King James Version

What Does Leviticus 4:9 Mean?

Leviticus 4:9 in the King James Version says “And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidne...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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,”

Leviticus 4:9 · KJV

Context

7

And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

8

And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bullock for the sin offering; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,

9

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,

10

As it was taken off from the bullock of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall burn them upon the altar of the burnt offering.

11

And the skin of the bullock, and all his flesh, with his head, and with his legs, and his inwards, and his dung,

Read Leviticus 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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,

This verse falls within the section on Sin Offerings. The sin offering (חַטָּאת, chattat) provided atonement for unintentional sins, addressing the defilement sin causes in God's holy presence.


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 sin offering (חַטָּאת, chattat) provided atonement for unintentional sins, addressing the defilement sin causes in God's holy presence. 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. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  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 · 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

עֲלֵיהֶ֔ן7 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 upon 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 4:9 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 4:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 3:4

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