Leviticus 3:4
Leviticus 3:4 in Multiple Translations
both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys.
And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.
and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the caul upon the liver, with the kidneys, shall he take away.
And the two kidneys, and the fat on them, which is by the top part of the legs, and the fat joining the liver and the kidneys, he is to take away;
both kidneys with the fat on them by the loins, and the best part of the liver, which you are to remove together with the kidneys.
He shall also take away the two kidneis, and the fat that is on them, and vpon the flankes, and the kall on the liuer with the kidneis.
and the two kidneys, and the fat which [is] on them, which [is] on the flanks, and the redundance above the liver, (beside the kidneys he doth turn it aside),
and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away.
And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.
The two kidneys with the fat wherewith the flanks are covered, and the caul of the liver with the two little kidneys.
the kidneys and the fat that is attached to them near the lower back muscle, and the fat that covers the liver.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 3:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 3:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֵת֙
שְׁתֵּ֣י
הַ/כְּלָיֹ֔ת
וְ/אֶת
הַ/חֵ֨לֶב֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
עֲלֵ/הֶ֔ן
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
עַל
הַ/כְּסָלִ֑ים
וְ/אֶת
הַ/יֹּתֶ֨רֶת֙
עַל
הַ/כָּבֵ֔ד
עַל
הַ/כְּלָי֖וֹת
יְסִירֶֽ/נָּה
וְ/אֵת֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
שְׁתֵּ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
הַ/כְּלָיֹ֔ת
kilyâh
H3629
kidney
Art | N-fp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/חֵ֨לֶב֙
cheleb
H2459
fat
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עֲלֵ/הֶ֔ן
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/כְּסָלִ֑ים
keçel
H3689
loin
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/יֹּתֶ֨רֶת֙
yôthereth
H3508
lobe
Art | N-fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/כָּבֵ֔ד
kâbêd
H3516
liver
Art | N-fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/כְּלָי֖וֹת
kilyâh
H3629
kidney
Art | N-fp
יְסִירֶֽ/נָּה
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 3:4
וְ/אֵת֙
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שְׁתֵּ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
הַ/כְּלָיֹ֔ת
kilyâh
H3629
"kidney"
Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to the kidneys, which were considered essential organs, and also symbolized the mind and emotions. It appears in passages like Psalm 7:9 and Revelation 2:23. The kidneys were thought to be the seat of feelings and affections.
Definition: 1) kidneys 1a) of physical organ (lit.) 1b) of seat of emotion and affection (fig.) 1c) of sacrificial animals 2) (TWOT) reins
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: kidneys, reins. See also: Exodus 29:13; Job 19:27; Psalms 7:10.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/חֵ֨לֶב֙
cheleb
H2459
"fat"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, cheleb refers to fat, whether literal or figurative, representing the richest or best part of something. It can describe the choicest products of the land or the best of human or animal fat. This term is used to convey abundance and richness.
Definition: 1) fat 1a) fat (of humans) 1b) fat (of beasts) 1c) choicest, best part, abundance (of products of the land)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] best, fat(-ness), [idiom] finest, grease, marrow. See also: Genesis 4:4; Leviticus 9:24; Psalms 17:10.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עֲלֵ/הֶ֔ן
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/כְּסָלִ֑ים
keçel
H3689
"loin"
Art | N-mp
This term can refer to the physical loin area, but also to confidence, hope, or foolishness, depending on the context, such as in Psalm 38:10. It's about where we place our trust or confidence.
Definition: 1) loins, flank 2) stupidity, folly 3) confidence, hope
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: confidence, flank, folly, hope, loin. See also: Leviticus 3:4; Job 15:27; Psalms 38:8.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/יֹּתֶ֨רֶת֙
yôthereth
H3508
"lobe"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for the lobe or flap of the liver, specifically referring to the caudate lobe of a sacrificial animal's liver. It was an important part in ancient Jewish sacrifices, often translated as 'caul' in the KJV Bible.
