King James Version

What Does Leviticus 3:14 Mean?

Leviticus 3:14 in the King James Version says “And he shall offer thereof his offering, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covereth the inwards,...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he shall offer thereof his offering, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,”

Leviticus 3:14 · KJV

Context

12

And if his offering be a goat, then he shall offer it before the LORD.

13

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of it, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle the blood thereof upon the altar round about.

14

And he shall offer thereof his offering, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,

15

And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.

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.

Read Leviticus 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he shall offer thereof his offering, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,

This verse falls within the section on Peace Offerings. The peace offering (שְׁלָמִים, shelamim) celebrated fellowship with God and community, with portions shared between God, priests, and worshipers.

The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The peace offering (שְׁלָמִים, shelamim) celebrated fellowship with God and community, with portions shared between God, priests, and worshipers. Leviticus was given to Israel at Mount Sinai, shortly after the tabernacle's construction described in Exodus. The name 'Leviticus' (from Latin Leviticus, referring to the Levites) reflects its focus on priestly duties, though the Hebrew title Wayyiqra ('And He called') emphasizes God's initiative in revealing these laws. The first seven chapters detail the five main offerings, providing both worshiper instructions and priestly procedures. 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. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְהִקְרִ֤יב1 of 16

“And he shall offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙2 of 16
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

קָרְבָּנ֔וֹ3 of 16

“thereof his offering”

H7133

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

אִשֶּׁ֖ה4 of 16

“even an offering made by fire”

H801

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

לַֽיהוָ֑ה5 of 16

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶת6 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַחֵ֔לֶב7 of 16

“and all the fat”

H2459

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

הַֽמְכַסֶּ֣ה8 of 16

“that covereth”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

אֶת9 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַקֶּֽרֶב׃10 of 16

“that is upon the inwards”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

וְאֵת֙11 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל12 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַחֵ֔לֶב13 of 16

“and all the fat”

H2459

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

אֲשֶׁ֖ר14 of 16
H834

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

עַל15 of 16
H5921

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

הַקֶּֽרֶב׃16 of 16

“that is upon the inwards”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

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 3:14 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 3:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 22:14-15Romans 12:1-2Proverbs 23:26Jeremiah 20:18Leviticus 3:9-11Matthew 26:38

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