Deuteronomy 18:3 Meaning: The Priests’ Due and God’s Care
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.
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.
And this shall be the priests’ due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep, that they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.
`And this is the priest's right from the people, from those sacrificing a sacrifice, whether ox or sheep, he hath even given to the priest the leg, and the two cheeks, and the stomach;
And this shall be the priest's due from the people, from them that sacrifice a sacrifice, whether ox, or sheep: they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the jawbones, and the maw.
Meaning in one sentence
Deuteronomy 18:3 explains the priests' share from sacrifices: shoulder, cheeks, and stomach. This provision supported those who served God.
Context
Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the land God promised. The tribe of Levi would not receive a territory like the other tribes. Their inheritance was the Lord himself, and their livelihood came from the offerings of the people. This verse gives specific instructions about what parts of a sacrifice belong to the priests, the shoulder, the two cheeks, and the stomach. It is one piece of a larger system that provided for the priests so they could focus on their ministry. Understanding this helps us see that God cares about the practical needs of those who serve him.
Key Words
The word behind “due” is mishpat. It means an established right, not a gift or tip. God built this into the community’s life as something the priest could count on. The “shoulder” comes from zeroa, the arm, a symbol of strength. The priest received a strong, meaty cut. The “inner parts” or “maw” is qevah, the stomach. In the ancient world this was considered a delicacy, not an afterthought.
The verb for “sacrifice” (zavach) can mean to slaughter, whether for the altar or for a family meal. Some interpreters think this command applied even when an animal was killed for ordinary food. If so, the priest’s due was woven into the everyday lives of the people. Giving was not reserved for holy days. God’s provision was steady, tied to the regular rhythms of life.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians have read this verse in different ways. Some understand it to refer only to animals sacrificed at the altar. The Cambridge Bible argues that the phrase includes every victim offered where sacrifice was valid. Others, like Adam Clarke, believe it also included animals killed for a common family meal. Calvin saw this regulation as a boundary to prevent priests from taking too much, as Eli’s sons had done. Across these variations, the constant is God’s care for those who serve Him. The priests had no land of their own, so God made sure they had a place at every table.
A common misunderstanding
People sometimes think the priests were given the leftovers or the least desirable parts. In fact, the shoulder, cheeks, and stomach were considered prized portions. The shoulder represented strength, the cheeks often included the tongue, and the stomach was a delicacy. The word “due” (mishpat) shows this was a legal right, not a tip. God commanded the best for His servants.
Living This Out
This verse asks you to consider how you support those who minister in your community. Whether you attend a church that provides a salary for its pastors or give to missionaries, the principle remains: God makes a way for His servants to be sustained. This week, look for an opportunity to give generously to someone who serves you spiritually. It could be a gift, a meal, or a word of thanks. Your giving is not just charity; it is participating in God’s ancient plan to honor those who labor for Him.
Main takeaway: God provided specific portions from the sacrifices to sustain the priests, showing his care for those who serve him.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God wanted the priests to have good food. When people brought animals to God, they gave the shoulder, cheeks, and stomach to the priest. This way the priest could eat and have strength to serve God.
For ages 9, 12
In ancient Israel, the tribe of Levi didn’t own land like the others. So God commanded the people to give special parts from their sacrifices to the priests. This wasn’t an afterthought. It was part of God’s careful plan to take care of those who dedicated their lives to serving Him and the community. You can support your pastor or church workers today as a way of following this same heart for provision.
Questions People Ask
Why did the priests get the shoulder, cheeks, and stomach?
These parts were considered choice. The shoulder (or arm) was a symbol of strength. The cheeks often included the tongue, and the stomach was a delicacy. God gave the priests prized portions, not scraps.
Did this law apply to animals killed for food at home or only to sacrifices?
Interpreters differ. Some think “sacrifice” in this context includes any animal slaughtered for food, not just altar offerings. Others believe it refers only to animals offered at the altar. The Hebrew word can mean either.
How does this compare to the priestly portions in Leviticus 7?
Leviticus 7 says the priests received the breast and right thigh from peace offerings. Deuteronomy 18 mentions shoulder, cheeks, and stomach. These may be different regulations for different occasions, or they might reflect later practice. The two laws are not contradictory but complementary.
What does 'maw' mean in Deuteronomy 18:3?
Maw is an old English word for the stomach of an animal. Modern translations often say “inner parts” or “stomach.” It was considered a tasty cut.
Does this verse apply to Christians today?
The specific command about cuts of meat does not bind Christians directly. But the principle that God’s people should provide for those who serve him is echoed in the New Testament. Paul teaches that those who preach the gospel should earn their living from the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14).
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study