And this shall be the priest's due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.

DEUTERONOMY 18:3KJV
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Deuteronomy 18:3 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 18:3 mean?

Deuteronomy 18:3 explains that when an Israelite offers an ox or sheep as a sacrifice, certain parts of the animal—the shoulder, the two cheeks, and the maw—must be given to the priest as their rightful share. This rule sets out what the priests are to receive from the people’s sacrifices.

In this verse, Moses is instructing the Israelites about how to support the priests, who serve in religious duties and do not have land of their own. The verse lists specific parts of the sacrificed animals that belong to the priest, making clear the practical arrangements for their provision. This is part of a larger section where Moses outlines the rights and responsibilities of Israel’s religious leaders.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 18:3

  • "priest's" (כֹּהֵן, kohen): This word means "priest," referring to the descendants of Aaron who served in the sanctuary. The verse is about their entitlement from the sacrifices.
  • "due" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This word is often understood as "legal right" or "customary due," emphasizing that what the priest receives is not a gift but a rightful portion established by law.
  • "shoulder" (זְרוֹעַ, zeroa): This refers to the foreleg or shoulder of the animal, a valuable and meaty part, showing that the priest’s share was substantial and not just leftovers.
  • "maw" (קֵבָה, qebah): This word means the stomach or the inner part of the animal, which was considered a delicacy in ancient times. Its inclusion shows the priest received both practical and honored portions.

Why Deuteronomy 18:3 matters

  • Deuteronomy 18:3 clarifies that the priests’ support came from the community’s offerings, not from land or independent wealth, highlighting their dependence on the people’s faithfulness.
  • The verse shows that the priests’ share was determined by law, not by the generosity or mood of the giver, ensuring fairness and stability for those serving in religious roles.
  • This instruction connects to the broader theme in Deuteronomy of setting apart and providing for those who serve God and the community, reinforcing the importance of shared responsibility.

Where else these words appear

“cheeks” Hebrew H3895 · used in 20 verses

  • Judges 15:15 And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith.
  • Job 16:10 They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me.
  • Isaiah 50:6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

“sheep” Hebrew H7716 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 22:7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
  • Exodus 34:20 But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.
  • 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

“ox” Hebrew H7794 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 32:5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
  • Leviticus 17:3 What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp,
  • Judges 6:25 And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:

“shoulder” Hebrew H2220 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 49:24 But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob;(from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
  • Job 40:9 Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?
  • Isaiah 59:16 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.