Leviticus 3:15
Leviticus 3:15 in Multiple Translations
both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys.
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.
and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the loins, and the caul upon the liver, with the kidneys, shall he take away.
And the two kidneys, with the fat on them, which is by the top part of the legs, and the fat joining the liver and the kidneys, let him take away;
both kidneys with the fat on them by the loins, and the best part of the liver, which you are to remove together with the kidneys.
Also hee shall take away the two kidneis, and the fat that is vpon them, and vpon ye flankes, and the kall vpon the liuer with the kidneis.
and the two kidneys, and the fat which [is] upon them, which [is] on the flanks, and the redundance above the liver, (beside the kidneys he doth turn it aside),
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.
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, that shall he take away.
The two little kidneys with the caul that is upon them which is by the flanks, and the fat of the liver with the little kidneys:
the kidneys with the fat that is on them near the lower back muscle, and the fat that covers the liver.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 3:15
BAB
Word Study
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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.
Leviticus 3:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֵת֙
שְׁתֵּ֣י
הַ/כְּלָיֹ֔ת
וְ/אֶת
הַ/חֵ֨לֶב֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
עֲלֵ/הֶ֔ן
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
עַל
הַ/כְּסָלִ֑ים
וְ/אֶת
הַ/יֹּתֶ֨רֶת֙
עַל
הַ/כָּבֵ֔ד
עַל
הַ/כְּלָיֹ֖ת
יְסִירֶֽ/נָּה
וְ/אֵת֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
שְׁתֵּ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
הַ/כְּלָיֹ֔ת
kilyâh
H3629
kidney
Art | N-fp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/חֵ֨לֶב֙
cheleb
H2459
fat
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עֲלֵ/הֶ֔ן
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/כְּסָלִ֑ים
keçel
H3689
loin
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/יֹּתֶ֨רֶת֙
yôthereth
H3508
lobe
Art | N-fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/כָּבֵ֔ד
kâbêd
H3516
liver
Art | N-fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/כְּלָיֹ֖ת
kilyâh
H3629
kidney
Art | N-fp
יְסִירֶֽ/נָּה
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 3:15
וְ/אֵת֙
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שְׁתֵּ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
הַ/כְּלָיֹ֔ת
kilyâh
H3629
"kidney"
Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to the kidneys, which were considered essential organs, and also symbolized the mind and emotions. It appears in passages like Psalm 7:9 and Revelation 2:23. The kidneys were thought to be the seat of feelings and affections.
Definition: 1) kidneys 1a) of physical organ (lit.) 1b) of seat of emotion and affection (fig.) 1c) of sacrificial animals 2) (TWOT) reins
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: kidneys, reins. See also: Exodus 29:13; Job 19:27; Psalms 7:10.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/חֵ֨לֶב֙
cheleb
H2459
"fat"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, cheleb refers to fat, whether literal or figurative, representing the richest or best part of something. It can describe the choicest products of the land or the best of human or animal fat. This term is used to convey abundance and richness.
Definition: 1) fat 1a) fat (of humans) 1b) fat (of beasts) 1c) choicest, best part, abundance (of products of the land)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] best, fat(-ness), [idiom] finest, grease, marrow. See also: Genesis 4:4; Leviticus 9:24; Psalms 17:10.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עֲלֵ/הֶ֔ן
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/כְּסָלִ֑ים
keçel
H3689
"loin"
Art | N-mp
This term can refer to the physical loin area, but also to confidence, hope, or foolishness, depending on the context, such as in Psalm 38:10. It's about where we place our trust or confidence.
Definition: 1) loins, flank 2) stupidity, folly 3) confidence, hope
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: confidence, flank, folly, hope, loin. See also: Leviticus 3:4; Job 15:27; Psalms 38:8.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/יֹּתֶ֨רֶת֙
yôthereth
H3508
"lobe"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for the lobe or flap of the liver, specifically referring to the caudate lobe of a sacrificial animal's liver. It was an important part in ancient Jewish sacrifices, often translated as 'caul' in the KJV Bible.
