פֶּ֫דֶר (pe.der)
pe.der
suet
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun peḏer refers specifically to suet, the hard, white fat found around the kidneys and other internal organs of animals. Unlike general terms for fat that might describe soft tissue or oil, this word points to a distinct, dense substance prized in ancient culinary practices.
In the biblical text, its significance is primarily ritual rather than dietary. It appears three times, all within Leviticus (7:24, 33; 17:10-12 contextually implies separation of life-blood from this specific fat). The law strictly forbids Israelites from eating peḏer, reserving it exclusively for offerings on the altar. This distinction highlights a theological boundary: while ordinary fat might be consumed, this particular part was considered too sacred or potent for human use, belonging instead to God.
Translators typically render peḏer as "suet" or "fat" depending on context, but the Hebrew term carries a precise technical weight. Its restriction underscores the holiness of sacrifice, marking a clear separation between what is common and what is set apart for divine worship in the Old Testament covenant.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word peḏer refers to the specific suet found around an animal’s kidneys. In ancient Israel, this was not just food; it was a sacred substance reserved for God alone. The law forbade its consumption by people, marking it as belonging entirely to the altar. This distinction taught that holiness requires setting apart the best parts of our lives.
For your faith today, this reminds us that worship involves giving back what is most valuable. Just as the suet was offered on the fire, we are called to present our deepest resources and affections to God. It is a call to honor Him with precision and reverence, acknowledging His ownership over all things.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ suet2×
- suet/ its1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פִּדְר֑/וֹ1×
- הַ/פָּֽדֶר\׃1×
- הַ/פָּ֑דֶר1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 1:8
and Aaron’s sons, the priests, shall lay the pieces, the head, and the fat in order on the wood that is on the fire which is on the altar;
This verse shows the suet being arranged in order on the altar, highlighting the ritual importance of placing this specific fat alongside other parts of the sacrifice.
-
Leviticus 1:12
He shall cut it into its pieces, with its head and its fat. The priest shall lay them in order on the wood that is on the fire which is on the altar,
Here the head and fat are cut and laid in order, emphasizing that even the internal organs were treated with care during the offering process.
-
Leviticus 8:20
He cut the ram into its pieces; and Moses burned the head, and the pieces, and the fat.
Moses burns the fat here, illustrating the priestly act of consecration where the suet is consumed by fire as a pleasing aroma to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does peḏer mean in the Bible?
Why was peḏer not eaten by Israelites?
How is peḏer different from other types of fat?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Leviticus 3 verses
and Aaron’s sons, the priests, shall lay the pieces, the head, and the fat in order on the wood that is on the fire…
Leviticus 1:12He shall cut it into its pieces, with its head and its fat. The priest shall lay them in order on the wood that is on…
Leviticus 8:20He cut the ram into its pieces; and Moses burned the head, and the pieces, and the fat.