And all its fat shall be offered, the fat tail, the fat that covers the entrails,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Here, the "fat tail" and the "fat covering the entrails" aren't just random animal parts; they represent the absolute best, the richest portions of the animal. Offering these specific fats to God underscores that even for offerings dealing with sin and trespass, nothing less than the prime of what we have is acceptable to Him.
And all its fat shall be offered, the fat tail, the fat that covers the entrails,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage details the specific instructions for offering a trespass offering, emphasizing that it's "most holy." Just as with other sacrifices, the fattiest parts of the animal – the tail and the fat covering the internal organs – were to be carefully removed and completely burned on the altar as an offering to God. This is the same process outlined for peace offerings, reinforcing the sacredness and specific requirements for these atonement sacrifices.
Why were certain parts of this sacrifice designated only for God and the priests?
Leviticus 7 tells us that the trespass offering is "most holy." This means it was set apart for God's exclusive use or for priestly service, signifying its intense sacredness. Unlike peace offerings, which allowed the offerer to share in a meal of thanksgiving, the trespass offering's designated portions were not for general consumption. This highlights the gravity of the offense being atoned for – it required a higher level of sanctity and separation.
Divine Design
The specific parts mentioned – the fat tail and the fat covering the entrails – were considered the choicest parts of the animal. By offering these to God, the Israelites acknowledged that the very best belonged to Him, especially when seeking forgiveness for wrongdoing. It was a tangible expression of devotion and a recognition of God's ultimate ownership of all things.
What did offering the 'fat' truly signify in ancient Israel?
The fat in ancient Israelite sacrifices wasn't just discarded excess; it carried deep symbolic meaning. It was considered the richest, most desirable part of the animal, representing the best and most vital elements.
The 'Best' for God
When the fat was offered to God, it symbolized offering Him the very 'best' of the sacrifice. It was a sign of wholehearted devotion, acknowledging that life itself, and the richness of that life, comes from Him. The fat tail, in particular, was known for its abundance and richness in the animals of that region.
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Offering the fat to God on the altar was a profound act of consecration, declaring that the source of life and abundance was being returned to the Creator.
Understand the original words
cheleb · Hebrew Noun
In the sacrificial context, the fat represented the richest and best part of the animal. Because it was considered the choicest portion, it was reserved exclusively for God to be consumed by fire.
This passage describes the same offering of fat from the peace offering of the flock, highlighting the specific parts that were to be given to God.
Exodus 29:13This verse is part of the consecration of the priests and also mentions the offering of fat, showing it was a consistent requirement for sacrifices given to the Lord.
2 Chronicles 29:24This historical account shows King Hezekiah restoring the Levitical sacrifices, including the offering of fat, demonstrating the continued importance of this practice in worship.
Psalm 51:16While not a literal sacrifice of fat, this Psalm expresses the heart of true worship which includes a 'broken spirit' and 'contrite heart,' the internal offerings God truly desires and accepts.
gillLeviticus 7:3: "And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof; the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards,"
And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof,.... To the Lord, that being claimed by him, as in the peace offerings of the herd, and of the flock, whether a bullock or cow, a lamb or a goat, Leviticus 3:3 , &c. and in the sin offering of the bullock, Leviticus 1:8 , and the rump, or tail, which of sheep and rams, for the trespass offering, was very large and fat in those countries; Se…
calvinLeviticus 7:1-5: "Likewise this is the law of the trespass offering: it is most holy."
- Likewise this is the law. I have just confessed that I do not sufficiently understand how these two words, cht'h, chateah, and 'sm, asham, differ from each other; and I have therefore followed the sense which is commonly received, and called them the sin and the trespass-offering, (hostiam pro peccato vel pro delicto.) Although in this second kind of offering he commands the same ceremony to be observed as…
Here, the "fat tail" and the "fat covering the entrails" aren't just random animal parts; they represent the absolute best, the richest portions of the animal. Offering these specific fats to God underscores that even for offerings dealing with sin and trespass, nothing less than the prime of what we have is acceptable to Him.
This passage details the specific instructions for offering a trespass offering, emphasizing that it's "most holy." Just as with other sacrifices, the fattiest parts of the animal – the tail and the fat covering the internal organs – were to be carefully removed and completely burned on the altar as an offering to God. This is the same process outlined for peace offerings, reinforcing the sacredness and specific requirements for these atonement sacrifices.
This passage details the specific instructions for offering a trespass offering, emphasizing that it's "most holy." Just as with other sacrifices, the fattiest parts of the animal – the tail and the fat covering the internal organs – were to be carefully removed and completely burned on the altar as an offering to God. This is the same process outlined for peace offerings, reinforcing the sacredness and specific requirements for these atonement sacrifices.
"And all its fat shall be offered, the fat tail, the fat that covers the entrails," — Here, the "fat tail" and the "fat covering the entrails" aren't just random animal parts; they represent the absolute best, the richest portions of the animal. Offering these specific fats to God und…
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Last reviewed October 2026