And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat thereof, and the whole rump, it shall he take off hard by the backbone; and the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,

LEVITICUS 3:9KJV
Know the Bible

Leviticus 3:9 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 3:9 mean?

Leviticus 3:9 describes how, during a peace offering, the person making the sacrifice must present certain parts of the animal—specifically, the fat, the entire fatty tail (rump), and the fat covering the internal organs—as an offering burned on the altar for the LORD. These specific parts are to be carefully removed near the backbone and given to God as part of the ritual.

In this verse, God is giving Moses detailed instructions for the Israelites about how to prepare a peace offering, which was a type of sacrifice meant to express fellowship or gratitude. The focus on the fat and the "whole rump" reflects the value placed on these rich, choice parts of the animal in ancient Israelite culture, and the act of burning them was seen as giving the best portions to God.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 3:9

  • fat (חֵלֶב, chelev): This word refers to the animal's fat, which was considered the richest and most desirable part. In the sacrificial system, the fat was reserved for God, not for human consumption, highlighting its special status.
  • whole (תָּמִים, tamim): Here, "whole" describes the rump, meaning the entire fatty tail is to be offered, not just a portion. This emphasizes the completeness of the gift.
  • rump (אַלְיָה, alyah): This term points to the fatty tail of certain sheep breeds common in the region, which was especially prized. Its mention shows attention to local animal types and their significance.
  • backbone (עֶצֶה, etzeh): The instruction to remove the rump "hard by the backbone" means the tail is to be cut off close to where it joins the spine, ensuring the full portion is offered.

Why Leviticus 3:9 matters

  • Leviticus 3:9 clarifies that not all parts of the animal were treated the same; the best and richest portions were set aside for God, showing reverence and respect.
  • The verse helps explain the practical steps of sacrifice, connecting spiritual meaning with concrete actions and details.
  • Understanding which parts were offered and how ties this verse to the broader themes of holiness and dedication found throughout Leviticus, where giving the best to God is a recurring idea.

Where else these words appear

“rump” Hebrew H451 · used in 5 verses

  • Exodus 29:22 Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and the right shoulder; for it is a ram of consecration:
  • Leviticus 7:3 And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof; the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards,
  • Leviticus 8:25 And he took the fat, and the rump, and all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and the right shoulder:

“hard” Hebrew H5980 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 25:27 Over against the border shall the rings be for places of the staves to bear the table.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:12 Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.
  • Ezekiel 10:19 And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.

“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.