King James Version

What Does Leviticus 7:31 Mean?

Leviticus 7:31 in the King James Version says “And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar: but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'. — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 7:31 · KJV


Context

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.

33

He among the sons of Aaron, that offereth the blood of the peace offerings, and the fat, shall have the right shoulder for his part.


Commentary

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

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 Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְהִקְטִ֧יר1 of 9

shall burn

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

הַכֹּהֵ֛ן2 of 9

And the priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

אֶת3 of 9
H853

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

הַחֵ֖לֶב4 of 9

the fat

H2459

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חָה5 of 9

upon the altar

H4196

an altar

וְהָיָה֙6 of 9
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הֶֽחָזֶ֔ה7 of 9

but the breast

H2373

the breast (as most seen in front)

לְאַֽהֲרֹ֖ן8 of 9

shall be Aaron's

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וּלְבָנָֽיו׃9 of 9

and his sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or


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 7:31 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 7:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study