And he shall offer thereof his offering, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,

LEVITICUS 3:14KJV
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Leviticus 3:14 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 3:14 mean?

Leviticus 3:14 describes how, as part of a specific offering to God, the person making the sacrifice must present certain parts of the animal—specifically, the fat that covers and is on the inside organs—as an offering burned by fire to the LORD. This verse gives instructions about which parts of the animal are to be set aside for God during this ritual.

In context, these instructions are given by God to Moses for the Israelites, explaining the proper way to present a "peace offering" or fellowship offering. The focus on the fat and inner parts reflects ancient Israelite practices, where these portions were considered the best or most valuable, and were reserved for God as a sign of respect and devotion.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 3:14

  • "Offering" (קָרְבָּן, qorban): This word means a gift or something brought near, emphasizing that the sacrifice is meant to draw the worshiper closer to God.
  • "Fat" (חֵלֶב, chelev): This refers specifically to the rich, best parts of the animal, not just any fat, which were considered especially significant in offerings.
  • "Inwards" (קֶרֶב, qerev): This word points to the inner organs, highlighting that the offering involved the most vital and protected parts of the animal.
  • "Fire" (אֵשׁ, esh): The burning of these parts by fire was a key part of the ritual, symbolizing the complete giving over of these valuable portions to God.

Why Leviticus 3:14 matters

  • Leviticus 3:14 clarifies that not all parts of the animal were offered in the same way; some were specifically set apart for God, which shows the care and reverence involved in Israelite worship.
  • The verse helps explain why certain parts of animals were not eaten by the people but were instead burned, addressing questions about dietary and ritual practices in ancient Israel.
  • This instruction connects to the broader theme in Leviticus of holiness and separation, where the best portions are dedicated to God, reinforcing the idea of giving God what is most valuable.

Where else these words appear

“fire” Hebrew H801 · used in 64 verses

  • Exodus 29:18 And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • Leviticus 6:18 All the males among the children of Aaron shall eat of it. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations concerning the offerings of the LORD made by fire: every one that toucheth them shall be holy.
  • Leviticus 24:7 And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

“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 7:24 And the fat of the beast that dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn with beasts, may be used in any other use: but ye shall in no wise eat of it.
  • 1 Samuel 2:15 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.

“offering” Hebrew H7133 · used in 78 verses

  • Leviticus 1:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock.
  • Leviticus 7:29 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, He that offereth the sacrifice of his peace offerings unto the LORD shall bring his oblation unto the LORD of the sacrifice of his peace offerings.
  • Numbers 7:41 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

“covereth” Hebrew H3680 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 7:19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
  • 1 Samuel 19:13 And Michal took an image, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster, and covered it with a cloth.
  • Proverbs 24:31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.