Leviticus 7:32

KJV

And the right shoulder shall ye give unto the priest [for] an heave offering of the sacrifices of your peace offerings.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the right {H3225} shoulder {H7785} shall ye give {H5414} unto the priest {H3548} for an heave offering {H8641} of the sacrifices {H2077} of your peace offerings {H8002}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to give the right thigh from your sacrifices of peace offerings to the cohen as a contribution.

Berean Standard Bible

And you are to give the right thigh to the priest as a contribution from your peace offering.

American Standard Version

And the right thigh shall ye give unto the priest for a heave-offering out of the sacrifices of your peace-offerings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:32 meticulously details a specific regulation for the peace offering, mandating that the right shoulder of the sacrificed animal be given to the priest as a heave offering. This provision was a crucial component of God's divinely established system for sustaining the Levitical priesthood, ensuring their livelihood through designated portions of the sacrifices. This enabled them to dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties and the spiritual welfare of the community. The verse underscores profound theological principles of divine provision, the honor due to God's appointed servants, and the meticulous order required in Israelite worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7 concludes a detailed section [Leviticus 6:8-7:38](/leviticus/6-8-7-38 "Leviticus 6:8-7:38 - Laws for Priestly Portions") outlining the specific laws for various sacrifices, building upon the general descriptions in [Leviticus 1-5](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1-5 - Laws of Offerings"). This chapter particularly focuses on the priests' portions from these offerings, ensuring their sustenance and delineating the sacred responsibilities associated with handling holy things. The peace offering (Hebrew: *zevach shᵉlāmîm*) is unique among the sacrifices because it was a communal meal, symbolizing fellowship and well-being between God, the worshiper, and the priest. Verses like [Leviticus 7:11-21](/leviticus/7-11-21 "Leviticus 7:11-21 - Regulations for Peace Offerings") describe the types of peace offerings, while [Leviticus 7:28-36](/leviticus/7-28-36 "Leviticus 7:28-36 - Priests' Portions from Peace Offerings") specifically delineate the portions designated for the priests. Leviticus 7:32, therefore, is a precise instruction within this broader framework, specifying a particular cut of meat—the right shoulder—as the priest's designated share from the peace offering, alongside the breast as a wave offering ([Leviticus 7:30-31](/leviticus/7-30-31 "Leviticus 7:30-31 - Breast as Wave Offering")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Levitical priests were set apart for full-time, exclusive service at the Tabernacle (and later the Temple). Unlike the other tribes, they were not allotted a tribal inheritance of land ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - Priests' Inheritance") and [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1-2 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - Priests' Portion from Offerings")), meaning they did not engage in agriculture or other secular professions for their livelihood. Their sustenance was divinely ordained to come directly from the offerings brought by the people. This system ensured that the priests, as mediators between God and Israel, could devote themselves entirely to their sacred duties, including performing sacrifices, teaching the Law, and ministering to the people. The designation of specific, often prime, portions like the "right shoulder" and "breast" for the priests was not merely about sustenance; it also conveyed the honor and respect due to their office, which was seen as an extension of honoring God Himself, who instituted the priesthood. This practice reinforced the covenant relationship and the community's responsibility to support those who served God.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 7:32 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Provision and Sustenance**, demonstrating God's meticulous care for His appointed servants, the Levitical priesthood, by establishing a system for their livelihood through the offerings of the people. This ensured their full dedication to sacred duties, reinforcing the theme of **Holiness and Separation** for service. Furthermore, the specific designation of the "right shoulder" as a prime portion highlights the theme of **Honor and Respect for God's Ordinances and Servants**, emphasizing the sanctity of the priestly office and the importance of giving the "best" in worship. Finally, as part of the peace offering regulations, it reinforces the overarching theme of **Covenant Fellowship and Communal Worship**, where the shared meal symbolized the restored relationship between God, the worshiper, and the priestly mediator.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Right Shoulder (Hebrew, _yâmîyn shôwq'_):** Comprising *yâmîyn* (H3225), meaning "right hand or side" often associated with strength and dexterity, and *shôwq* (H7785), referring to the "leg" or "shoulder," this phrase denotes a prime and substantial portion of the animal. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the right side often symbolized strength, honor, and prominence. Designating the right shoulder to the priest underscored the value and respect accorded to the priestly office and, by extension, to God Himself. It was a nourishing and significant share, suitable for sustaining those consecrated to Tabernacle service.
