Deuteronomy 18:3

Deuteronomy 18:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

This shall be the priests’ share from the people who offer a sacrifice, whether a bull or a sheep: the priests are to be given the shoulder, the jowls, and the stomach.

King James Version KJV

¶ And this shall be the priest’s due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.

American Standard Version ASV

And this shall be the priests’ due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep, that they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And this is to be the priests' right: those who make an offering of a sheep or an ox are to give to the priest the top part of the leg and the two sides of the head and the stomach.

Free Bible Version FBV

The priests' share of a sacrifice of a bull or a sheep that is brought by the people is as follows. The priests are to be given the shoulder, the jaw, and the insides.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And this shalbe the Priests duetie of the people, that they, which offer sacrifice, whether it be bullocke or sheepe, shall giue vnto the Priest the shoulder, and the two cheekes, and the mawe.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And this is the priest's right from the people, from those sacrificing a sacrifice, whether ox or sheep, he hath even given to the priest the leg, and the two cheeks, and the stomach;

World English Bible WEB

This shall be the priests’ due from the people, from those who offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep, that they shall give to the priest: the shoulder, the two cheeks, and the inner parts.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And this shall be the priest's due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether ox or sheep; and they shall give to the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

This shall be the priest’s due from the people, and from them that offer victims: whether they sacrifice an ox, or a sheep, they shall give to the priest the shoulder and the breast:

Translation for Translators T4T

“When the people bring an ox or a sheep to be sacrificed, they must give to the priests the shoulder, the cheeks/jaws, and the stomach of those animals.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 18:3

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 18:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/זֶ֡ה יִהְיֶה֩ מִשְׁפַּ֨ט הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֜ים מֵ/אֵ֣ת הָ/עָ֗ם מֵ/אֵ֛ת זֹבְחֵ֥י הַ/זֶּ֖בַח אִם שׁ֣וֹר אִם שֶׂ֑ה וְ/נָתַן֙ לַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן הַ/זְּרֹ֥עַ וְ/הַ/לְּחָיַ֖יִם וְ/הַ/קֵּבָֽה

וְ/זֶ֡ה zeh H2088 this Conj | Pron

יִהְיֶה֩ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

מִשְׁפַּ֨ט mishpâṭ H4941 justice N-ms

הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֜ים kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-mp

מֵ/אֵ֣ת ʼêth H854 with Prep | Prep

הָ/עָ֗ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

מֵ/אֵ֛ת ʼêth H854 with Prep | Prep

זֹבְחֵ֥י zâbach H2076 to sacrifice V-Qal

הַ/זֶּ֖בַח zebach H2077 sacrifice Art | N-ms

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

שׁ֣וֹר shôwr H7794 cattle N-ms

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

שֶׂ֑ה seh H7716 sheep N-cs

וְ/נָתַן֙ nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-3ms

לַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן kôhên H3548 priest Prep | N-ms

הַ/זְּרֹ֥עַ zᵉrôwaʻ H2220 arm Art | N-cs

וְ/הַ/לְּחָיַ֖יִם lᵉchîy H3895 jaw Conj | Art | N-cd

וְ/הַ/קֵּבָֽה qêbâh H6896 stomach Conj | Art | N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 18:3

וְ/זֶ֡ה zeh H2088 "this" Conj | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

יִהְיֶה֩ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

מִשְׁפַּ֨ט mishpâṭ H4941 "justice" N-ms

Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.

Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan

Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.

הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֜ים kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-mp

In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.

Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

מֵ/אֵ֣ת ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Prep

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

הָ/עָ֗ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

מֵ/אֵ֛ת ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Prep

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

זֹבְחֵ֥י zâbach H2076 "to sacrifice" V-Qal

To sacrifice means to slaughter an animal, usually for a religious offering, as seen in the Bible's instructions for worship. This term is used in many contexts, including sacrifices for eating or in divine judgment. It's often translated as 'kill' or 'offer' in the KJV.

