from an unused root meaning to be greasy; suet; fat.
Transliteration:peder
Pronunciation:peh'der
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6309 (פֶּדֶר, *peder*) originates from an unused root that conveys the sense of "to be greasy." Its primary definition is "suet" or "fat," specifically referring to the thick, internal fat surrounding the vital organs, such as the kidneys, intestines, and the fat on the loins. Unlike a more general term for fat, peder denotes a particular quality and location of fat, often considered the choicest and richest portion of an animal. This specific type of fat was distinct and separable, signifying its unique role within the sacrificial cultus of ancient Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word peder (H6309) appears exclusively within the book of Leviticus, where its usage is confined to the detailed regulations concerning sacrificial offerings. It is found in [[Leviticus 1:8]], [[Leviticus 1:12]], [[Leviticus 8:20]], and [[Leviticus 8:22]]. In each instance, peder is explicitly mentioned as a component to be placed upon the altar and consumed by fire, particularly in the context of the burnt offering ('olah) and the ordination offering (millu'im).
* In [[Leviticus 1:8]] and [[Leviticus 1:12]], peder is listed alongside the head and other pieces of the burnt offering, all of which were to be arranged on the wood and fire of the altar. This highlights its integral role in the complete consumption of the sacrifice.
* The occurrences in [[Leviticus 8:20]] and [[Leviticus 8:22]] describe the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons. Here, the peder from the ram of the burnt offering and the ram of ordination is specifically designated for the altar. This underscores its significance in rituals of consecration, where the entirety of the offering, including this particular fat, was wholly devoted to Yahweh.
The consistent emphasis on peder being consumed by fire on the altar signifies its exclusive dedication to God and its role in producing a "pleasing aroma."
### Related Words & Concepts
The most closely related Hebrew term is chelev (H2459), which is the more general word for "fat." While chelev encompasses all types of fat, peder (H6309) appears to denote a specific, often visceral, and highly valued portion of fat. Levitical law strictly prohibited the consumption of chelev from sacrificial animals by the Israelites ([[Leviticus 3:17]], [[Leviticus 7:23]], [[Leviticus 7:25]]), a prohibition that implicitly included peder. The fat, particularly peder, was considered the "best" or "choicest" part of the animal, symbolically representing its vitality and richness. By dedicating this portion entirely to God through fire, the offerer acknowledged God's supreme ownership and His right to the finest. This principle resonates with the offering of firstfruits and firstborn, where the "first" and "best" were set apart for God. The burning of peder on the altar, creating a "pleasing aroma" (reyach nichoach), signifies a sacrifice that is fully acceptable and delightful to God.
### Theological Significance
The specific inclusion and treatment of peder (H6309) within the Israelite sacrificial system bear profound theological implications:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Prerogative:** The strict command to offer peder exclusively to God, prohibiting its consumption by humans, underscores God's absolute sovereignty. It signifies His right to the "best" and most vital part of the offering, symbolizing the offerer's complete submission and acknowledgment of God's supreme authority.
2. **Holiness and Separation:** The segregation of peder for divine consumption reinforces the principle of holiness. That which is set apart for God must be treated as sacred and distinct from common use, emphasizing the unique nature of the divine realm and the purity required in approaching God.
3. **Total Dedication and Acceptance:** In the burnt offering, the complete consumption of peder by fire, along with the rest of the animal, symbolized the total dedication of the offerer and the complete acceptance of the sacrifice by God. The resultant "pleasing aroma" was a sign of God's favorable reception of the offering, crucial for atonement and the maintenance of the covenant relationship.
4. **Symbol of Vitality and Prosperity:** In ancient thought, fat was often associated with life, health, and abundance. Offering the peder was thus an offering of the animal's (and by extension, the offerer's) very vitality, strength, and prosperity to God, a profound act of worship, trust, and dependence.
### Summary
The Hebrew word peder (H6309) denotes the specific, thick, internal fat of an animal, particularly the suet found around the kidneys and loins. Its exclusive appearances in Leviticus highlight its crucial role in the Israelite sacrificial system, where it was consistently designated for consumption by fire on the altar as part of the burnt offering or ordination offering. Distinct from the more general term chelev (H2459), peder represents a choicest portion of fat strictly reserved for God. Theologically, its dedication to Yahweh symbolizes divine ownership, the principle of holiness, the complete acceptance of the sacrifice for atonement, and the offering of the animal's (and the worshiper's) very vitality to God. It profoundly illustrates the meticulousness of God's requirements and the sacredness inherent in covenant worship.
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