And the fat of the bullock and of the ram, the rump, and that which covereth the inwards, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver:

LEVITICUS 9:19KJV
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Leviticus 9:19 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 9:19 mean?

Leviticus 9:19 lists specific parts of the bull and ram—the fat, the rump, the parts covering the inner organs, the kidneys, and the caul above the liver—that were set aside during a sacrificial ceremony. These details show which portions of the animals were to be offered as part of the ritual sacrifices in ancient Israel.

In this scene, Moses is instructing Aaron and his sons, the newly appointed priests, on how to carry out their first official sacrifices at the Tabernacle. The verse is part of a step-by-step description of the offerings, highlighting the importance of following God’s instructions exactly, down to which animal parts were to be used.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 9:19

  • fat (חֵלֶב, chelev): This word refers to the specific fatty portions of the animal, which were considered the best and were always reserved for God in sacrifices.
  • rump (אַלְיָה, alyah): This term points to the fat tail, especially notable in certain breeds of sheep, and shows the attention to detail in which parts were valued in the offering.
  • covereth (מַסְכֶּה, maskeh): This word describes the membrane or layer that covers the inner organs, indicating that not just the organs themselves but also their coverings were significant in the ritual.
  • caul (יֹתֶרֶת, yoteret): This refers to a lobe or appendage of the liver, a detail that shows the precision of the instructions for sacrifice.

Why Leviticus 9:19 matters

  • Leviticus 9:19 clarifies that not all parts of the animal were offered; only specific, valued portions were set aside for God, which shows the seriousness and care in Israel’s worship practices.
  • The verse connects to the surrounding passage by showing that the priests were learning to follow God’s commands exactly, emphasizing obedience and respect for sacred rituals.
  • Understanding the exact parts mentioned helps modern readers see that ancient sacrifices were not random or careless, but carefully regulated acts with deep meaning for the people involved.

Where else these words appear

“covereth” Hebrew H4374 · used in 4 verses

  • Isaiah 14:11 Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.
  • Isaiah 23:18 And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.
  • Ezekiel 27:7 Fine linen with broidered work from Egypt was that which thou spreadest forth to be thy sail; blue and purple from the isles of Elishah was that which covered thee.

“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 3:9 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 7:3 And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof; the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards,

“caul” Hebrew H3508 · used in 11 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 3:10 And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.
  • Leviticus 7:4 And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul that is above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away:

“liver” Hebrew H3516 · used in 14 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 3:15 And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.
  • 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: