Leviticus 7:33

KJV

He among the sons of Aaron, that offereth the blood of the peace offerings, and the fat, shall have the right shoulder for [his] part.

KJV (with Strong's)

He among the sons {H1121} of Aaron {H175}, that offereth {H7126} the blood {H1818} of the peace offerings {H8002}, and the fat {H2459}, shall have the right {H3225} shoulder {H7785} for his part {H4490}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The descendant of Aharon who offers the blood of the peace offerings is to have the right thigh as his share.

Berean Standard Bible

The son of Aaron who presents the blood and fat of the peace offering shall have the right thigh as a portion.

American Standard Version

He among the sons of Aaron that offereth the blood of the peace-offerings, and the fat, shall have the right thigh for a portion.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:33 specifies a crucial aspect of the peace offering regulations, detailing the precise portion—the right shoulder—allocated to the officiating Aaronic priest. This instruction is part of God's comprehensive legal framework for sacrifices, revealing His meticulous provision for the sustenance of the Levitical priesthood. It underscores the divinely ordained order and sacred nature of worship in ancient Israel, highlighting God's care for those dedicated to His service and the priest's essential role in mediating fellowship between the Lord and His people through sacrificial rites.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7:33 is embedded within a detailed exposition (Leviticus 7:11-36) concerning the peace offering (Hebrew: _zevach shelamim_). This section builds upon the foundational instructions for various sacrifices outlined in Leviticus 1-6, which include burnt offerings, grain offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. The peace offering stands distinct due to its communal aspect, involving a shared meal among God, the priests, and the worshipper. Prior verses, such as [Leviticus 7:15](/leviticus/7-15 "Leviticus 7:15 - Eating the Thanksgiving Offering"), specify the consumption timeframe, while [Leviticus 7:28-36](/leviticus/7-28 "Leviticus 7:28-36 - Priests' Portions of the Peace Offering") specifically delineate the portions designated for the priests from these offerings. This particular verse, [Leviticus 7:33](/leviticus/7-33 "Leviticus 7:33 - The Priest's Right Shoulder Portion"), hones in on the specific part of the animal—the right shoulder—that the officiating priest, a [son of Aaron](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"), was to receive, thereby emphasizing the divine order, provision, and the priest's integral role within the sacrificial economy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Aaronic priesthood held a unique, divinely appointed role as mediators between God and His covenant people. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites, and particularly the Aaronic priests, were not allotted a territorial inheritance in the land of Canaan. Instead, their sustenance was divinely ordained to come directly from the offerings brought by the Israelites to the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple). This system ensured that the priests could fully dedicate themselves to their sacred duties, free from the necessity of engaging in secular labor for their livelihood. The peace offering itself was a voluntary sacrifice, typically offered as an expression of thanksgiving, the fulfillment of a vow, or a freewill offering, culminating in a shared meal that profoundly symbolized peace, wholeness, and fellowship. The "right shoulder" was considered a prime cut in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with strength, honor, and a significant portion. Its allocation to the priest, along with the breast (cf. [Leviticus 7:30-31](/leviticus/7-30 "Leviticus 7:30-31 - The Priest's Breast and Thigh Portion")), underscored a substantial and honorable provision for the priest who meticulously performed the sacrificial rites, including the presentation of the blood and fat to the Lord. This detailed allocation highlights the sacred economy of the Mosaic covenant and God's precise care for His ministers.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 7:33 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Provision**, demonstrating God's commitment to sustaining those consecrated for His service. This provision ensures the priests' ability to fulfill their sacred duties, reinforcing the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, as the priests were set apart for a unique role. The meticulous instructions for the peace offering, including the specific portions, underscore the theme of **Order and Precision in Worship**, emphasizing that access to God and communion with Him are governed by His divine precepts. Furthermore, the peace offering itself, with its communal meal, highlights the profound theme of **Fellowship and Reconciliation**, where God, the priest, and the worshipper partake in a sacred communion made possible through the act of sacrifice. This verse, therefore, is not merely a legal detail but a window into God's character as a provider, His demand for order, and His desire for intimate relationship with His people, all mediated through the divinely appointed priesthood and sacrificial system.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace Offerings (Hebrew, _shelem'_):** This term, often translated as "fellowship offerings" or "offerings of well-being," derives from the root _shalom_, signifying "peace," "wholeness," "completeness," or "flourishing." Unlike sin or guilt offerings, which focused on atonement for specific transgressions, the _shelem_ offerings were voluntary expressions of gratitude, the fulfillment of vows, or freewill devotion. They symbolized a state of reconciled relationship and communion with God, with the subsequent communal meal serving as a tangible expression of this restored peace and fellowship between God, the priest, and the worshipper.
