What does Leviticus 7:32 mean?
What is the meaning of Leviticus 7:32?

And you are to give

God speaks in direct, unmistakable terms.

• This command is not a suggestion; it is a clear directive, echoing the Lord’s insistence that obedience proves love (1 Samuel 15:22; John 14:15).

• The giver is the offerer—an ordinary Israelite who has experienced God’s peace and now responds in gratitude.

• By requiring an act of giving, the Lord trains His people to hold their blessings with an open hand (Proverbs 3:9).


the right thigh

Scripture pinpoints a specific cut of meat.

• The “right” side represents strength and honor (Psalm 110:1).

• Choosing the thigh—one of the weightiest, choice portions—guards against giving God leftovers (Exodus 29:22).

• Every worshiper sees that what is set apart for God’s servants is the best, reinforcing the principle later echoed in Malachi 1:8.


to the priest

God provides for those who serve at His altar.

• The priests own no land; their livelihood comes from the offerings (Numbers 18:8–11).

• By handing the thigh directly to the priest, the worshiper personally participates in sustaining ministry—an Old-Testament picture of the New-Testament principle that “those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:13-14).

• The exchange nurtures mutual gratitude: the priest blesses the giver, and the giver supports the priest.


as a contribution

The portion is presented as a distinct gift lifted up to God.

• This “contribution” (often called a heave offering) is first for the Lord, then for His servant (Exodus 29:27-28).

• It is not a tax but a worshipful acknowledgment that everything originates from God’s gracious hand (Deuteronomy 16:17).

• Our giving today follows the same heart motive: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).


from your peace offering

The context is fellowship restored.

• A peace offering celebrates reconciliation with God, allowing the worshiper to share a meal in His presence (Leviticus 3:1-17).

• Only after peace is secured can true generosity flow; likewise, Christ “Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14), enabling believers to give freely.

• The shared portions—one for God (the fat burned), one for the priest (the thigh and breast), and the remainder for the family—paint a table of communion that anticipates the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 10:16).


summary

Leviticus 7:32 teaches that genuine peace with God overflows into concrete, obedient generosity. The Lord claims the best portion, directs it to His servants, and folds giver and priest alike into joyful fellowship. Obedience, honor, provision, worship, and communion—each theme threads through one simple instruction: “And you are to give the right thigh to the priest as a contribution from your peace offering.”

Why is the fat considered sacred in Leviticus 7:31?
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