Leviticus 3:15 - and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away.

Generated Verse: Leviticus 3:15

What does "Leviticus 3:15" mean?


Leviticus 3 deals with the "peace offering" (also called the fellowship offering or well-being offering). This verse, Leviticus 3:15, describes specific parts of the animal that are to be offered to God on the altar. Let's break it down:

"and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins...": This refers to both kidneys of the animal, along with the suet (solid, white fat) that surrounds them. The "loins" refer to the area of the lower back, where the kidneys are located.

"and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away": "The cover on the liver" is likely referring to the lobe of the liver. The Hebrew word here isn't definitively clear but is likely referring to the lobe that sits on top of the liver, along with its fatty covering. The instruction is that this is also to be removed.

What does it mean in the context of the peace offering?

Symbolically, it's believed that offering these parts to God had several layers of meaning:

The Best Portions: The fat around the internal organs was considered the richest and most desirable part of the animal. Offering these parts to God symbolized offering the best of what one had.
Internal Purity/Devotion: The kidneys and liver were seen as vital organs. The kidneys, in particular, were sometimes associated with inward desires and emotions. Offering these, along with their surrounding fat, may have represented a dedication of one's innermost thoughts and desires to God.
Acknowledgement of God's Ownership: All offerings were ultimately a way of acknowledging God's sovereignty and ownership of everything.

In summary, Leviticus 3:15 is a specific instruction detailing which parts of the animal were to be offered to God as part of the peace offering. This act had symbolic significance, representing the offering of the best, the dedication of one's inner self, and the acknowledgment of God's authority.

What categories does "Leviticus 3:15" have?