King James Version

What Does Leviticus 3:9 Mean?

Leviticus 3:9 in the King James Version says “And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat thereof, and t...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat thereof, and the whole rump, it shall he take off hard by the backbone; and the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,”

Leviticus 3:9 · KJV

Peace

Context

7

If he offer a lamb for his offering, then shall he offer it before the LORD.

8

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

9

And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat thereof, and the whole rump, it shall he take off hard by the backbone; and the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,

10

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.

11

And the priest shall burn it upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Read Leviticus 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat thereof, and the whole rump, it shall he take off hard by the backbone; and 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.
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. 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 can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְהִקְרִ֨יב1 of 22

“And he shall offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

מִזֶּ֣בַח2 of 22

“of the sacrifice”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

הַשְּׁלָמִים֮3 of 22

“of the peace offering”

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

אִשֶּׁ֣ה4 of 22

“an offering made by fire”

H801

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

לַֽיהוָה֒5 of 22

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

הַחֵ֔לֶב6 of 22

“and all the fat”

H2459

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

הָֽאַלְיָ֣ה7 of 22

“rump”

H451

the stout part, i.e., the fat tail of the middle eastern sheep

תְמִימָ֔ה8 of 22

“thereof and the whole”

H8549

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

לְעֻמַּ֥ת9 of 22

“hard”

H5980

conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with

הֶֽעָצֶ֖ה10 of 22

“by the backbone”

H6096

the spine (as giving firmness to the body)

יְסִירֶ֑נָּה11 of 22

“it shall he take off”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

וְאֶת12 of 22
H853

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

הַחֵ֔לֶב13 of 22

“and all the fat”

H2459

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

הַֽמְכַסֶּ֣ה14 of 22

“that covereth”

H3680

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

אֶת15 of 22
H853

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

הַקֶּֽרֶב׃16 of 22

“that is upon the inwards”

H7130

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

וְאֵת֙17 of 22
H853

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

כָּל18 of 22
H3605

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

הַחֵ֔לֶב19 of 22

“and all the fat”

H2459

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

אֲשֶׁ֖ר20 of 22
H834

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

עַל21 of 22
H5921

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

הַקֶּֽרֶב׃22 of 22

“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 3:9 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 3:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 29:22Leviticus 9:19Leviticus 8:25Leviticus 7:3Leviticus 3:3-4Proverbs 23:26

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