King James Version

What Does Leviticus 7:32 Mean?

Leviticus 7:32 in the King James Version says “And the right shoulder shall ye give unto the priest for an heave offering of the sacrifices of your peace offerings. — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 7:32 · KJV


Context

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.

34

For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons by a statute for ever from among the children of Israel.


Commentary

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

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. 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 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 can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְאֵת֙1 of 8
H853

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

שׁ֣וֹק2 of 8

shoulder

H7785

the (lower) leg (as a runner)

הַיָּמִ֔ין3 of 8

And the right

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

תִּתְּנ֥וּ4 of 8

shall ye give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

תְרוּמָ֖ה5 of 8

for an heave offering

H8641

a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute

לַכֹּהֵ֑ן6 of 8

unto the priest

H3548

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

מִזִּבְחֵ֖י7 of 8

of the sacrifices

H2077

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

שַׁלְמֵיכֶֽם׃8 of 8

of your peace offerings

H8002

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


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 7:32 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 7:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study