Updated January 21, 2025
Leviticus 3 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
1 And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the Lord.
2 And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.
3 And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the Lord; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,
4 And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.
5 And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which is upon the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord.
6 And if his offering for a sacrifice of peace offering unto the Lord be of the flock; male or female, he shall offer it without blemish.
Leviticus Chapter 3 (Old Testament)
7 If he offer a lamb for his offering, then shall he offer it before the Lord.
8 And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons shall sprinkle the blood thereof round about upon the altar.
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,
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.
11 And the priest shall burn it upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire unto the Lord.
12 And if his offering be a goat, then he shall offer it before the Lord.
Leviticus Chapter 3 (Old Testament)
13 And he shall lay his hand upon the head of it, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle the blood thereof upon the altar round about.
14 And he shall offer thereof his offering, even an offering made by fire unto the Lord; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,
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.
16 And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat is the Lord's.
17 It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.
Hebrew Word + Transliteration + Meaning Verse + Snippet Scholarly Notes זֶבַח — zevach — “sacrifice” Verse 1 — “And if his offering be a sacrifice of peace offering…” Zevach (“sacrifice”) highlights a slaughtered victim presented to God (“sacrifice”). In Leviticus 3 it is closely bound to fellowship and shared meals between God and worshipper. The term frames the whole rite as communion through shed blood. — C. F. Keil, Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament: Leviticus שְׁלָמִים — shelamim — “peace offerings / fellowship offerings” Verse 1 — “…a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd…” Shelamim (“peace offerings”) springs from the root shalom, suggesting wholeness, well-being, and restored harmony (“peace/fellowship offering”). It embodies gratitude, vow fulfilment, and freewill praise. The term underscores covenant fellowship enjoyed at God’s table. — Andrew A. Bonar, A Commentary on the Book of Leviticus קָרְבָּן — qorban — “offering brought near” Verse 1 — “…if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.” Qorban (“offering”) denotes something brought near to God (“offering brought near”). It stresses approach to the divine presence rather than mere loss of property. The term shows that the worshipper draws near by means of the victim. — Samuel H. Kellogg, The Book of Leviticus תָּמִים — tamim — “without blemish, whole” Verse 1 — “…he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.” Tamim (“without blemish”) expresses wholeness and integrity (“unblemished/whole”). The requirement protects the symbolism of a perfect substitute. The term points forward to the flawless obedience of the Messiah. — James G. Murphy, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on Leviticus חֵלֶב — chelev — “fat, best part” Verse 3 — “…he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat…” Chelev (“fat”) signifies the richest part of the animal (“fat/best part”). By reserving it for God, the law teaches that the choicest belongs to Him. The term expresses honor and consecration of the best. — C. F. Keil, Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament: Leviticus קֶרֶב — qerev — “inner parts, midst” Verse 3 — “…the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards.” Qerev (“inner parts”) points to the inmost region of the body (“inward parts/midst”). Its use in the rite hints at God’s claim upon the deepest life of the worshipper. The term symbolizes interior devotion, not outward form alone. — Andrew A. Bonar, A Commentary on the Book of Leviticus כָּבֵד — kavēd — “liver” (lit. “heavy”) Verse 4 — “…the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver…” Kavēd (“liver”) literally derives from a root meaning “heavy” (“liver/heavy organ”). In Hebrew physiology it was viewed as a vital seat of life. The term’s inclusion underlines that the whole life-principle is God’s. — Samuel H. Kellogg, The Book of Leviticus קָרַב — qarav — “to draw near, present” Verse 6 — “And if his offering for a sacrifice of peace offering unto the LORD be of the flock…” Qarav (“to draw near”) in sacrificial contexts means to bring something into God’s presence (“present/approach”). The verb stresses that worship is approach, not mere ritual. The term captures the Godward movement of the entire ceremony. — James G. Murphy, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on Leviticus מִזְבֵּחַ — mizbeach — “altar” Verse 9 — “…Aaron’s sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice…” Mizbeach (“altar”) is the place of slaughter and ascent (“altar”). It mediates between the sinful worshipper and the holy God. The term reminds that acceptance comes only through God-appointed sacrifice. — C. F. Keil, Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament: Leviticus רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ — reiach nichoach — “pleasing aroma” Verse 16 — “…it is the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour…” Reiach nichoach (“pleasing aroma”) anthropomorphically describes God’s satisfaction (“sweet savour/soothing aroma”). It signals that the offering has met His holy requirements. The phrase anticipates the Father’s full delight in the obedience of Christ. — Andrew A. Bonar, A Commentary on the Book of Leviticus
Leviticus Chapter 3
Verse: Leviticus 3:16 - "The priest shall burn them on the altar as a food offering, a pleasing aroma. All the fat is the Lord’s."
Lesson: Leviticus Chapter 3 describes the peace offering, which was an offering of thanksgiving to God. This chapter emphasizes the importance of sharing with others, as part of the offering was given to the priest and the rest was eaten by the offerer and their guests. The verse above reminds us that everything we have belongs to God, and it is our responsibility to share our blessings with others as an act of gratitude.
What's Next? Read Our Bible Verses About Life With Purpose and Encouragement
Conclusion: The peace offering was a way for the Israelites to express their gratitude to God and recognize His provision in their lives. As Christians, we are also called to give thanks to God and share our blessings with others. We must remember that everything we have comes from God, and we should use our resources to glorify Him.
Prayer points: Thank God for His provision in your life and ask for opportunities to bless others. Pray for a heart of gratitude and a willingness to share with others.
What's Next? Get A Piano Lesson in Houston or Online from The Alive Christians' School of Music