Definition: appendage, overhang, protrusion, the caudate lobe of the liver of a sacrificial animal
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: caul. See also: Exodus 29:13; Leviticus 4:9; Leviticus 9:19.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/כָּבֵ֔ד
kâbêd
H3516
"liver"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for liver, it refers to the heaviest organ in the body, as seen in biblical descriptions of animal sacrifices. It is often translated as liver in the KJV. This term appears in Leviticus and other books discussing ritual practices.
Definition: 1) the liver 1a) the liver (as the heaviest organ)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: liver. See also: Exodus 29:13; Leviticus 8:16; Proverbs 7:23.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/כְּלָיֹ֖ת
kilyâh
H3629
"kidney"
Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to the kidneys, which were considered essential organs, and also symbolized the mind and emotions. It appears in passages like Psalm 7:9 and Revelation 2:23. The kidneys were thought to be the seat of feelings and affections.
Definition: 1) kidneys 1a) of physical organ (lit.) 1b) of seat of emotion and affection (fig.) 1c) of sacrificial animals 2) (TWOT) reins
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: kidneys, reins. See also: Exodus 29:13; Job 19:27; Psalms 7:10.
יְסִירֶֽ/נָּה
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
Study Notes — Leviticus 3:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Laws for Peace Offerings
13He must lay his hand on its head and slaughter it in front of the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron’s sons shall splatter its blood on all sides of the altar.
14And from his offering he shall present a food offering to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them,
15both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys.
16Then the priest is to burn the food on the altar as a food offering, a pleasing aroma. All the fat is the LORD’s. 17This is a permanent statute for the generations to come, wherever you live: You must not eat any fat or any blood.”Leviticus 3:15 Summary
Leviticus 3:15 is talking about the parts of an animal that were offered to God as a sacrifice. The kidneys and liver were special because they were thought to be important parts of the animal's body. By offering these parts to God, the Israelites were showing that they wanted to give Him their best and surrender their innermost being to Him (as seen in Romans 12:1). This reminds us that we should also be willing to give God our best and surrender our lives to Him, just as it says in Proverbs 3:9-10 to honor God with our wealth and riches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the kidneys and liver specifically mentioned in Leviticus 3:15?
The kidneys and liver were considered key organs in the animal's body, and offering them to the Lord was a way of symbolizing the surrender of one's innermost being to God, as seen in Psalm 7:9, which says that God is a righteous God who tests the heart and minds.
What is the significance of removing the lobe of the liver with the kidneys?
The removal of the lobe of the liver with the kidneys may represent the idea that our emotions and thoughts, which are often associated with the liver and kidneys in biblical times, must be surrendered to God, just as the Israelites were to surrender their best offerings to Him, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 12:6.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of sacrifice in the Old Testament?
Leviticus 3:15 is part of the larger context of the peace offering, which was a voluntary act of worship and thanksgiving, as seen in Leviticus 3:1-17, and it reflects the idea that our best belongs to God, as expressed in Romans 12:1, where we are called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to Him.
What can we learn from the fact that the fat on the kidneys and loins is offered to the Lord?
The fact that the fat on the kidneys and loins is offered to the Lord teaches us that even the richest and most desirable parts of our lives must be surrendered to God, as seen in Leviticus 3:16, where it is written that all the fat is the Lord's, and in Proverbs 3:9-10, where we are called to honor God with our wealth and riches.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'kidneys' and 'liver' of my life that I need to surrender to God today?
- In what ways can I offer my innermost being to the Lord, just as the Israelites offered the kidneys and liver of the animal?
- How can I apply the principle of surrendering my best to God in my daily life, just as the Israelites did in the peace offering?
- What are some areas of my life where I may be holding back from giving my best to God, and how can I surrender those areas to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 3:15
[See comments on Leviticus 3:14].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 3:15
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. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 3:15
(12-15) And if his offering be a goat.—The directions about the goat as a peace offering are the same as those about an ox. No mention of male or female is here made, because this point is already stated in Leviticus 3:6. Unlike the burnt offering (Leviticus 1:10), the goat is here separated from the sheep because of the difference in the oblation, arising from the broad tail of the sheep, which does not exist in the goat.