Deuteronomy 18:3
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It's easy to see this as just a list of animal parts, but the specific mention of the "two cheeks" is striking—it's a part of the head, often seen as the seat of speech and expression. This detail suggests that what's offered isn't just meat, but a dedication of the worshiper's words and perhaps even their whole being, symbolized by these personal parts, back to God.
And this shall be the priests’ due from the people, from those offering a sacrifice, whether an ox or a sheep: they shall give to the priest the shoulder and the two cheeks and the stomach.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God is outlining the support system for the Levitical priests, explaining that since they don't receive a land inheritance like other tribes, the people must provide for them. This passage specifies particular cuts of meat from sacrifices – the shoulder, cheeks, and stomach – that are to be given to the priests as their designated portion, ensuring they have sustenance. This detail comes as part of a larger instruction to prevent the priests from being exploited or from taking more than they are due.
Ever wonder how ancient priests and Levites made a living? It wasn't by having a side hustle!
In ancient Israel, the priests and Levites had a unique role: they served God full-time. Because they didn't receive land like other tribes, God instituted a system for their support directly from the people.
Why the shoulder, cheeks, and maw? These weren't random cuts – they held significant meaning.
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The specific parts designated for the priests – the shoulder, the two cheeks, and the maw (or stomach) – carried symbolic weight.
As Barnes suggests, these parts could represent 'the consecration of the whole' animal, or even 'the dedication of the words, acts, and appetites of the worshipper to God.' It was a holistic offering, demonstrating that all aspects of the worshipper's life were to be brought before the Lord, with a portion set aside for His dedicated servants.
Were these portions only for when people brought formal sacrifices, or for everyday meals too?
The term 'sacrifice' in this context isn't always limited to the most formal, burnt offerings. It often included meals shared by the community in thanksgiving or fellowship.
Understand the original words
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
The rightful portion or legal share allotted to someone. It implies an established right to receive support as a matter of divine ordinance.
zebach · Hebrew Noun/Verb
The act of offering an animal or gift to God, primarily for atonement, thanksgiving, or fellowship. It involves the surrender of something valuable to the Lord.
This passage specifies that the shoulder and breast are to be waved before the Lord and then given to the priest, directly linking to the concept of designated portions for priestly sustenance from sacrifices.
1 Samuel 2:12-17This narrative highlights the abuse of priestly dues by Eli's sons, showing the practical consequences of not respecting the boundaries God set for priestly portions and the people's offerings.
Malachi 3:8-10This prophetic passage calls out Israel for robbing God, specifically in withholding tithes and offerings due to the Levites and priests, reinforcing the importance of supporting God's ministers.
1 Corinthians 9:13-14The Apostle Paul draws a parallel between Old Testament provision for temple workers and New Testament support for those who preach the gospel, underscoring the principle that those who serve the altar should live by the altar.
gillDeuteronomy 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."
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 the peace offerings: whether it be ox or sheep; the one of the herd, the other of t…
clarkeDeuteronomy 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."
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 her…
It's easy to see this as just a list of animal parts, but the specific mention of the "two cheeks" is striking—it's a part of the head, often seen as the seat of speech and expression. This detail suggests that what's offered isn't just meat, but a dedication of the worshiper's words and perhaps even their whole being, symbolized by these personal parts, back to God.
God is outlining the support system for the Levitical priests, explaining that since they don't receive a land inheritance like other tribes, the people must provide for them. This passage specifies particular cuts of meat from sacrifices – the shoulder, cheeks, and stomach – that are to be given to the priests as their designated portion, ensuring they have sustenance. This detail comes as part of a larger instruction to prevent the priests from being exploited or from taking more than they are due.
God is outlining the support system for the Levitical priests, explaining that since they don't receive a land inheritance like other tribes, the people must provide for them. This passage specifies particular cuts of meat from sacrifices – the shoulder, cheeks, and stomach – that are to be given to the priests as their designated portion, ensuring they have sustenance. This detail comes as part of a larger instruction to prevent the priests from being exploited or from taking more than they are due.
"And this shall be the priests’ due from the people, from those offering a sacrifice, whether an ox or a sheep: they shall give to the priest the shoulder and the two cheeks and the stomach." — It's easy to see this as just a list of animal parts, but the specific mention of the "two cheeks" is striking—it's a part of the head, often seen as the seat of speech and expression. This detail su…
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Last reviewed October 2026
