Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.

1 SAMUEL 2:15KJV
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1 Samuel 2:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 2:15 mean?

1 Samuel 2:15 describes how, before the fat of a sacrifice was burned as required by law, a servant of the priest would come and demand raw meat from the person offering the sacrifice, insisting that the priest wanted the meat to roast, not boiled. This shows that the priests were taking more than what was allowed, disregarding the proper sacrificial process.

In this setting, the verse is talking about the corrupt practices of the priests’ servants during the time of Eli. Instead of following the proper order—where the fat (which belonged to God) was to be burned first—the servant interrupts the process and insists on taking raw meat for the priest’s personal preference. This action highlights the growing abuse and disrespect for God’s instructions among the priests and their helpers.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 2:15

  • "fat" (חֵלֶב, ḥēlev): This word refers to the best or richest part of the animal, which was supposed to be burned as an offering to God. The fact that the fat was taken before it was burned shows a direct violation of the sacrificial law.
  • "roast" (צָלָה, tsālah): This word means to cook over fire, as opposed to boiling. The priest’s demand for roasted (not boiled) meat reflects a personal preference, putting his desires above the sacrificial rules.
  • "raw" (חַי, ḥay): This word literally means "alive" or "raw," emphasizing that the servant wanted the meat before it was even cooked or offered, showing impatience and disregard for the ritual.

Why 1 Samuel 2:15 matters

  • This verse exposes the corruption and self-indulgence of the priests, which is a major reason for God’s judgment against Eli’s household later in the chapter.
  • The detail about taking the fat before it was burned helps readers understand how seriously the priests were violating the law, not just in small ways but by directly taking what was meant for God.
  • Seeing the servants act on behalf of the priests shows that this was not just an individual failing but a broader problem within the priestly system at the time.

Where else these words appear

“roast” Hebrew H6740 · used in 3 verses

  • Isaiah 44:16 He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire:
  • Isaiah 44:19 And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?

“sodden” Hebrew H1310 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 40:10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:
  • Leviticus 8:31 And Moses said unto Aaron and to his sons, Boil the flesh at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and there eat it with the bread that is in the basket of consecrations, as I commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it.
  • 2 Kings 6:29 So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him: and she hath hid her son.

“fat” Hebrew H2459 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 4:4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
  • Leviticus 7:23 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.
  • Judges 3:22 And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out.

“burnt” Hebrew H6999 · used in 112 verses

  • Exodus 29:13 And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.
  • Leviticus 9:20 And they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burnt the fat upon the altar:
  • 2 Chronicles 28:4 He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.