* **Give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** (H5414) This primitive root is a broad term meaning "to give," encompassing a wide range of applications such as to bestow, grant, offer, or assign. In this context, it signifies a mandatory act of presentation by the worshiper to the priest, highlighting the divine command and the obligation to provide for the priestly sustenance. It underscores the active role of the community in upholding God's ordained system of worship and provision.
* **Heave Offering (Hebrew, _tᵉrûwmâh'_):可通过 (H8641) Derived from a root meaning "to lift up," a *tᵉrûwmâh* is literally "a present (as offered up)." It refers to a portion of an offering that was "lifted up" or "presented" before the Lord, symbolizing its dedication and consecration to God. Once presented, this specific portion was then designated as a sacred gift for the priests, distinguishing it from parts consumed by the worshiper or burnt on the altar. It signifies a contribution set apart for a specific sacred purpose, emphasizing divine ownership and the provision for God's servants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the right shoulder":** This specifies the exact, prime cut of the animal that is to be set aside. The precision highlights the meticulous nature of God's commands regarding worship and provision, ensuring that a valuable and substantial portion is allocated.
* **"shall ye give unto the priest":** This is a direct, imperative command, indicating a non-negotiable obligation on the part of the worshiper. It underscores God's direct involvement in establishing the system of priestly support and the people's responsibility to adhere to it, recognizing the priest's divinely appointed role.
* **"[for] an heave offering":** This clarifies the sacred nature of the gift. It's not merely a handout but a consecrated portion, "lifted up" to God in an act of dedication and then designated for His servants. This act of "heaving" imbued the portion with sacred significance, marking it as distinct from common food.
* **"of the sacrifices of your peace offerings":** This identifies the specific source of the right shoulder. It comes exclusively from the peace offerings, which were unique in their communal and fellowship-oriented nature. This emphasizes the priest's integral participation in the sacred meal, symbolizing the blessings of the covenant and the shared communion between God, the worshiper, and the mediator.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 7:32 employs several literary devices to convey its precise instructions and theological significance. The most prominent is **Prescriptive Language**, evident in the direct, imperative command "shall ye give." This authoritative tone is characteristic of legal and cultic texts throughout the Old Testament, reinforcing divine authority and the non-negotiable nature of God's instructions for worship and the administration of the Tabernacle. **Symbolism** is also central to the verse: the "right shoulder" itself symbolizes strength, honor, and the "best" portion, reflecting the high regard for the priestly office and, by extension, for God Himself. The act of the "heave offering" symbolizes dedication, consecration, and divine provision, as something "lifted up" to God and then graciously given to His servants. Furthermore, there is an element of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "the right shoulder" stands in for the entire concept of a substantial, honorable, and consecrated portion designated for the priest, representing the broader principle of priestly sustenance and the community's responsibility within the covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 7:32, though specific to the Old Covenant sacrificial system, reveals enduring theological principles. It powerfully illustrates God's commitment to providing for those He calls into full-time ministry, ensuring that His servants are sustained so they can devote themselves entirely to spiritual duties without distraction. This divine provision underscores God's meticulous care for His covenant community and the ordered nature of His worship. The giving of a prime portion like the right shoulder also highlights the principle of honoring God's appointed leaders and, by extension, honoring God Himself through acts of generosity and obedience. It speaks to the sanctity of the priesthood and the sacred nature of the offerings, all pointing to God's holiness and His desire for fellowship with His people, a fellowship in which the priests played a crucial mediating role.

