Bible Strands
Deuteronomy 18:3
This shall be the priests’ share from the people who offer a sacrifice, whether a bull or a sheep: the priests are to be given the shoulder, the jowls, and the stomach.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses addresses the Israelites on the plains of Moab, establishing the material provisions for the Levitical priesthood before they cross the Jordan.
The words — מִשְׁפַּט הַכֹּהֲנִים (mishpat ha-kohanim) literally means “the right of the priests,” designating a fixed portion rather than a voluntary gift.
The thread — This provision is paired with Deuteronomy 18:4, which mandates firstfruits and first wool, while Deuteronomy 12:27 similarly regulates the presentation of sacrificial meat and blood.
Why it lands — The text requires the people to surrender the shoulder, jowls, and stomach of every sacrifice to the priests, establishing a concrete, non-negotiable standard for supporting those who minister at the altar.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And this shall be the priest’s due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.
Cross-references
- Leviticus 7:30 With his own hands he is to bring the food offerings to the LORD; he shall bring the fat, together with the breast, and wave the breast as a wave offering before the LORD.
- Deuteronomy 12:27 Present the meat and blood of your burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD your God. The blood of your other sacrifices must be poured out beside the altar of the LORD your God, but you may eat the meat.