before the LORD: [for] of the ram of consecration it was Moses' part; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Numbers 18:18

And the flesh of them shall be thine, as the wave breast and as the right shoulder are thine.