King James Version

What Does Leviticus 7:4 Mean?

Leviticus 7:4 in the King James Version says “And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul that is above the liver, with the...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul that is above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away:”

Leviticus 7:4 · King James Version

Context

2

In the place where they kill the burnt offering shall they kill the trespass offering: and the blood thereof shall he sprinkle round about upon the altar.

3

And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof; the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards,

4

And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul that is above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away:

5

And the priest shall burn them upon the altar for an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a trespass offering.

6

Every male among the priests shall eat thereof: it shall be eaten in the holy place: it is most holy.

Read Leviticus 7 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul that is above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away:

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 New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with 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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

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

הַכְּלָיֹ֖ת3 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 on 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

“that is 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

הַכְּלָיֹ֖ת16 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 7:4 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 7:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 3:4

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