Breakdown of Leviticus 7:31-34

"The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast shall be for Aaron and his sons. And the right thigh you shall give to the priest as a contribution from the sacrifice of your peace offerings. Whoever among the sons of Aaron offe…" — While the fat was burned as God's portion, the breast being given to Aaron and his sons wasn't just a reward; it was a reminder that God provides for those who serve Him, even as they offer sacrifice…

All verses

Leviticus 7:31-34

What does Leviticus 7:31-34 mean?

While the fat was burned as God's portion, the breast being given to Aaron and his sons wasn't just a reward; it was a reminder that God provides for those who serve Him, even as they offer sacrifices to Him. This signifies that God is honored not only by the burning of the fat but also by the sustenance of His servants, who receive their portion directly from His table.

The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast shall be for Aaron and his sons. And the right thigh you shall give to the priest as a contribution from the sacrifice of your peace offerings. Whoever among the sons of Aaron offers the blood of the peace offerings and the fat shall have the right thigh for a portion. For the breast that is waved and the thigh that is contributed I have taken from the people of Israel, out of the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them to Aaron the priest and to his sons, as a perpetual due from the people of Israel.

English Standard Version (ESV)

What Leviticus 7:31-34 means

This verse is part of the detailed instructions for the priests' portions from various offerings, specifically the peace offering. After outlining which fatty portions were to be burned on the altar as God's share, these verses specify what the priests, Aaron and his sons, would receive as their rightful due for their service. This allocation was part of a larger system ensuring the Levites and priests were supported by the sacrifices brought to the sanctuary.

The Best for God, The Best for His Servants

Every sacrifice in ancient Israel had a purpose, and where the offering went revealed a lot about God's priorities and His people's responsibilities. Who got to eat what? It wasn't random.

In Leviticus 7, we see a clear pattern for the peace offering. The most precious, fatty parts were burned on the altar – a divine offering, set apart for God alone. But God, in His wisdom, didn't keep everything. He designated specific portions for the priests, like the breast and the shoulder.

This wasn't just about feeding the priests; it was a profound lesson:

God's Sovereignty: The fattest parts going up in smoke declared that God's glory and holiness were paramount. Nothing less than the best was acceptable to Him.
Divine Provision: The portions given to the priests (Aaron and his sons) symbolized God's direct provision for those who served Him. They lived by His grace, sustained by His covenant. This demonstrated that service to God is not a secular job but a sacred calling, supported by the divine table.

The Sacred Meal: A Covenantal Feast

Imagine gathering for a meal where every bite is a reminder of a covenant relationship. That's exactly what the priests experienced with their portion of the sacrifices.

The portion of the peace offering given to the priests wasn't just a meal; it was a sacred covenantal feast. The 'breast' and 'shoulder' were specifically designated for Aaron and his sons. These weren't just any cuts of meat; they represented the priest's share in the fellowship and blessing of the offering.

Ask a follow-up

Ask Sola about this verse

This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.

What Leviticus 7:31-34 means

What does Leviticus 7:31-34 mean?

What Leviticus 7:31-34 means

The Best for God, The Best for His Servants

The Sacred Meal: A Covenantal Feast

Ask Sola about this verse

What Leviticus 7:31-34 means

The Best for God, The Best for His Servants

The Sacred Meal: A Covenantal Feast

Ask Sola about this verse

The original words in Leviticus 7:31-34

The situation behind Leviticus 7:31-34

Key themes in Leviticus 7:31-34

Verses connected to Leviticus 7:31-34

Scholarly commentary on Leviticus 7:31-34

Frequently asked questions about Leviticus 7:31-34

Study this verse in Sola