King James Version

What Does Leviticus 10:15 Mean?

Leviticus 10:15 in the King James Version says “The heave shoulder and the wave breast shall they bring with the offerings made by fire of the fat, to wave it for a wav...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The heave shoulder and the wave breast shall they bring with the offerings made by fire of the fat, to wave it for a wave offering before the LORD; and it shall be thine, and thy sons' with thee, by a statute for ever; as the LORD hath commanded.”

Leviticus 10:15 · KJV

Context

13

And ye shall eat it in the holy place, because it is thy due, and thy sons' due, of the sacrifices of the LORD made by fire: for so I am commanded.

14

And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place; thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: for they be thy due, and thy sons' due, which are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.

15

The heave shoulder and the wave breast shall they bring with the offerings made by fire of the fat, to wave it for a wave offering before the LORD; and it shall be thine, and thy sons' with thee, by a statute for ever; as the LORD hath commanded.

16

And Moses diligently sought the goat of the sin offering, and, behold, it was burnt: and he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron which were left alive, saying,

17

Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering in the holy place, seeing it is most holy, and God hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD?

Read Leviticus 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The heave shoulder and the wave breast shall they bring with the offerings made by fire of the fat, to wave it for a wave offering before the LORD; and it shall be thine, and thy sons' with thee, by a statute for ever; as the LORD hath commanded.

This verse falls within the section on Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire. The tragic death of Aaron's sons for offering unauthorized fire demonstrates the severity of approaching God improperly.

The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The tragic death of Aaron's sons for offering unauthorized fire demonstrates the severity of approaching God improperly. Chapters 8-10 describe the priesthood's consecration and early ministry. Aaron and his sons received special anointing for their mediatorial role between God and Israel. The tragic account of Nadab and Abihu (ch. 10) demonstrates that approaching God requires reverence and obedience. Ancient Near Eastern cultures had various sacrificial systems, but Israel's sacrificial worship was unique in its ethical foundation, monotheistic framework, and emphasis on atonement rather than appeasement. Unlike pagan rituals focused on manipulating deities, Israel's sacrifices acknowledged God's sovereignty and sought reconciliation based on His gracious provision. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
שׁ֣וֹק1 of 21

“shoulder”

H7785

the (lower) leg (as a runner)

הַתְּרוּמָ֞ה2 of 21

“The heave”

H8641

a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute

וַֽחֲזֵ֣ה3 of 21

“breast”

H2373

the breast (as most seen in front)

תְּנוּפָ֖ה4 of 21

“and the wave”

H8573

a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial offerings

עַ֣ל5 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אִשֵּׁ֤י6 of 21

“with the offerings made by fire”

H801

properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice

הַֽחֲלָבִים֙7 of 21

“of the fat”

H2459

fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part

יָבִ֔יאוּ8 of 21

“shall they bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לְהָנִ֥יף9 of 21

“to wave”

H5130

to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad

תְּנוּפָ֖ה10 of 21

“and the wave”

H8573

a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial offerings

לִפְנֵ֣י11 of 21

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָֽה׃12 of 21

“as the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְהָיָ֨ה13 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְךָ֜14 of 21
H0
וּלְבָנֶ֤יךָ15 of 21

“and it shall be thine and thy sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אִתְּךָ֙16 of 21
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

לְחָק17 of 21

“with thee by a statute”

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

עוֹלָ֔ם18 of 21

“for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר19 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֥ה20 of 21

“hath commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָֽה׃21 of 21

“as the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 10:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 10:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 7:341 Corinthians 9:13-14Genesis 17:8Genesis 17:17Genesis 13:15Genesis 17:13

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