And the right shoulder shall ye give unto the priest for an heave offering of the sacrifices of your peace offerings.

LEVITICUS 7:32KJV
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Leviticus 7:32 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 7:32 mean?

Leviticus 7:32 instructs the Israelites to give the right shoulder of their peace offerings to the priest as a special portion, called a heave offering. This verse sets apart a specific part of the animal sacrifice for the priest, recognizing his role in the sacrificial process.

In this section, God is giving Moses detailed instructions for the people of Israel about how to handle sacrifices, specifically the peace offerings. The right shoulder is singled out as the portion to be given to the priest, which highlights both the priest’s service and the shared nature of the offering. This command is part of a larger set of rules about which parts of the animal were to be eaten, shared, or given to God and the priests.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 7:32

  • The word for "right" is יָמִין (yamin), which refers to the right side, often considered the stronger or more honored side in ancient cultures. Giving the right shoulder emphasizes giving a choice or significant portion.
  • The word for "shoulder" is שׁוֹק (shoq), meaning the upper part of the animal’s leg, a valuable cut of meat. This shows the priest was not given leftovers, but a desirable part.
  • The word for "heave offering" is תְּרוּמָה (terumah), which means something lifted up or set apart for a special purpose. This signals that the offering is not just a gift, but a portion dedicated to God and given to the priest as His representative.

Why Leviticus 7:32 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the priests did not live off the land like the other tribes, but were supported by the offerings of the people, showing a system of provision for religious leaders.
  • The instruction connects to the broader theme of sharing sacred meals and responsibilities among God, the priests, and the people, highlighting the communal aspect of worship.
  • By specifying the right shoulder, the verse shows attention to detail in worship and respect for the roles within Israel’s community, which helps explain later references to priestly portions in the Old Testament.