* [Numbers 18:8-19](/numbers/18-8-19 "Numbers 18:8-19 - The Priests' Portion")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-5](/deuteronomy/18-1-5 "Deuteronomy 18:1-5 - Priests' Inheritance and Sustenance")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13-14 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Ministers of the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the underlying principles embedded in Leviticus 7:32 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to reflect on our responsibility to honor and support those whom God has called to spiritual leadership and full-time ministry in the church. Just as the Levitical priests were sustained by the offerings of the people, so too are those who faithfully teach, shepherd, and serve the body of Christ today worthy of our generous support, enabling them to devote themselves fully to the work of the gospel. Furthermore, the meticulous detail of God's commands in Leviticus reminds us that God desires intentional, orderly, and heartfelt worship from His people. Our giving, whether of our time, talents, or financial resources, should be characterized by generosity and a recognition that everything we possess ultimately belongs to God. It is an act of worship, a tangible expression of our gratitude and obedience, and a means of participating in God's ongoing work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of generosity and support for spiritual leaders in my own community?**
* **In what ways can I offer my "best" to God in my daily life, beyond financial contributions, reflecting the principle of the "right shoulder"?**
* **What does the specificity of God's commands in Leviticus teach me about the nature of true worship and my attitude towards it?**

### FAQ
**Why was the "right shoulder" specifically chosen for the priest?**

Answer: The "right shoulder" was chosen because it was considered a prime, strong, and honorable portion of the animal. In ancient cultures, the right side often symbolized strength, authority, and favor. By designating this valuable cut to the priest, God was not only ensuring their physical sustenance but also conferring honor and respect upon their sacred office. It was a tangible representation of the community's commitment to providing the "best" for those who ministered on their behalf.

**What was a "heave offering" and how did it differ from other offerings?**

Answer: A "heave offering" (Hebrew: *tᵉrûwmâh*) was a portion of an offering that was "lifted up" or "presented" before the Lord, symbolizing its dedication to God. Unlike portions that were entirely burnt on the altar (like the burnt offering, see [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - Regulations for the Burnt Offering")), or those entirely consumed by the worshiper, the heave offering was specifically designated for the priests to eat. This act of "heaving" consecrated the portion, setting it apart from common food and marking it as holy, intended for the sustenance of God's appointed servants.

**How does this Old Testament regulation apply to Christians today, given that the sacrificial system has ended?**

Answer: While the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament sacrificial system were fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles remain highly relevant. Leviticus 7:32 teaches us about divine provision, the importance of supporting those in full-time ministry, and the nature of intentional worship. Just as the Levitical priests were sustained by the offerings of the people (see [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13-14 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Supporting Gospel Workers")), believers today are called to generously support those who faithfully teach and shepherd them, enabling them to devote themselves to the gospel. It also reminds us that our giving should be an act of worship, offering our "best" to God out of gratitude and obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:32, with its focus on the priest's portion from the peace offering, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The peace offering itself pointed to the restoration of fellowship between God and humanity, a profound peace that is fully realized through Christ's atoning work on the cross. He is our ultimate [peace offering](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Christ Makes Peace Through His Blood"), reconciling us to God by the blood of His cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ") and [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Furthermore, Jesus is the perfect [High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who offered Himself as the flawless and final sacrifice, not needing daily sacrifices like the Levitical priests ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). The "right shoulder," representing the prime and most honorable portion, powerfully foreshadows the perfection and completeness of Christ's sacrifice—He gave His very best, His whole self, for our redemption. As believers, we are now part of a "[royal priesthood](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - The Believer's Priesthood")), called to offer "[spiritual sacrifices](/hebrews/13-15-16 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Spiritual Sacrifices of Praise and Good Deeds")" ([Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15-16 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Offering Spiritual Sacrifices")), not of animals, but of praise, good deeds, and sharing with others, in joyful response to the ultimate provision made by our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. Our giving and service are now acts of worship flowing from the profound peace and fellowship we have received through Him.

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 9:21

And the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved [for] a wave offering before the LORD; as Moses commanded.

Numbers 6:20

And the priest shall wave them [for] a wave offering before the LORD: this [is] holy for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder: and after that the Nazarite may drink wine.

1 Corinthians 9:13

Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live [of the things] of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?

1 Corinthians 9:14

Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

Deuteronomy 18:3

And this shall be the priest's due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether [it be] ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.

Numbers 18:18

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