Lexical Summary peder: Fat, specifically the suet or fat of sacrificial animals Original Word: פֶדֶר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fat From an unused root meaning to be greasy; suet -- fat. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition suet NASB Translation suet (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מֶּ֫דֶר] noun [masculine] suet, of עֹלָה (so Vrss Late Hebrew: √ unknown); — absolute מָּ֑דֶר Leviticus 1:8; Leviticus 8:20; suffix מִּדְרוֺ Leviticus 1:12. Topical Lexicon Definition and scope Peder denotes the rich suet that encases the internal organs of cattle, sheep, and goats. Unlike the firm outer fat (cheleb), this inner covering is soft, easily removed, and entirely reserved for altar fire. Occurrences in Leviticus The word appears only three times, each within the burnt‐offering narratives: Leviticus 1:8, Leviticus 1:12, and Leviticus 8:20. The pattern is identical—after the animal is flayed and divided, “the head and the fat” are placed on the wood already ignited on the altar. Leviticus 1:8: “Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall arrange the pieces—the head and the fat—on the burning wood that is on the altar.” By repeating the detail, Moses underscores that this suet never reaches the priestly table; it is consumed exclusively by fire before the Lord. Cultic function Peder is always part of a burnt offering (ʿolah). Whereas other sacrifices allowed portions for priests or worshipers, the burnt offering was wholly surrendered. The inner fat therefore symbolizes complete dedication: every hidden richness of the animal is given to God. Its total combustion produces a “pleasing aroma” (Leviticus 1:9), prefiguring total consecration. Symbolic significance 1. The choicest portion belongs to the Lord. Israel was consistently told, “All the fat is the LORD’s” (Leviticus 3:16). Surrendering peder at the altar illustrated that the best, not the leftovers, were reserved for Him. Historical background Suet was prized in the ancient Near East for cooking and lighting fuel, yet in Israel it never entered common kitchens. Archaeological parallels show surrounding cultures blending fat into sacrificial cakes, but Israelite liturgy stands apart: the altar alone received internal suet, reinforcing monotheistic worship distinguished from pagan practice. Relation to other passages • Leviticus 9:19; Leviticus 16:25 – the Day of Atonement continues the pattern of burning inner fat, linking peder to national cleansing. Christological fulfillment The New Testament locates every Levitical shadow in the self-offering of Jesus Christ. As the suet was hidden yet wholly burned, so the Lord yielded His inmost being—“He gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). The complete devotion depicted by peder finds ultimate expression in the cross, where nothing was withheld. Implications for worship and ministry • Wholehearted surrender: Believers are called to present their bodies as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1). Peder reminds the Church that inner affections, motives, and capacities must be laid on the altar, not merely outward acts. Summary Although appearing only three times, peder illuminates the theology of sacrifice: God claims the hidden richness of life, demands complete consecration, and uses the altar fire to turn that surrender into a pleasing aroma. By understanding peder, believers gain insight into the depth of commitment God desires and the completeness of the atonement Christ has provided. Forms and Transliterations הַפָּ֑דֶר הַפָּֽדֶר׃ הפדר הפדר׃ פִּדְר֑וֹ פדרו hap·pā·ḏer hapPader happāḏer piḏ·rōw pidRo piḏrōwLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Leviticus 1:8 HEB: הָרֹ֖אשׁ וְאֶת־ הַפָּ֑דֶר עַל־ הָעֵצִים֙ NAS: the head and the suet over KJV: the head, and the fat, in order INT: for the head and the suet over the wood Leviticus 1:12 Leviticus 8:20 3 Occurrences |
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