And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar: but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'.

LEVITICUS 7:31KJV
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Leviticus 7:31 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 7:31 mean?

Leviticus 7:31 explains that the priest is to burn the fat of the sacrifice on the altar, but the breast portion of the animal is to be given to Aaron and his sons, who are the priests. This verse sets out how the parts of a peace offering are divided between the altar and the priests.

In this part of Leviticus, God is giving Moses instructions for the Israelites about offerings and sacrifices. The focus here is on the peace offering, a type of sacrifice made for fellowship with God. The verse shows that while certain parts of the animal (the fat) are burned as an offering to God, other parts (the breast) are designated as food for the priests, Aaron and his sons, as part of their share from the offerings.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 7:31

  • The word for "priest" is כֹּהֵן (kohen), which refers to someone from Aaron’s family who serves in the sanctuary. This highlights that only those set apart as priests could perform this ritual.
  • The word for "burn" is קָטַר (qatar), which means to offer something up in smoke, specifically as a sacrifice. This isn’t just burning for disposal; it’s a ritual act meant to send the offering up to God.
  • The word for "fat" is חֵלֶב (chelev), which refers to the specific fatty portions of the animal that were considered the best and most sacred part, reserved for God.
  • The word for "altar" is מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach), the special structure where sacrifices were made, marking this as a formal act of worship.
  • The word for "breast" is חָזֶה (chazeh), meaning the chest or breast of the animal, which was given as a special portion to the priests.

Why Leviticus 7:31 matters

  • Leviticus 7:31 clarifies that not all parts of a sacrifice were burned; some were set aside for the priests, showing how God provided for those serving in the sanctuary.
  • The verse emphasizes the careful division of offerings, which helps explain the priestly system and the practical needs of those who led worship in ancient Israel.
  • This instruction connects to the wider passage by showing the detailed organization of worship and sacrifice, highlighting both reverence for God and care for the priestly families.

Where else these words appear

“breast” Hebrew H2373 · used in 12 verses

  • Exodus 29:26 And thou shalt take the breast of the ram of Aaron's consecration, and wave it for a wave offering before the LORD: and it shall be thy part.
  • Leviticus 7:34 For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons by a statute for ever from among the children of Israel.
  • Leviticus 10:14 And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place; thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: for they be thy due, and thy sons' due, which are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.

“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.
  • 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.

“burn” 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 16:25 And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn 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.