The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast shall be for Aaron and his sons.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Leviticus 7:31
What does Leviticus 7:31 mean?
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Leviticus 7:31
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The verse highlights a crucial distinction: the fat, representing the essence of the sacrifice, is entirely consumed by God on the altar, symbolizing His complete ownership. However, the breast, a significant part, is given to the priests as a portion, reminding us that God desires His servants to be sustained by what is dedicated to Him.
The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast shall be for Aaron and his sons.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of the detailed instructions for priests regarding the various offerings, specifically focusing on how the priests themselves were to be sustained by the sacrifices. Following the description of how the fat was burned on the altar, this verse clarifies that the breast of the peace offering, after being waved before the Lord, was designated as the portion for Aaron and his sons, representing the ongoing priesthood. This established a clear system for the sustenance of those serving in God's tabernacle, connecting their service to the people's offerings.
What's the difference between what goes up in smoke and what ends up on a plate? Leviticus shows us that God's offerings had both a heavenly and an earthly aspect.
From Altar to Table
In the ancient Israelite worship system, offerings served multiple purposes. Some parts were completely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing total dedication to God and His acceptance.
But God's plan wasn't just about receiving; it was also about relationship and sustenance. A portion of the sacrifice was set aside for the priests.
Why were specific parts of the offering given to the priests? It wasn't just a perk; it was a theological statement about how God wants His people to treat those who represent Him.
God's Provision Through His Servants
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The Levitical system clearly designated portions of the sacrifices for the priests. This wasn't merely about giving them a meal; it was about establishing a divinely ordained way for them to be supported.
Understand the original words
kohen · Hebrew Noun
The mediator between God and the people, appointed to perform sacrifices, maintain the tabernacle/temple, and teach the law. Their primary function was to represent the people before God and facilitate atonement.
cheleb · Hebrew Noun
Often associated with the best part of an animal sacrifice; symbolically represents the richness or the 'life' of the offering, which was strictly reserved for God as the portion belonging solely to Him.
mizbeach · Hebrew Noun
The place of sacrifice, typically a raised structure where offerings were consumed by fire. It serves as the meeting point between the holy God and sinful humanity, symbolizing atonement and consecration.
This passage also describes the breast of the peace offering being set aside for the priests, specifically mentioning it as the 'wave breast,' highlighting its elevated status for their portion.
1 Corinthians 9:13The Apostle Paul draws a direct parallel between the Old Testament priests living off the altar and the New Testament ministers living off the Gospel, reinforcing the principle of support for those who serve.
Hebrews 10:19This verse speaks of the 'New Covenant' where believers have confidence to enter the 'holy places' through Jesus, connecting the priestly portions of the Old Testament to our access to God through Christ, our ultimate Peace Offering.
Matthew 10:10Jesus instructs his disciples that the worker is worthy of his food, echoing the principle seen in Leviticus that those who serve God should be provided for from what is dedicated to Him.
jfbLeviticus 7:28-38: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Le 7:28-38. The Priests' Portion.
gillLeviticus 7:31: "And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar: but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'."
And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar,.... Of burnt offering, even the fat upon the inwards, the two kidneys, the flanks, the caul, and liver: but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons; which being waved before the Lord for a wave offering, was the Lord's, and so was given to his priests to eat of, for the service done by them, it being but reasonable that they that s…
The verse highlights a crucial distinction: the fat, representing the essence of the sacrifice, is entirely consumed by God on the altar, symbolizing His complete ownership. However, the breast, a significant part, is given to the priests as a portion, reminding us that God desires His servants to be sustained by what is dedicated to Him.
This passage is part of the detailed instructions for priests regarding the various offerings, specifically focusing on how the priests themselves were to be sustained by the sacrifices. Following the description of how the fat was burned on the altar, this verse clarifies that the breast of the peace offering, after being waved before the Lord, was designated as the portion for Aaron and his sons, representing the ongoing priesthood. This established a clear system for the sustenance of those serving in God's tabernacle, connecting their service to the people's offerings.
This passage is part of the detailed instructions for priests regarding the various offerings, specifically focusing on how the priests themselves were to be sustained by the sacrifices. Following the description of how the fat was burned on the altar, this verse clarifies that the breast of the peace offering, after being waved before the Lord, was designated as the portion for Aaron and his sons, representing the ongoing priesthood. This established a clear system for the sustenance of those serving in God's tabernacle, connecting their service to the people's offerings.
"The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast shall be for Aaron and his sons." — The verse highlights a crucial distinction: the fat, representing the essence of the sacrifice, is entirely consumed by God on the altar, symbolizing His complete ownership. However, the breast, a si…
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Last reviewed October 2026