King James Version

What Does Leviticus 7:34 Mean?

Leviticus 7:34 in the King James Version says “For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 7:34 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

35

This is the portion of the anointing of Aaron, and of the anointing of his sons, out of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, in the day when he presented them to minister unto the LORD in the priest's office;

36

Which the LORD commanded to be given them of the children of Israel, in the day that he anointed them, by a statute for ever throughout their generations.

Read Leviticus 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.
The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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 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. 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 understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
כִּי֩1 of 23
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֶת2 of 23
H853

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

חֲזֵ֨ה3 of 23

“breast”

H2373

the breast (as most seen in front)

הַתְּנוּפָ֜ה4 of 23

“For the wave”

H8573

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

וְאֵ֣ת׀5 of 23
H853

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

שׁ֣וֹק6 of 23

“shoulder”

H7785

the (lower) leg (as a runner)

הַתְּרוּמָ֗ה7 of 23

“and the heave”

H8641

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

לָקַ֙חְתִּי֙8 of 23

“have I taken”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֵאֵ֣ת9 of 23
H853

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

בְּנֵ֥י10 of 23

“and unto 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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃11 of 23

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מִזִּבְחֵ֖י12 of 23

“from off the sacrifices”

H2077

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

שַׁלְמֵיהֶ֑ם13 of 23

“of their peace offerings”

H8002

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

וָֽאֶתֵּ֣ן14 of 23

“and have given”

H5414

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

אֹ֠תָם15 of 23
H853

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

לְאַֽהֲרֹ֨ן16 of 23

“them unto Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

הַכֹּהֵ֤ן17 of 23

“the priest”

H3548

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

בְּנֵ֥י18 of 23

“and unto 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

לְחָק19 of 23

“by a statute”

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

עוֹלָ֔ם20 of 23

“for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

מֵאֵ֖ת21 of 23
H853

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

בְּנֵ֥י22 of 23

“and unto 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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃23 of 23

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 7:34 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 7:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 18:18-19Leviticus 10:14-15Leviticus 7:30-32Deuteronomy 18:3Exodus 29:9Leviticus 3:17

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