Lexical Summary qebah: stomach, belly Original Word: קֵבָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance maw From qabab; the paunch (as a cavity) or first stomach of ruminants -- maw. see HEBREW qabab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition stomach, belly NASB Translation body (1), stomach (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs קֵבָה, suffix קֳבָתָהּ (Köl.c. compare Ges§ 10h) noun feminine stomach, belly; — 1 absolute ׳הַקּ fo sacrificial victim, assigned to priest Deuteronomy 18:3, ᵐ5 τὸ ἔνυστρον, i.e. fourth stomach of ruminants (compare Dr), ᵑ9 ventriculum. 2 suffix of woman, apparently more Generally, belly Numbers 25:8 (P). Topical Lexicon Biblical Settingקֵבָה appears only once, in Deuteronomy 18:3, within the legislation concerning the material support of the Levitical priests. The verse reads, “This shall be the priests’ share from the people who offer a sacrifice, whether an ox or a sheep: They are to give to the priest the shoulder, the cheeks, and the stomach”. The “stomach”—the inner pouch or maw of a slaughtered animal—completes a three-part gift intended to sustain the priestly household. Cultic and Priestly Significance 1. Representative Portion. Together they depict a whole offering, reminding both worshiper and priest that ministry requires comprehensive support. 2. Guarantee of Provision. At the slaughter site the donor could not withhold the stomach; it had to be physically detached and handed to the priest. The regulation therefore functioned as a concrete safeguard ensuring that priests received more than symbolic remuneration (compare Numbers 18:8-11). 3. Contrast with Pagan Practice. Contemporary Near-Eastern religions often reserved inner organs for divination. Israel’s Torah redirects the organ to priestly maintenance, insisting that sacrificial worship serve fellowship with God rather than occult manipulation (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). Historical and Cultural Background Ancient culinary texts describe the stomach of sheep or cattle as a delicacy when stuffed or roasted. Because it could be prepared quickly and eaten warm, it provided priests with an immediate meal while other cuts cured or traveled home with the worshiper. The law thereby balanced festal joy for the lay family (Deuteronomy 12:7) with timely nourishment for the ministering Levites. Theological and Symbolic Insights • Inward Devotion. The gift of an internal organ underscores that worship must issue from the “inner man” (Psalm 51:6) rather than mere outward compliance. Connections to Broader Biblical Themes – Priestly Rights and Congregational Duty: Deuteronomy 18:3 aligns with 1 Corinthians 9:13-14, where Paul appeals to the temple pattern to affirm the right of gospel laborers to live from the gospel. – Whole-hearted Giving: The inner-organ motif resonates with Proverbs 3:9: “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” – Purity of the Inner Parts: While קֵבָה is rare, Scripture frequently speaks of kidneys (כְּלָיוֹת) and bowels (מֵעֶה) to symbolize hidden motives (Psalm 26:2; Jeremiah 17:10). Together they call for purity both in worship and in daily conduct. Practical and Ministry Applications 1. Faithful Support of Servants of God. The unique offering of the stomach exhorts congregations to provide materially and promptly for those who serve the Word (Galatians 6:6). Related Concepts – Fellowship Offerings: Shared meals between priests and laity (Leviticus 7:28-34). – Portion for the Lord: The fat and certain organs burned on the altar (Leviticus 3:3-5) foreshadow the total devotion required of all believers. – Tithes and Firstfruits: Wider economic structures that, like the gift of קֵבָה, uphold the principle of honoring God by sustaining His ministers (Nehemiah 12:44-47). Summary Though קֵבָה surfaces only once, its placement within Deuteronomy 18:3 richly illuminates Israel’s sacrificial system, the rights of the priesthood, and the call to wholehearted devotion. The humble “stomach” becomes a vivid reminder that authentic worship involves the very core of one’s resources and affections, prefiguring the complete self-offering of the Great High Priest and challenging the church to generous, inwardly sincere ministry today. Forms and Transliterations וְהַקֵּבָֽה׃ והקבה׃ vehakkeVah wə·haq·qê·ḇāh wəhaqqêḇāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 18:3 HEB: הַזְּרֹ֥עַ וְהַלְּחָיַ֖יִם וְהַקֵּבָֽה׃ NAS: and the two cheeks and the stomach. KJV: and the two cheeks, and the maw. INT: the shoulder and the two and the stomach 1 Occurrence |
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