Old Testament

Leviticus 7:33

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Whichever son of Aaron offers the blood and fat of the peace offering gets the right thigh as his portion.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

He among the sons of Aaron, that offereth the blood of the peace offerings, and the fat, shall have the right shoulder for his part.

What Leviticus 7:33 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Leviticus 7:33, the text specifies that the sons of Aaron, who are the priests, have a designated portion of the peace offering. When a peace offering is made, the one who offers the blood and fat of the sacrifice is entitled to receive the right thigh of the animal. This practice underscores the importance of the priestly role in mediating between God and the people, as well as the communal aspect of offerings. The peace offering symbolizes fellowship and gratitude towards God, and the priests, as representatives of the people, partake in this offering. By receiving a portion, the priests are provided for, ensuring they can focus on their sacred duties. This allocation also reflects the principle of sharing blessings, as the offering is not just for the individual but also supports the community and the worship leaders. Overall, this verse highlights the structure of worship and the significance of the priesthood in ancient Israel.

How to apply Leviticus 7:33 to your life

Understanding the role of the priests in the sacrificial system can help us appreciate the importance of spiritual leaders today. Just as the priests received a portion of the offerings, we should support our spiritual leaders and recognize their role in guiding us in our faith journey.

Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Naomi weeping between her daughters-in-law Ruth and Orpah outside a house in Moab

Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Ruth

Panoramic view across Tel Beer Sheva archaeological site and surrounding landscape.

Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Beersheba

Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Leviticus 7:33

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Leviticus 7:33

At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What is the significance of the right thigh in Leviticus 7:33?

The right thigh is significant as it represents a portion of the peace offering that is designated for the priests, specifically the sons of Aaron. This allocation underscores the importance of the priestly role in mediating between God and the people, ensuring that the priests are provided for as they perform their sacred duties. It also symbolizes the communal aspect of worship, where offerings are shared among the community and its leaders.

Why were peace offerings important in ancient Israel?

Peace offerings were important in ancient Israel as they symbolized fellowship and gratitude towards God. They were a way for individuals to express their thankfulness and seek reconciliation with God. The communal nature of these offerings allowed for shared meals among the worshippers and the priests, reinforcing community bonds and the idea of shared blessings. This practice highlighted the relationship between God, the individual, and the community.

How does Leviticus 7:33 relate to the role of spiritual leaders today?

Leviticus 7:33 illustrates the importance of supporting spiritual leaders, as the priests received a portion of the offerings to sustain them in their ministry. Today, this principle can be applied by recognizing and supporting our spiritual leaders, ensuring they have the resources needed to guide and nurture the faith community. It emphasizes the value of investing in those who lead us in worship and spiritual growth.

What does the peace offering symbolize in the context of Leviticus?

In the context of Leviticus, the peace offering symbolizes fellowship, gratitude, and reconciliation with God. It is a way for individuals to express their thankfulness and to celebrate their relationship with God. The act of sharing the offering with the priests and the community reinforces the idea of unity and collective worship, highlighting the importance of community in the practice of faith.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.