Leviticus 7:32 - The right thigh you shall give to the priest for a heave offering out of the sacrifices of your peace offerings.

Generated Verse: Leviticus 7:32

What does "Leviticus 7:32" mean?


This verse, Leviticus 7:32, specifies a portion of the peace offering that Israelites were required to give to the priest. Let's break down what it means:

"The right thigh": This refers to the right leg of the animal sacrificed as a peace offering. This was a specific cut of meat, considered a valuable portion.

"you shall give to the priest": This clearly states that the right thigh was to be given to the priest. Priests were the religious officials who performed the sacrifices and other rituals in the Tabernacle/Temple. This was part of their compensation for their service and a way for the people to support them.

"for a heave offering": The term "heave offering" (Hebrew: terumah) refers to something that is elevated or lifted up. It's often interpreted as a symbolic presentation to God before it is given to the priest. The act of "heaving" or lifting up the offering signified dedicating it to God before the priest received it.

"out of the sacrifices of your peace offerings": This clarifies that the right thigh was to be taken specifically from the animal sacrificed as a peace offering. Peace offerings were a type of sacrifice that could be offered for various reasons, including thanksgiving, vows, and fellowship with God.

In summary, Leviticus 7:32 mandates that the right thigh of an animal offered as a peace offering be given to the priest as a heave offering. This served multiple purposes:

Support for the priesthood: It provided sustenance for the priests and their families, allowing them to focus on their religious duties.
Worship and obedience: It was an act of obedience to God's commandments and an expression of worship.
Fellowship: The peace offering was a communal meal, and giving a portion to the priest reinforced the sense of community and shared faith.
Symbolic dedication: The "heave offering" symbolized the presentation of the gift to God before it was received by the priest.

Essentially, this verse is a practical instruction for how to properly perform the peace offering and support the priestly ministry within the Israelite community.

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