This is the portion of Aaron and of his sons from the LORD’s food offerings, from the day they were presented to serve as priests of the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Leviticus 7:35
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What's easy to miss is that this "portion" is directly tied to the priests' anointing. It wasn't just a payment for services rendered, but a divine provision established at the very moment they were consecrated and set apart for God's service. This highlights that God intended their entire lives, from sustenance to service, to be interwoven with His provision.
This is the portion of Aaron and of his sons from the LORD’s food offerings, from the day they were presented to serve as priests of the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After detailing specific instructions for various offerings and their sacrifices, this verse concludes the section by defining the priests' permanent share. It clarifies that the portions received from the LORD's fire offerings are designated for Aaron and his sons as their rightful due for serving as priests, a provision established from the very day they were consecrated to ministry. This established entitlement to a portion of the sacrifices would continue for them and their descendants throughout the generations.
Ever wonder how God provided for those dedicated to His service? It wasn't by chance, but by divine design.
In Leviticus 7:35, we see that the 'portion' given to Aaron and his sons wasn't just a leftover; it was a specific, divinely appointed share from the offerings.
A Measured Inheritance
The text emphasizes that this portion was 'out of the LORD’s food offerings.' This means God Himself set aside specific parts of the sacrifices—like the breast and shoulder from peace offerings—for the priests. It was a tangible sign of God's care and provision for those who devoted their lives to ministering before Him.
More Than Just Food
This portion was directly linked to their 'anointing' and their role as priests. It represented their livelihood, their status, and their sacred duty. It was a constant reminder that their service was not only for the people but also directly for the Lord, who in turn would sustain them.
The priests' role was vital. What was their reward for this critical work?
Leviticus 7:35 connects the priestly portion directly to the moment of their presentation and consecration to service. This wasn't just about receiving food; it was about acknowledging the sacredness of their calling.
A Symbol of Consecration
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The phrase 'in the day when he presented them to minister unto the LORD in the priest’s office' points to the initial act of setting them apart. Their portion was intrinsically tied to this consecration, signifying that their lives were now dedicated to God’s service.
The Privilege of Service
This allotted portion was a tangible reward for accepting this weighty responsibility. It underscored that those who give themselves fully to serving God and His people are entitled to a share in what is holy. It’s a reminder that faithfulness in service is recognized and provided for by God.
Understand the original words
isheh · Hebrew Noun
The portion of the sacrifice consumed by fire on the altar, representing that it was accepted by God as an aroma pleasing to Him.
kahan · Hebrew Verb
The designation of the Levitical tribe to stand in the presence of God, perform sacred rites, and mediate the worship of the covenant community.
This passage directly parallels the inauguration of Aaron and his sons into the priesthood, establishing the divine mandate for their sacred roles and the specific garments they would wear, which connects to their appointed portion.
Numbers 18:8This verse explicitly reiterates the priestly portion from the offerings, emphasizing it as a perpetual ordinance for the priests and their families, thereby reinforcing the concept of a divinely assigned inheritance for service.
Hebrews 5:4This New Testament passage speaks to the divine appointment of the high priest, mirroring the Old Testament concept where the priesthood, including Aaron and his sons, was chosen and set apart by God for His service, just as their portions were set apart.
1 Corinthians 9:13Paul draws a parallel between Old Testament priests who were sustained by their service and those who minister in the New Testament, highlighting the principle that those who serve God's altar should live from what is given to the altar.
jfbLeviticus 7:28-38: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Le 7:28-38. The Priests' Portion.
gillLeviticus 7:35: "This is the portion of the anointing of Aaron, and of the anointing of his sons, out of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, in the day when he presented them to minister unto the LORD in the priest's office;"
This is the portion of the anointing of Aaron,.... Of his being anointed to the priestly office; this is the part allotted and assigned him for the execution of it; this is the reward, as Aben Ezra interprets it, of his faithful performance of it, namely, his having th…
What's easy to miss is that this "portion" is directly tied to the priests' anointing. It wasn't just a payment for services rendered, but a divine provision established at the very moment they were consecrated and set apart for God's service. This highlights that God intended their entire lives, from sustenance to service, to be interwoven with His provision.
After detailing specific instructions for various offerings and their sacrifices, this verse concludes the section by defining the priests' permanent share. It clarifies that the portions received from the LORD's fire offerings are designated for Aaron and his sons as their rightful due for serving as priests, a provision established from the very day they were consecrated to ministry. This established entitlement to a portion of the sacrifices would continue for them and their descendants throughout the generations.
After detailing specific instructions for various offerings and their sacrifices, this verse concludes the section by defining the priests' permanent share. It clarifies that the portions received from the LORD's fire offerings are designated for Aaron and his sons as their rightful due for serving as priests, a provision established from the very day they were consecrated to ministry. This established entitlement to a portion of the sacrifices would continue for them and their descendants throughout the generations.
"This is the portion of Aaron and of his sons from the LORD’s food offerings, from the day they were presented to serve as priests of the LORD." — What's easy to miss is that this "portion" is directly tied to the priests' anointing. It wasn't just a payment for services rendered, but a divine provision established at the very moment they wer…
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Last reviewed October 2026