Definition: 1) to slaughter, kill, sacrifice, slaughter for sacrifice 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter for sacrifice 1a2) to slaughter for eating 1a3) to slaughter in divine judgment 1b) (Piel) to sacrifice, offer sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: de.vach (דְּבַח "to sacrifice" H1684)

Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Kings 8:62; Psalms 4:6.

הַ/זֶּ֖בַח zebach H2077 "sacrifice" Art | N-ms

A sacrifice refers to the act of offering an animal's flesh to God, such as in the sacrifices of righteousness or the Passover. This term encompasses various types of sacrifices, including thank offerings and covenant sacrifices. The KJV translates it as 'offer' or 'sacrifice'.

Definition: 1) sacrifice 1a) sacrifices of righteousness 1b) sacrifices of strife 1c) sacrifices to dead things 1d) the covenant sacrifice 1e) the passover 1f) annual sacrifice 1g) thank offering

Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: offer(-ing), sacrifice. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Samuel 2:19; Psalms 4:6.

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather

Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.

שׁ֣וֹר shôwr H7794 "cattle" N-ms

This word refers to cattle, like oxen or bulls, used for work, food, or sacrifices, as seen in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: 1) ox, bull, a head of cattle 1a) for plowing, for food, as sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: tor (תּוֹר "bullock" H8450)

Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: bull(-ock), cow, ox, wall (by mistake for H7791 (שׁוּר)). See also: Genesis 32:6; Deuteronomy 15:19; Psalms 69:32.

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

שֶׂ֑ה seh H7716 "sheep" N-cs

This word refers to a sheep or goat, often used to describe a flock or young animal in the Bible. It is also related to the word for lamb.

Definition: 1) one of a flock, lamb, sheep, goat, young sheep, young goat 1a) sheep, goat 1b) flock (collective) Also means: zeh (זֶה "lamb" H2089)

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: (lesser, small) cattle, ewe, goat, lamb, sheep. Compare H2089 (זֶה). See also: Genesis 22:7; Deuteronomy 14:4; Psalms 119:176.

וְ/נָתַן֙ nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

לַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן kôhên H3548 "priest" Prep | N-ms

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

הַ/זְּרֹ֥עַ zᵉrôwaʻ H2220 "arm" Art | N-cs

The Hebrew word for arm refers to the arm as stretched out, symbolizing strength, force, or power, as seen in the KJV translations of arm, mighty, and strength.

Definition: 1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength 1a) arm 1b) arm (as symbol of strength) 1c) forces (political and military) 1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)

Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength. See also: Genesis 49:24; Proverbs 31:17; Psalms 10:15.

וְ/הַ/לְּחָיַ֖יִם lᵉchîy H3895 "jaw" Conj | Art | N-cd

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the jaw or cheek, often referring to the jawbone of an animal. It appears in the story of Samson, who used a donkey's jawbone to defeat 1000 men. The word is also used to describe the jawbone of animals in general.

Definition: 1) jaw, cheek 1a) jaw, jawbone (of animal) 1b) cheek (of man)

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: cheek (bone), jaw (bone). See also: Deuteronomy 18:3; Song of Solomon 1:10; Psalms 3:8.

וְ/הַ/קֵּבָֽה qêbâh H6896 "stomach" Conj | Art | N-fs

The stomach or belly is mentioned in Exodus 29:22 and Leviticus 8:25. It refers to the first stomach of animals that chew their cud, like cows, or the belly of a person, including a pregnant woman.

Definition: 1) stomach, belly, maw 1a) stomach (of sacrificial victim) 1b) belly (of woman)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: maw. See also: Deuteronomy 18:3.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 18:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 18:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 18:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 18:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:3
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 18:3
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 18:3
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:3

Context — Provision for Priests and Levites

1The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the food offerings to the LORD; that is their inheritance. 2Although they have no inheritance among their brothers, the LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them.

3This shall be the priests’ share from the people who offer a sacrifice, whether a bull or a sheep: the priests are to be given the shoulder, the jowls, and the stomach.