* **Shoulder (Hebrew, _shôwq'_):** Referring to the "(lower) leg (as a runner); hip, leg, shoulder, thigh," this term in the context of animal sacrifice typically denotes the upper part of the leg or thigh, often rendered as "shoulder" in English translations due to its association with a prime cut. As part of the priest's portion, it represented a substantial and valuable provision, signifying the importance and honor of the priest's role.
* **Right (Hebrew, _yâmîyn'_):** This word signifies "the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south." In biblical thought, the "right" side frequently carries connotations of strength, honor, authority, and preference (e.g., being seated at God's right hand). The designation of the "right shoulder" for the officiating priest thus emphasizes the honorable and privileged nature of this portion, reinforcing the dignity and significance of the priest's role in the sacrificial system.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He among the sons of Aaron":** This opening clause precisely identifies the specific individual entitled to this portion. It is not just any Israelite, but a male descendant of Aaron, who has been divinely consecrated and set apart for priestly service. This underscores the exclusive and hereditary nature of the Aaronic priesthood and the specific divine provision reserved for those consecrated to this holy office.
* **"that offereth the blood of the peace offerings, and the fat":** This clause specifies the qualifying priestly duty that entitles the priest to receive this portion. The priest's role was central and indispensable to the sacrificial process. He was responsible for presenting the most vital and sacred parts of the animal—the blood, which represented life and atonement, and the fat, considered the choicest part and exclusively reserved for the Lord—to God on the altar. His active and faithful participation in these sacred rituals directly correlates with his entitlement to the designated portion.
* **"shall have the right shoulder for [his] part":** This final clause declares the specific entitlement. The right shoulder, a choice and substantial cut of meat, was the officiating priest's rightful due. This provision served as a tangible means of sustenance for the priest and his household, acknowledging his vital role in facilitating the worshipper's communion with God through the peace offering. It was a clear demonstration of God's care and the honor bestowed upon His ministers.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 7:33 primarily employs **Metonymy** and **Symbolism**. The "blood" and "fat" function as metonyms, standing in for the entire sacrificial act and the priest's essential role within it, representing the offering of life and the choicest part of the animal to God. The "right shoulder" is rich in **Symbolism**. As a prime and substantial cut, it symbolizes honor, strength, and a generous provision, reflecting God's abundant care for His consecrated servants. The act of the priest receiving this portion after faithfully performing the ritual also symbolizes the principle of divine provision for those who minister faithfully. This reinforces the sacred economy of the Mosaic covenant, where the priest's livelihood was directly tied to the offerings brought by the people, thereby enabling their full dedication to their holy duties and the maintenance of the sacred cult.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 7:33 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous and gracious care for His covenant people, extending even to the practical sustenance of those set apart for His service. It underscores the foundational principle of divine provision for ministry, ensuring that the priests could dedicate themselves entirely to their sacred calling without worldly distractions. Furthermore, the precise allocation of portions within the peace offering highlights the overarching theme of order and holiness in worship, demonstrating that access to God and communion with Him are governed by His divine precepts and not human whims. The peace offering itself, with its culminating shared meal, points to the profound theme of fellowship and reconciliation, where God, the priest, and the worshipper partake in a sacred communion made possible through a divinely instituted sacrifice. This verse, therefore, is not merely a legal detail but a testament to God's character as a faithful provider and His desire for ordered, holy fellowship.

