share torah logo

Leviticus 3:3 - Fat offerings for divine connection

Leviticus 3:3 - ויקרא 3:3

Hebrew Text

וְהִקְרִיב מִזֶּבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים אִשֶּׁה לַיהוָה אֶת־הַחֵלֶב הַמְכַסֶּה אֶת־הַקֶּרֶב וְאֵת כָּל־הַחֵלֶב אֲשֶׁר עַל־הַקֶּרֶב׃

English Translation

And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering 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 mizevach hashelamim isheh lahashem et-hachelev hamchaseh et-hakerev ve'et kol-hachelev asher al-hakerev.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִקְרִיב֙ מִזֶּ֣בַח הַשְּׁלָמִ֔ים אִשֶּׁ֖ה לַיהֹוָ֑ה אֶת־הַחֵ֙לֶב֙ הַֽמְכַסֶּ֣ה אֶת־הַקֶּ֔רֶב וְאֵת֙ כׇּל־הַחֵ֔לֶב אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־הַקֶּֽרֶב׃
וְהִקְרִיב֙ מִזֶּ֣בַח הַשְּׁלָמִ֔ים אִשֶּׁ֖ה לַיהֹוָ֑ה אֶת־הַחֵ֙לֶב֙ הַֽמְכַסֶּ֣ה אֶת־הַקֶּ֔רֶב וְאֵת֙ כׇּל־הַחֵ֔לֶב אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־הַקֶּֽרֶב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 3:3) discusses the offering of the zevach shelamim (peace offering) and specifies which fats must be burned on the altar as a fire-offering to Hashem. The fats mentioned are:

  • הַחֵלֶב הַמְכַסֶּה אֶת־הַקֶּרֶב – "the fat that covers the inwards"
  • כָּל־הַחֵלֶב אֲשֶׁר עַל־הַקֶּרֶב – "all the fat that is upon the inwards"

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Vayikra 3:3) explains that the fat covering the innards refers specifically to the layer of fat on the stomach (kerev), while "all the fat upon the inwards" includes additional fatty deposits attached to the intestines and other organs. Rashi emphasizes that these fats are designated exclusively for Hashem and may not be consumed by humans (as derived from Vayikra 7:23).

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Ma'aseh HaKorbanos (9:5), the Rambam elaborates on the practical halachic process of removing these fats during the sacrificial procedure. He notes that the Kohen must carefully separate and burn these fats, as they are considered the choicest parts of the animal, symbolizing devotion to Hashem.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 3:4) connects this verse to the concept of mesiras nefesh (self-sacrifice). Just as the fats—the richest and most desirable parts of the animal—are offered entirely to Hashem, so too should a person dedicate their finest energies and possessions to divine service.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Chullin 49a) discusses the precise definitions of the forbidden fats (cheilev), differentiating them from permitted fats (shuman). The Gemara clarifies that only the specific fats listed in this verse are prohibited for consumption, while other fats may be eaten.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 49b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the offering of sacrifices, specifically the peace offering, and the proper handling of the fat that is to be offered.
📖 Chullin 120a
This verse is referenced in a discussion about the types of fats that are prohibited or permitted in sacrifices, emphasizing the distinction between the fats that are to be offered and those that are not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 3:3 mean when it talks about offering the fat of the peace offering?
A: Leviticus 3:3 describes the specific parts of the peace offering (זֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים) that are to be burned on the altar for Hashem. According to Rashi, the fat covering the innards and the kidneys is designated for this offering because it represents the finest and choicest part of the animal, showing honor to G-d. The Talmud (Chullin 49a) explains that these fats are forbidden for consumption and must be offered on the altar.
Q: Why is the fat of the animal important in sacrifices?
A: In Jewish tradition, the fat (חֵלֶב) is considered the richest and most desirable part of the animal. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:46) explains that offering the fat symbolizes giving the best of what we have to Hashem. Additionally, the Torah prohibits eating certain fats (חֵלֶב) as they are reserved exclusively for altar offerings (Vayikra 7:23).
Q: What can we learn from the peace offering (זֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים) in Leviticus 3:3?
A: The peace offering teaches us about gratitude and closeness to Hashem. Unlike other sacrifices, parts of it are eaten by the person bringing it, creating a shared meal between the individual, the kohanim (priests), and Hashem. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 3:1) explains that this offering represents harmony (שָׁלוֹם) between a person and the Divine.
Q: How does the concept of offering fat apply to us today without the Temple?
A: Although we no longer bring physical sacrifices, the principle of giving our best to Hashem remains. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 3:3) teaches that serving G-d with our finest efforts—whether in prayer, charity, or mitzvos—is a modern application of this idea. Just as the fat was set aside for holiness, we should dedicate our highest qualities to spiritual growth.
Q: Why does the Torah specify the fat 'covering the innards' in Leviticus 3:3?
A: Rashi explains that the fat covering the innards (הַחֵלֶב הַמְכַסֶּה אֶת־הַקֶּרֶב) is distinct from other fats and must be completely burned on the altar. The Talmud (Zevachim 35b) notes that this teaches precision in fulfilling mitzvos—only the designated fats are offered, emphasizing the importance of following Torah laws exactly as commanded.