King James Version

What Does Leviticus 7:30 Mean?

Leviticus 7:30 in the King James Version says “His own hands shall bring the offerings of the LORD made by fire, the fat with the breast, it shall he bring, that the b...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“His own hands shall bring the offerings of the LORD made by fire, the fat with the breast, it shall he bring, that the breast may be waved for a wave offering before the LORD.”

Leviticus 7:30 · KJV

Context

28

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

29

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, He that offereth the sacrifice of his peace offerings unto the LORD shall bring his oblation unto the LORD of the sacrifice of his peace offerings.

30

His own hands shall bring the offerings of the LORD made by fire, the fat with the breast, it shall he bring, that the breast may be waved for a wave offering before the LORD.

31

And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar: but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'.

32

And the right shoulder shall ye give unto the priest for an heave offering of the sacrifices of your peace offerings.

Read Leviticus 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
His own hands shall bring the offerings of the LORD made by fire, the fat with the breast, it shall he bring, that the breast may be waved for a wave offering before the LORD.

This verse falls within the section on Further Offering Regulations. Additional laws concerning offerings, including prohibitions on eating fat and blood, establishing boundaries for holy things.

The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Additional laws concerning offerings, including prohibitions on eating fat and blood, establishing boundaries for holy things. 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 tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
יָדָ֣יו1 of 17

“His own hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יְבִיאֶ֔נּוּ2 of 17

“it shall he bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵ֖ת3 of 17
H853

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

אִשֵּׁ֣י4 of 17

“made by fire”

H801

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

יְהוָֽה׃5 of 17

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶת6 of 17
H853

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

הַחֵ֤לֶב7 of 17

“the fat”

H2459

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

עַל8 of 17
H5921

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

הֶֽחָזֶ֗ה9 of 17

“that the breast”

H2373

the breast (as most seen in front)

יְבִיאֶ֔נּוּ10 of 17

“it shall he bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵ֣ת11 of 17
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הֶֽחָזֶ֗ה12 of 17

“that the breast”

H2373

the breast (as most seen in front)

לְהָנִ֥יף13 of 17

“may be waved”

H5130

to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad

אֹת֛וֹ14 of 17
H853

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

תְּנוּפָ֖ה15 of 17

“for a wave offering”

H8573

a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial offerings

לִפְנֵ֥י16 of 17

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָֽה׃17 of 17

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

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 7:30 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 7:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 6:20Leviticus 3:14Leviticus 3:3-4Leviticus 3:9Leviticus 9:21Psalms 110:3

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