Definition: appendage, overhang, protrusion, the caudate lobe of the liver of a sacrificial animal
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: caul. See also: Exodus 29:13; Leviticus 4:9; Leviticus 9:19.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/כָּבֵ֔ד
kâbêd
H3516
"liver"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for liver, it refers to the heaviest organ in the body, as seen in biblical descriptions of animal sacrifices. It is often translated as liver in the KJV. This term appears in Leviticus and other books discussing ritual practices.
Definition: 1) the liver 1a) the liver (as the heaviest organ)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: liver. See also: Exodus 29:13; Leviticus 8:16; Proverbs 7:23.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/כְּלָי֖וֹת
kilyâh
H3629
"kidney"
Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to the kidneys, which were considered essential organs, and also symbolized the mind and emotions. It appears in passages like Psalm 7:9 and Revelation 2:23. The kidneys were thought to be the seat of feelings and affections.
Definition: 1) kidneys 1a) of physical organ (lit.) 1b) of seat of emotion and affection (fig.) 1c) of sacrificial animals 2) (TWOT) reins
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: kidneys, reins. See also: Exodus 29:13; Job 19:27; Psalms 7:10.
יְסִירֶֽ/נָּה
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
Study Notes — Leviticus 3:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 3:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 3:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 3:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 3:4
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 3:4
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 3:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 3:4
Context — Laws for Peace Offerings
2He is to lay his hand on the head of the offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall splatter the blood on all sides of the altar.
3From the peace offering he is to bring a food offering to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them,
4both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys.
5Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar atop the burnt offering that is on the burning wood, as a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. 6If, however, one’s peace offering to the LORD is from the flock, he must present a male or female without blemish.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 3:10 | both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys. |
| 2 | Leviticus 8:25 | And Moses took the fat—the fat tail, all the fat that was on the entrails, the lobe of the liver, and both kidneys with their fat—as well as the right thigh. |
| 3 | Exodus 29:22 | Take the fat from the ram, the fat tail, the fat covering the entrails, the lobe of the liver, both kidneys with the fat on them, and the right thigh (since this is a ram for ordination), |
| 4 | Leviticus 3:15 | both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys. |
| 5 | Leviticus 9:19 | They also brought the fat portions from the ox and the ram—the fat tail, the fat covering the entrails, the kidneys, and the lobe of the liver— |
| 6 | Leviticus 7:4 | both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which is to be removed with the kidneys. |
| 7 | Exodus 29:13 | Take all the fat that covers the entrails and the lobe of the liver, and both kidneys with the fat on them, and burn them on the altar. |
| 8 | Leviticus 4:9 | both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys— |
| 9 | Leviticus 8:16 | Moses also took all the fat that was on the entrails, the lobe of the liver, and both kidneys and their fat, and burned it all on the altar. |
| 10 | Leviticus 9:10 | On the altar he burned the fat, the kidneys, and the lobe of the liver from the sin offering, as the LORD had commanded Moses. |
Leviticus 3:4 Summary
[Leviticus 3:4 teaches us that when we offer something to God, we should give Him our best, including the parts of ourselves that are most precious and valuable. This is similar to the idea in Matthew 22:37, where we are called to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. By surrendering our innermost being to God, we can experience a deeper sense of intimacy and connection with Him. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves what parts of our lives we are holding back from God and how we can offer them to Him in a spirit of worship and sacrifice.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the kidneys and the lobe of the liver in Leviticus 3:4?
The kidneys and the lobe of the liver were considered the seat of emotions and thoughts in biblical times, and offering them to the Lord symbolized surrendering one's innermost being to Him, as seen in Psalm 7:9 and Jeremiah 11:20.
Why were the kidneys and the lobe of the liver removed with the fat on them?
The removal of the kidneys and the lobe of the liver with the fat on them near the loins signified the removal of sin and impurities, as fat represented the best and richest parts of the offering, similar to the concept in Genesis 4:4 where Abel offered the firstborn of his flock.
How does this verse relate to the concept of sacrifice in the Bible?