4You are to give them the firstfruits of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the first wool sheared from your flock. 5For the LORD your God has chosen Levi and his sons out of all your tribes to stand and minister in His name for all time.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Leviticus 7:30–34	With his own hands he is to bring the offerings made by fire to the LORD; he shall bring the fat, together with the breast, and wave the breast as a wave offering before the LORD. The priest is to burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons. And you are to give the right thigh to the priest as a contribution from your peace offering. The son of Aaron who presents the blood and fat of the peace offering shall have the right thigh as a portion. I have taken from the sons of Israel the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the contribution of their peace offerings, and I have given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as a permanent portion from the sons of Israel.’”
2	Deuteronomy 12:27	Present the meat and blood of your burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD your God. The blood of your other sacrifices must be poured out beside the altar of the LORD your God, but you may eat the meat.

Deuteronomy 18:3 Summary

This verse is talking about how the priests, who were responsible for ministering to the people, were to be taken care of by the people. They were given specific parts of the animal sacrifices, like the shoulder, jowls, and stomach, to provide for their livelihood. This shows us that God cares for those who serve Him, and that He will provide for our needs, just like He provided for the priests. As it says in Matthew 6:33, when we seek first God's kingdom and righteousness, He will provide for our needs, and we can trust in His care for us, just like the priests trusted in God's provision for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of giving the priests the shoulder, jowls, and stomach of the sacrifices?

The purpose was to provide for the priests' livelihood, as they did not have an inheritance of land like the other tribes, as stated in Deuteronomy 18:1-2. This provision was a way for God to care for them as they ministered to the people.

Why were the priests given specific parts of the animal sacrifices?

The specific parts given to the priests, such as the shoulder, jowls, and stomach, were likely chosen because they were considered choice cuts of meat, and this provision was a way for God to show His care and provision for the priests, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:1, where it is stated that the LORD is their inheritance.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's provision for His people?

This verse highlights God's care and provision for the priests, who were responsible for ministering to the people, and it reflects the broader theme of God's provision for His people, as seen in verses like Psalm 37:25, where it is written that God will provide for those who trust in Him.

What can we learn from the priests' dependence on the people for their livelihood?

We can learn that God often uses human means to provide for His people, and that our dependence on Him is reflected in our dependence on others, as seen in Acts 2:44-45, where the early church shared their resources to care for one another.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that God provides for me, and how can I show gratitude for His care?
How can I, like the priests, trust in God's provision and care for my needs, even when I don't have control over my circumstances?
What are some ways that I can minister to others, like the priests ministered to the people, and how can I trust God to provide for my needs as I do so?
How can I balance my desire for financial security with my trust in God's provision, and what does this verse teach me about God's care for those who serve Him?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 18:3

And this shall be the priest's due from the people, from them that offer sacrifice,.... Not from the priests, as Jarchi observes, but from those that bring the sacrifices to the priests, particularly

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 18:3

And this shall be the priest's due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:3

A sacrifice, to wit, a sacrifice of thanksgiving, or a peace-offering, as appears from ,33, which is ofttimes called simply a sacrifice, as ,8 Numbers 15:3 . The shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw. Quest. How doth this agree with other texts, in which the shoulder and the breast, and those parts only, are the priest’ s due, not the cheeks and maw? Answ. 1. Who shall tie God’ s hands? what if he now makes an addition, and enlargeth the priest’ s commons? Nothing more usual than for one scripture to supply what is lacking in another, and for a latter law of God to add to a former. 2. The breast may be here omitted, because it is comprehended under the shoulder, to which it is commonly joined, and with which it was waved before the Lord. 3. The Hebrew word here rendered maw or stomach, which was reckoned among dainties by the ancients, is not to my remembrance used elsewhere, and therefore it may have another signification, and some render it the breast, others take it for the uppermost part of the stomach, which lies under the breast.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:3

