share torah logo

Leviticus 3:14 - Sacrificing inner fat devotionally

Leviticus 3:14 - ויקרא 3:14

Hebrew Text

וְהִקְרִיב מִמֶּנּוּ קָרְבָּנוֹ אִשֶּׁה לַיהוָה אֶת־הַחֵלֶב הַמְכַסֶּה אֶת־הַקֶּרֶב וְאֵת כָּל־הַחֵלֶב אֲשֶׁר עַל־הַקֶּרֶב׃

English Translation

And he shall offer his offering from it, an offering made by fire to the Lord; the fat that covers the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,

Transliteration

Vehikriv mimenu korbano isheh lahashem et hachelev hamchaseh et hakevev ve'et kol hachelev asher al hakevev.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִקְרִ֤יב מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙ קׇרְבָּנ֔וֹ אִשֶּׁ֖ה לַֽיהֹוָ֑ה אֶת־הַחֵ֙לֶב֙ הַֽמְכַסֶּ֣ה אֶת־הַקֶּ֔רֶב וְאֵת֙ כׇּל־הַחֵ֔לֶב אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־הַקֶּֽרֶב׃
וְהִקְרִ֤יב מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙ קׇרְבָּנ֔וֹ אִשֶּׁ֖ה לַֽיהֹוָ֑ה אֶת־הַחֵ֙לֶב֙ הַֽמְכַסֶּ֣ה אֶת־הַקֶּ֔רֶב וְאֵת֙ כׇּל־הַחֵ֔לֶב אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־הַקֶּֽרֶב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Verse Context in Vayikra (Leviticus)

This verse (Vayikra 3:3) appears in the context of the laws of korban shelamim (peace offerings), detailing which parts of the animal are to be offered on the altar. The focus is on the chelev (fat) that covers the innards, which is designated as a sacred portion for Hashem.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 3:3) clarifies that the term "ha-chelev ha'mekaseh et ha'kerev" ("the fat that covers the inwards") refers specifically to the layer of fat surrounding the stomach and intestines. He emphasizes that this fat, along with other fatty portions mentioned in the verse, is entirely burned on the altar as an isheh (fire offering) to Hashem.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 5:1-2) elaborates on the practical halachic requirements for removing and offering the chelev. He notes that this mitzvah applies only to kosher animals (behemah tehora) and that the fat must be carefully separated and burned in its entirety on the mizbe'ach (altar).

Symbolism of the Chelev

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 3:4) offers a deeper interpretation, teaching that the chelev represents the finest and richest part of the animal. By dedicating it to Hashem, we acknowledge that even our physical pleasures and material wealth must be sanctified in service of the Divine.

  • Spiritual Lesson: The removal of fat symbolizes removing arrogance and indulgence, as fat represents excess (Talmud, Chullin 49b).
  • Unity with Hashem: The shelamim offering, of which this is a part, signifies peace and completeness in our relationship with the Almighty.

Halachic Distinctions

The Talmud (Chullin 49a) discusses technical distinctions between different types of chelev:

  • Chelev ha'mekaseh (covering fat) - The outer layer mentioned in our verse.
  • Chelev ha'p'nim (internal fat) - Fat attached to organs.
  • Both types are forbidden for consumption (Vayikra 7:23) and must be offered on the altar when brought as a sacrifice.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 49b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the offering of fats and the proper procedures for sacrifices.
📖 Menachot 62a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the types of fats that are to be offered on the altar and their significance in the sacrificial service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 3:14 mean?
A: Leviticus 3:14 describes the part of an animal sacrifice (korban) that is to be offered to Hashem—specifically, the fat covering the inner organs and all the fat attached to them. According to Rashi, this fat is considered the choicest part and is designated for burning on the altar as a 'fire-offering' (אִשֶּׁה) to Hashem.
Q: Why is the fat specifically mentioned for offerings?
A: The Torah emphasizes offering the fat because it symbolizes the best and most valuable part of the animal, showing complete devotion to Hashem. The Talmud (Chullin 49a) explains that certain fats (חֵלֶב) are forbidden for consumption and must instead be dedicated to the altar, reinforcing the idea of giving our finest to Hashem.
Q: What can we learn from this verse today?
A: Although we no longer bring animal sacrifices, the principle of giving our best to Hashem remains relevant. The Rambam (Hilchos Ma'aseh HaKorbanos) teaches that korbanos instill discipline and closeness to Hashem. Today, we apply this by dedicating our finest efforts—whether in prayer, charity, or mitzvos—with sincerity and generosity.
Q: Why were certain fats forbidden to eat but offered on the altar?
A: The Torah (Leviticus 3:17) prohibits eating certain fats (חֵלֶב), reserving them exclusively for the altar. Rashi explains that this separation elevates mundane acts—like eating—into spiritual discipline. By restricting these fats for divine service, we acknowledge that even physical pleasures must align with holiness.
Q: How does this verse connect to gratitude?
A: Offering the choicest fats teaches gratitude—recognizing that everything we have comes from Hashem. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 3:4) compares the fats to prosperity; just as we dedicate the best parts in sacrifice, we should express thanks for our blessings through acts of kindness and mitzvos.