Leviticus 7:34
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse reveals that the "wave breast" and "heave shoulder" weren't just random cuts; they represented the core of the sacrifice—wisdom and strength. These sacred portions, set aside from the people's peace offerings, were a perpetual reminder and a tangible sign of God's provision for the priesthood, underscoring that those who served Him were meant to be sustained by His people.
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)
This verse concludes a section detailing instructions for the "peace offering," a sacrifice shared between God, the priests, and the worshiper, signifying fellowship and thanksgiving. The preceding verses describe how specific parts of the animal are designated for the priests, especially the "waved breast" and "heaved shoulder," which were to be given to Aaron and his descendants as their rightful portion from the people's offerings. This enduring practice highlights the priests' role in mediating God's blessing and their need for sustenance from the very sacrifices they facilitated.
Ever wonder who got the best parts of the sacrifices? It turns out, it was a divine appointment for God's designated servants.
In the system of Israelite sacrifices, specific parts of the peace offering were set aside for the priests. The 'wave breast' and the 'heave shoulder' weren't just random cuts; they were God's designated portion. This was a 'perpetual due,' meaning it was a permanent ordinance as long as the sacrificial system was in place. This ensured that the priests, who ministered to the people and mediated between them and God, were provided for. It was a practical way God sustained His chosen servants who dedicated their lives to His service. This wasn't a reward for merit, but a divine provision for those set apart for sacred work.
Beyond the practical, these specific parts of the sacrifice held deep symbolic meaning for both priests and the people.
The 'wave breast' and 'heave shoulder' were highly symbolic. The breast, often associated with the heart, represented wisdom, affection, and understanding. The shoulder symbolized strength and ability. When these parts were waved and heaved, it signified that all of God's wisdom and strength were consecrated to Him, and that the people's love and strength were to be directed towards God. For the priests, receiving these parts pointed to the wisdom and strength needed for their sacred duties, and ultimately, to Christ Himself, our perfect High Priest who embodies divine wisdom and power.
Ask a follow-up
This seemingly small detail about priestly portions reveals the beautiful, communal nature of the peace offering.
The peace offering was unique because it allowed the worshipper, their family, and even the priests to share in a sacred meal. While God received the symbolic 'wave breast' and 'heave shoulder' (and parts burned on the altar), the rest of the animal was given back to the offerer. This represented fellowship and communion with God and with each other. It was a celebration of restored relationship and gratitude. The priests' portion was integral to this, allowing them to participate in the feasting and fellowship, reminding everyone that worship and relationship with God involved shared joy and sustenance.
Understand the original words
nuph · Hebrew Verb
A ritual gesture where the offering was moved back and forth before the Lord to signify presenting it to Him, before it was then received by the priest for consumption.
chuqqah olam · Hebrew Noun phrase
Something lasting indefinitely; a statute or law intended to continue throughout the generations of Israel.
This passage further details the portions given to the priests and Levites from the offerings, highlighting their role in serving the people and God, much like the specific portions in Leviticus 7 established a perpetual due.
1 Corinthians 9:13-14Paul draws a direct parallel between the Old Testament practice of priests living off sacrifices and the New Testament principle of ministers living by the gospel, showing the enduring concept of those who serve being supported by those they serve.
Hebrews 7:23-27This passage contrasts the Levitical priesthood with Jesus' eternal priesthood, showing how Jesus, our perfect High Priest, fulfills and supersedes the Old Testament sacrificial system, including the priests' portions.
Exodus 29:26-28This earlier passage in Exodus describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons, where the wave breast and heave shoulder are specifically mentioned as being waved before the Lord and given to the priests, setting the precedent for the perpetual ordinance.
gillLeviticus 7:34: "For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons by a statute for ever from among the children of Israel."
For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel,.... These two parts were particularly pitched upon and selected: from off the sacrifices of their peace offering; the rest being allowed the owners,…
jfbLeviticus 7:28-38: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Le 7:28-38. The Priests' Portion.
This verse reveals that the "wave breast" and "heave shoulder" weren't just random cuts; they represented the core of the sacrifice—wisdom and strength. These sacred portions, set aside from the people's peace offerings, were a perpetual reminder and a tangible sign of God's provision for the priesthood, underscoring that those who served Him were meant to be sustained by His people.
This verse concludes a section detailing instructions for the "peace offering," a sacrifice shared between God, the priests, and the worshiper, signifying fellowship and thanksgiving. The preceding verses describe how specific parts of the animal are designated for the priests, especially the "waved breast" and "heaved shoulder," which were to be given to Aaron and his descendants as their rightful portion from the people's offerings. This enduring practice highlights the priests' role in mediating God's blessing and their need for sustenance from the very sacrifices they facilitated.
This verse concludes a section detailing instructions for the "peace offering," a sacrifice shared between God, the priests, and the worshiper, signifying fellowship and thanksgiving. The preceding verses describe how specific parts of the animal are designated for the priests, especially the "waved breast" and "heaved shoulder," which were to be given to Aaron and his descendants as their rightful portion from the people's offerings. This enduring practice highlights the priests' role in mediating God's blessing and their need for sustenance from the very sacrifices they facilitated.
"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 peo…" — This verse reveals that the "wave breast" and "heave shoulder" weren't just random cuts; they represented the core of the sacrifice—wisdom and strength. These sacred portions, set aside from the peop…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
