King James Version

What Does Leviticus 3:4 Mean?

Leviticus 3:4 in the King James Version says “And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away. caul: or, midriff over the liver, and over the kidneys”

Leviticus 3:4 · KJV

Context

2

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.

3

And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards, fat: or, suet

4

And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away. caul: or, midriff over the liver, and over the kidneys

5

And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which is upon the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

6

And if his offering for a sacrifice of peace offering unto the LORD be of the flock; male or female, he shall offer it without blemish.

Read Leviticus 3 full chapter

Commentary

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

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.


What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְאֵת֙1 of 17
H853

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

שְׁתֵּ֣י2 of 17

“And the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַכְּלָי֖וֹת3 of 17

“kidneys”

H3629

a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)

וְאֶת4 of 17
H853

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

הַחֵ֙לֶב֙5 of 17

“and the fat”

H2459

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 17
H834

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

עֲלֵהֶ֔ן7 of 17
H5921

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

אֲשֶׁ֖ר8 of 17
H834

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

עַל9 of 17
H5921

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

הַכְּסָלִ֑ים10 of 17

“that is on them which is by the flanks”

H3689

properly, fatness, i.e., by implication (literally) the loin (as the seat of the leaf fat) or (generally) the viscera; also (figuratively) silliness o

וְאֶת11 of 17
H853

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

הַיֹּתֶ֙רֶת֙12 of 17

“and the caul”

H3508

the lobe or flap of the liver (as if redundant or outhanging)

עַל13 of 17
H5921

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

הַכָּבֵ֔ד14 of 17

“above the liver”

H3516

the liver (as the heaviest of the viscera)

עַל15 of 17
H5921

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

הַכְּלָי֖וֹת16 of 17

“kidneys”

H3629

a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)

יְסִירֶֽנָּה׃17 of 17

“it shall he take away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

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 3:4 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 3:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 3:10Exodus 29:22Leviticus 8:25Leviticus 4:9Leviticus 9:10Exodus 29:13

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