This verse highlights the idea of sacrifice as a means of worship and dedication to God, where the offerer presents their best to the Lord, as seen in Romans 12:1, where we are called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.
What can we learn from the specific instructions in Leviticus 3:4 about our relationship with God?
The detailed instructions in this verse teach us about the importance of obedience and attention to detail in our worship and relationship with God, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 12:32 and Matthew 5:18.
Reflection Questions
- What parts of my life am I holding back from surrendering to God, and how can I offer them to Him today?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of offering my best to God in my daily life, whether in my work, relationships, or worship?
- How can I balance the idea of sacrifice with the concept of grace and God's love, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9?
- What does it mean for me to present my 'innermost being' to God, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of surrender and intimacy with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 3:4
And the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] on them, which is [by] the flanks,.... Meaning either the two kidneys which were next the flanks, or the fat upon them, which was next to them; these, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 3:4
And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 3:4
Leviticus 3:4 And the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] on them, which [is] by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.Ver. 4. With the kidneys.] Those seats of lust. Earthly members must be mortified by the thankful.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 3:4
4. the two kidneys, and the fat … by the loins] Between the kidneys and the backbone are thick layers of fat. These may be seen in the carcases of sheep and lambs in butchers’ shops; the omentum and the liver are generally removed before they are exposed for sale. the caul upon the liver] Here and in Leviticus 3:10; Leviticus 3:15, Leviticus 4:9, Leviticus 7:4; Exodus 29:13; the caul of the liver Exodus 29:22; Leviticus 8:16; Leviticus 8:25; Leviticus 9:19; the caul from the liver Leviticus 9:10. The Heb. word translated ‘caul’ occurs only in these passages, and A.V. has the preposition ‘above’ in all of them. By ‘caul’ is here meant the membrane known as the small omentum, which covers the liver, the reticulum jecoris of Vulg. Jerome probably obtained the meaning from his Hebrew teachers. Mediaeval Jewish commentators interpret in the same way, or, as A.V. mg. renders, ‘midriff.’ But Moore in Enc. Bib. iv. p. 420 b had expressed his opinion that the lobus caudatus of the liver is the part indicated by the Heb. text. In an Article contributed to Orient. Studien Th. Nφldeke gewidmet (1906) ii. 761 ff. he examined fully the renderings of the LXX. and other versions, quotations from the Mishna and other Jewish authorities, and shewed that the oldest tradition supported this interpretation.
The Heb. literally translated is the redundance upon the liver which he shall take away along with the kidneys. Something connected with the liver, but in the nature of an appendage, which can be removed when the kidneys with the fat enclosing them are taken away, is indicated. From the right lobe of the liver of a sheep projects upwards an excrescence like a finger lying close to the right kidney fat, reaching about halfway up the kidney, which can easily be separated from the liver when the kidney with its surrounding fat is removed according to the directions in Leviticus 3:3-4. It is called (Tal. Bab. Tamid 31 a) ‘the finger of the liver,’ a more descriptive title than ‘the nut,’ given to it by the modern butcher. Anatomists call it lobus caudatus, and it appears to be clearly indicated by the Heb. yτthιreth, redundance, and the directions which imply its proximity to the kidney. The LXX. translate, ὁλοβός, and as there are several lobes in the liver, this was by some interpreted to mean the great upper lobe. But Greek writers who refer to divination by means of the liver (Eurip. Electra, 827 f., Aesch.
Eumen. 155 f., Prom. Vinc. 509 f., and other references in Moore’s Article) employ λοβός to denote lobus caudatus, which was observed with special care by the haruspex. Latin writers employ the phrase caput jecoris, and Cicero, de Divin. ii. 13 says that it is regarded as a most unfavourable omen if this part of the liver is not found. When Agesilaus (Xen. Hellenica, iii. 4.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 3:4
The caul above the liver - Probably the membrane covering the upper part of the liver.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 3:4
4. The two kidneys — Professor Bush suggests that the kidneys were burned because they are “the supposed seat of some of the strongest sensual propensities,” such as fornication and uncleanness.