קֵבָה (qe.vah)
qe.vah
stomach
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew word qe·vah refers to the stomach or belly, specifically denoting the internal cavity of an animal or human. In the Old Testament, it carries a precise technical sense when describing the fourth stomach compartment of ruminants used in sacrificial rituals. This anatomical detail is significant because the Torah assigns this specific part of the offering to the priests as their portion (Leviticus 7:3; Deuteronomy 18:3).
While the term can apply broadly to the belly of a woman, its most distinctive usage highlights the physical reality of sacrificial law. By specifying the stomach rather than just "meat," the text underscores the tangible nature of the priest’s share from the peace offering. This concrete detail grounds spiritual duties in physical reality, showing how ancient Israelites understood their worship through specific, observable actions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word qevah points to the stomach, specifically the internal cavity of an animal or human. In the Old Testament, it carries a precise technical sense when describing the fourth stomach compartment of ruminants used in sacrificial rituals. This anatomical detail is significant because the Torah assigns this specific part of the offering to the priests as their portion (Leviticus 7:3; Deuteronomy 18:3).
While the term can apply broadly to the belly of a woman, its most distinctive usage highlights the physical reality of sacrificial law. By specifying the stomach rather than just 'meat,' the text underscores the tangible nature of the priest’s share from the peace offering. This concrete detail grounds spiritual duties in physical reality, showing how ancient Israelites understood their worship through specific, observable actions.
For your faith, this reminds us that God cares about the details of our lives. Just as the priests received a specific part of the offering, we are invited to bring our whole selves—our thoughts, emotions, and physical needs—to God. He is not distant from our human experience but meets us in the concrete realities of daily life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ the/ stomach1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/הַ/קֵּבָֽה\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 18:3
This shall be the priests’ due from the people, from those who offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep, that they shall give to the priest: the shoulder, the two cheeks, and the inner parts.
This verse lists the qevah as part of the priests' due, highlighting its role as a tangible portion of the sacrifice provided for those serving in the sanctuary.