* [Numbers 18:8](/numbers/18-8 "Numbers 18:8 - Priests' Share of Offerings")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1](/deuteronomy/18-1 "Deuteronomy 18:1 - Priests Have No Inheritance")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Ministers of the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Levitical sacrificial system has been perfectly fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles of Leviticus 7:33 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering commitment to provide for those who faithfully serve Him in ministry. It encourages us to recognize and actively support those who dedicate their lives to spiritual leadership, understanding that their ability to focus on their divine calling often depends on the generous provision of the community they serve. This support allows them to "devote themselves entirely" to their sacred duties, much like the Aaronic priests. Moreover, the meticulous detail of the law teaches us the importance of approaching God with reverence, intentionality, and a deep respect for His revealed will. Our worship, though transformed by the New Covenant and now offered through Christ, should still reflect an attitude of honor and obedience, recognizing the sacredness of our relationship with a holy God. Ultimately, this passage calls us to profound gratitude for the perfect provision and peace we have found in Christ, who enables true, unhindered communion with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's provision for the Old Testament priests challenge or affirm your understanding of how spiritual leaders are to be sustained today?**
* **In what practical ways can you actively participate in supporting those who minister the gospel, reflecting the principle of divine provision seen in this verse?**
* **What does the meticulous nature of the Levitical law teach you about the importance of reverence, intentionality, and order in your personal and corporate worship?**
* **How does the concept of "peace offerings" and the shared meal deepen your appreciation for the fellowship and communion we now have with God through Christ?**

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

Answer: The "right shoulder" (Hebrew: _shoq hayamin_) was designated as a prime and substantial portion of the animal, often associated with strength, honor, and significance in ancient Near Eastern cultures. By granting this specific part to the officiating priest, God was providing a generous and honorable means of sustenance for His minister. This provision ensured the priest's livelihood, allowing him to dedicate himself fully to his sacred duties without needing to engage in secular labor. It also signified the importance and honor of the priest's role in mediating between God and the people, particularly in the context of the peace offering, which symbolized fellowship and communion. The "right" side, in particular, often conveyed a sense of prominence and favor in biblical thought, further elevating the significance of this priestly portion.

**What was the overall significance of the peace offering meal, and how did the priest's portion fit into it?**

Answer: The peace offering (_zevach shelamim_) was unique among the sacrifices in that it culminated in a communal meal. This meal symbolized peace, wholeness, and restored fellowship between God, the worshipper, and the priest. After the blood and fat (the Lord's portion) were offered on the altar, and specific parts (like the breast and right shoulder) were given to the priests, the remaining meat was eaten by the worshipper and their household within a specified timeframe. The priest's portion was integral to this communal aspect. As the one who performed the sacred rites and presented the offering before the Lord, the priest was a key participant in the fellowship. His share not only sustained him but also served as a tangible sign of his mediation and participation in the reconciliation and communion that the offering represented. It underscored that the priest, as God's representative, was partaking in the blessings of peace and fellowship that the offering secured, thereby reinforcing the sacred bond between God, His ministers, and His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:33, with its focus on the priest's portion from the peace offering, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several interconnected ways. The peace offering itself, symbolizing reconciliation and fellowship, points directly to Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate [peace](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Is Our Peace"). Through His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, Christ has broken down the dividing wall of hostility and made true, unending communion with God possible for all who believe, fulfilling the very essence of the _shelamim_ offering (cf. [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Furthermore, the divine provision for the Aaronic priests foreshadows how God sustains those who minister in the New Covenant. Just as the Old Testament priests were supported by the offerings of the people, so too are those who preach the gospel divinely ordained to live by the gospel (cf. [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Support for Gospel Ministers")). Christ, as our Great High Priest (cf. [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), not only offered the ultimate sacrifice but also continually intercedes for us, ensuring our spiritual sustenance and access to God's presence. The "right shoulder," a symbol of strength, honor, and a prime portion, can be seen as a type of the strength and honor that Christ, our High Priest, receives at the right hand of God (cf. [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand")), and through Him, shares with His body, the Church. In Christ, all believers are made a "royal priesthood" (cf. [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), partaking in the spiritual blessings and provisions secured by His finished work, and enjoying an unending fellowship with God that the Levitical offerings could only anticipate.

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 7:3

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

Leviticus 26:1

¶ Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up [any] image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I [am] the LORD your God.

Leviticus 26:46

These [are] the statutes and judgments and laws, which the LORD made between him and the children of Israel in mount Sinai by the hand of Moses.

Leviticus 6:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Leviticus 6:30

And no sin offering, whereof [any] of the blood is brought into the tabernacle of the congregation to reconcile [withal] in the holy [place], shall be eaten: it shall be burnt in the fire.