XVIII. Deuteronomy 18:1-5. THE PBIESTS’ DUE.(1) The priests the Levites, (and) all the tribe of Levi.—The fact that there is no “and” here in the original, and the look of the sentence in English, might dispose a superficial reader to find some ground here for the theory that priest and Levite are not distinguished in Deuteronomy. No such idea occurred to Rashi. He says, “all the tribe of Levi, not only those that are perfect (who can serve), but those who have a blemish (and cannot).” The distinction between priest and Levite has already been sufficiently noted on Deuteronomy 11:6; Deuteronomy 17:9. The passage is evidently on the same lines with Numbers 18:18-21, which see. (3) The shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.—This would be from the peace offering. The shoulder is assigned to them in Leviticus 7:32-33 (comp. Numbers 18:18). The “two cheeks and the maw” are not mentioned elsewhere, and the latter word is found in this place only. They are not a valuable part of the sacrifice. An absurd reason for the gift is assigned by Rashi. We know that in the time of Eli, the priests varied their requirements at pleasure, and in the face of the law (see 1 Samuel 2:13). The “priests’ due “here, and “the priests’ custom” there, are the same word in Hebrew, which we have elsewhere translated “requirement.” (4) The flrstfruit also of thy corn.—See Numbers 18:12. The first of the wool is mentioned here only. The quantity in all these cases has been defined by the Rabbis, on grounds somewhat arbitrary. (5) To stand to minister in the name of the Lord.—This is the office of the priests. The Levites are said, “to stand before the congregation to minister unto them” (Numbers 16:9). If the writer of Deuteronomy knew no distinction between priest and Levite, it is difficult to see how the Jews could have derived the distinctive privileges of the priests from these enactments.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:3

Verse 3. Offer a sacrifice] זבחי הזבח zobechey hazzebach. The word זבח zebach is used to signify, not only an animal sacrificed to the Lord, but also one killed for common use. See Genesis 46:1; Proverbs 17:1; Ezekiel 39:17. And in this latter sense it probably should be understood here; and, consequently, the command in this verse relates to what the people were to allow the priests and Levites from the animals slain for common use. The parts to be given to the priests were, 1. The shoulder, probably cut off from the beast with the skin on; so Maimonides. 2. The two cheeks, which may include the whole head. 3. The maw - the whole of those intestines which are commonly used for food.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 18:3

3. And this shall be the priests’ due, etc.] Heb. mishpaṭ ?, as in 1 Samuel 2:13, where render: and the priests’ due from the people. from them that offer a sacrifice] Heb. slay, or sacrifice, a sacrifice, a comprehensive phrase including every victim offered at the Altar where alone sacrifice was valid. This precludes the various theories suggested with the view of reconciling D’s law with that of P (see next note), viz. (1) that the law refers not to animals offered at the Temple but to those slain for food at home (Deuteronomy 12:15 f.); (2) that it refers only to the eating of firstlings (Deuteronomy 12:17 f., Deuteronomy 15:20); (3) that it refers to more dues to the priests, additional to those prescribed in P. the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw] According to 1 Samuel 2:12-17 the earlier practice had been that the priest’s servant with a three-pronged fork took what he could for his master out of the caldron in which the victim was being boiled for the worshippers; and it was regarded as a sinful innovation when the sons of Eli demanded to receive their portions while the flesh was still raw, no doubt in order that they might secure certain definite parts of the animal. This claim the law in D now legalises, naming the pieces of the victim to be given to the priest. P represents a later development, and prescribes still better pieces, the breast and the right thigh (Leviticus 7:31 ff; Leviticus 10:14 f., Numbers 18:18). For the gradual increase of the priests’ dues and of their other sources of revenue from D onwards, see Jerusalem, i. 354–366.

Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 18:3

For “maw” read stomach, which was regarded as one of the richest and choicest parts.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:3

3. The gifts which are here mentioned are to be given to the priests, for the distinction between priest and Levite is here observed.* The shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw — By the word

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