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Leviticus 3:4 - Fat offerings elevate holiness.

Leviticus 3:4 - ויקרא 3:4

Hebrew Text

וְאֵת שְׁתֵּי הַכְּלָיֹת וְאֶת־הַחֵלֶב אֲשֶׁר עֲלֵהֶן אֲשֶׁר עַל־הַכְּסָלִים וְאֶת־הַיֹּתֶרֶת עַל־הַכָּבֵד עַל־הַכְּלָיוֹת יְסִירֶנָּה׃

English Translation

and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the appendage of the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.

Transliteration

Ve'et shtei haklayot ve'et hachelev asher alehen asher al haksalim ve'et hayoteret al hakaved al haklayot yesirena.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵת֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י הַכְּלָיֹ֔ת וְאֶת־הַחֵ֙לֶב֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עֲלֵהֶ֔ן אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־הַכְּסָלִ֑ים וְאֶת־הַיֹּתֶ֙רֶת֙ עַל־הַכָּבֵ֔ד עַל־הַכְּלָי֖וֹת יְסִירֶֽנָּה׃
וְאֵת֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י הַכְּלָיֹ֔ת וְאֶת־הַחֵ֙לֶב֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עֲלֵהֶ֔ן אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־הַכְּסָלִ֑ים וְאֶת־הַיֹּתֶ֙רֶת֙ עַל־הַכָּבֵ֔ד עַל־הַכְּלָי֖וֹת יְסִירֶֽנָּה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 3:4) is part of the Torah's detailed instructions regarding the korban shelamim (peace offering), specifically outlining which parts of the animal are to be removed and offered on the altar. The kidneys, their fat, and the liver's appendage (the yoteret) are designated for burning, while the rest of the animal may be eaten by the offerer and others.

Explanation of the Organs Mentioned

Rashi (Vayikra 3:4) explains that the verse specifies three parts:

  • The two kidneys – These are removed along with their surrounding fat.
  • The fat on the flanks (חלב אשר על הכסלים) – This refers to the layer of fat near the loins.
  • The appendage of the liver (היותרת על הכבד) – This is a lobe-like extension attached to the liver.

Symbolic Meaning of the Offerings

The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:46) suggests that these organs were chosen because they were considered vital and central to the animal's life force. By offering them, the worshipper symbolically dedicates their innermost thoughts (associated with the kidneys, as in Tehillim 7:10) and passions (associated with the liver) to Hashem.

Halachic Details

The Talmud (Chullin 49b) discusses the precise anatomical definitions of these parts to ensure proper sacrificial procedure. For example:

  • The yoteret must be removed carefully to avoid invalidating the offering.
  • The fat surrounding the kidneys must be entirely burned, as it is considered part of the chelev (forbidden fat).

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 3:4) connects these organs to moral lessons:

  • The kidneys allude to one's inner counsel (as they are seen as the seat of deliberation).
  • The liver represents anger and base desires, which must be refined in service of Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 49b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the sacrificial offerings, specifically the parts of the animal that are to be removed and offered on the altar.
📖 Menachot 62a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper procedures for handling the sacrificial parts, emphasizing the importance of removing the specified parts as commanded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 3:4 mean in the context of sacrifices?
A: Leviticus 3:4 describes the parts of an animal that were to be removed and offered on the altar during a peace offering (שלמים). According to Rashi, these specific parts—the kidneys, the fat around them, and the lobe of the liver—were considered choice portions and were designated for Hashem as part of the sacrificial service.
Q: Why were the kidneys and liver fat specifically chosen for the offering?
A: The kidneys and the fat surrounding them, along with the liver's lobe, were considered spiritually significant. The Midrash teaches that the kidneys symbolize a person's inner thoughts and desires (as they are internal organs), while the fat represents indulgence. By offering these parts, we symbolically dedicate our innermost intentions and curb our physical desires to serve Hashem.
Q: How does Leviticus 3:4 apply to us today without the Temple?
A: Although we no longer bring sacrifices, the Talmud (Berachot 17a) teaches that prayer and Torah study serve as substitutes for offerings. The message of dedicating our inner thoughts (symbolized by the kidneys) and controlling physical desires (symbolized by the fat) remains relevant. We apply this by refining our intentions in serving Hashem through mitzvot and self-improvement.
Q: What is the 'yoteret' (appendage) of the liver mentioned in this verse?
A: The 'yoteret' refers to a specific fatty lobe attached to the liver. Rashi explains that this was a distinct part that had to be carefully removed and offered on the altar along with the kidneys and their fat. The Rambam (Hilchot Maaseh HaKorbanot) details the precise way it was to be separated during the sacrificial process.