King James Version
What Does Leviticus 3:17 Mean?
“It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.”
Context
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.
17
It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(17) **A perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings.**—Better, *a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings; *so the Authorised Version in the only three other passages in which it occurs. (Comp. Leviticus 23:14; Leviticus 23:21, where it is inverted; and 31.) That is, the law not to eat fat of beeves, sheep, or goats, is to be binding upon the Israelites throughout all their future generations, and is applicable to any place wherever they may dwell. As the full legislative formula only occurs four times in the Pentateuch, and is restricted to this book, it is important to render it uniformly in all the four passages. For the import of this statute see Leviticus 7:23-25.
**Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 3:17 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 3:17
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge