Deuteronomy 18:3 · Bible study
Deuteronomy 18:3 Commentary: The Priests’ Due
Hebrew · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Examine the priestly due of shoulder, cheeks, and stomach. Debate over sacrificial vs. common slaughter and relation to Leviticus 7.
Research Summary
- Meaning: God commands that priests receive the shoulder, two cheeks, and stomach from animals slain by the people, as their legal due.
- Key words: מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat, right/judgment), זֶבַח (zebach, sacrifice), זְרֹעַ (zeroa, shoulder), לְחָיַיִם (lechayayim, two cheeks), קֵבָה (kevah, stomach).
- Main debate: Whether this applies only to sacrificial animals or also to animals killed for ordinary food (Clarke vs. Cambridge Bible).
- Theological theme: God provides for His ministers; the portions symbolize dedication of strength, speech, and appetite.
- Best use: Understanding OT priestly support; foundation for teaching on honouring church leaders and the principle of firstfruits giving.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
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.
WEB World English Bible 2000
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.
KJV King James Version 1769
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.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
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.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
`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;
Darby Darby Bible 1890
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.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
This shall be the priest's due from the people, and from them that offer victims: whether they sacrifice an ox, or a sheep, they shall give to the priest the shoulder and the breast:
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y este será el derecho de los sacerdotes de parte del pueblo, de los que ofrecieren en sacrificio buey ó cordero: darán al sacerdote la espalda, y las quijadas, y el cuajar.
E este será o direito dos sacerdotes da parte do povo, dos que oferecerem em sacrifício boi ou cordeiro: darão ao sacerdote a retaguarda, e as queixadas, e o estômago.
Voici quel sera le droit des sacrificateurs sur le peuple, sur ceux qui offriront un sacrifice, un bœuf ou un agneau: on donnera au sacrificateur l’ épaule, les mâchoires et l’ estomac.
Das soll aber das Recht der Priester sein an dem Volk, an denen, die da opfern, es sei Ochse oder Schaf, daß man dem Priester gebe den Arm und beide Kinnbacken und den Wanst
Dit nu zal het recht der priesters zijn van het volk, van hen, die een offerande offeren, hetzij een os, of klein vee: dat hij den priester zal geven den schouder, en beide kinnebakken, en de pens.
Or questo sarà il diritto de’ sacerdoti sul popolo, su quelli che offriranno come sacrifizio sia un bue sia una pecora: essi daranno al sacerdote la spalla, le mascelle e il ventricolo.
A toć będzie prawo należące kapłanom od ludu, od ofiarujących ofiarę, bądź wołu, bądź owcę; tedy oddadzą kapłanowi łopatkę, i czeluści i kałdun.
Вот что должно быть положено священникам от народа, от приносящих в жертву волов или овец: должно отдавать священнику плечо, челюсти и желудок;
祭司 從 百姓 所當得的分 乃是 這樣：凡 獻 牛 或 羊 為祭的，要把前腿 和兩腮 並脾胃 給 祭司。
And this is to be the priests' right: those who make an offering of a sheep or an ox are to give to the priest the top part of the leg and the two sides of the head and the stomach.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Deuteronomy 18:3
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
The consensus among commentators is that Deuteronomy 18:3 establishes a binding right for priests to receive specific parts of animals from the people. However, there is a fundamental disagreement over the type of slaughter involved. Adam Clarke argues that the term ‘sacrifice’ can refer to animals killed for common food, citing Genesis 46:1 and Proverbs 17:1. The Cambridge Bible insists the phrase ‘offer a sacrifice’ and the context of sanctuary service (Deut 18:5, 7) limit this to victims slain at the altar. Calvin sees the rule as protecting both priests and people: priests receive their due without greed, and the people know exactly what to give. Barnes notes the symbolism of the three parts, shoulder, cheeks, and stomach, representing the worshipper’s strength, speech, and appetites dedicated to God. The law thus serves both practical support and spiritual meaning.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Sacrificial only: Context of sanctuary ministry and phrase 'sacrifice the sacrifice'; supported by Cambridge Bible.
- Includes common slaughter: Zebach used for non-sacrificial killing (Gen 46:1); supported by Adam Clarke.
What is clear: The priests were entitled to receive the shoulder, two cheeks, and stomach from the people's animals, establishing a divine mandate for their support.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of the due | The priests were entitled to specific animal parts as provision. | Some interpret 'sacrifice' narrowly (Cambridge Bible), others include common slaughter (Clarke). |
| Relationship to Leviticus 7 | Both passages assign priestly portions from offerings. | Leviticus 7 gives breast and thigh; Deuteronomy 18 gives shoulder, cheeks, stomach. Some see a later development or additional regulation (Cambridge Bible). |
| Symbolic meaning | The three parts represent different aspects of the worshipper. | Barnes sees them as head, body, legs; others like medieval interpreters allegorize more specifically. |
| Application to Christian ministry | The principle of supporting those who serve in spiritual matters continues. | Some see a direct model for tithing/salary; others see a temporary OT civil law. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The chapter opens with a fundamental principle: the Levitical priests have no territorial inheritance in the Promised Land (Deut 18:1, 2). Yahweh himself is their inheritance, and they are to live from the offerings and dues brought by the people. Verse 3 specifies one such due within the sacrificial system. The term מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat) carries the sense of ‘right’ or ‘judgment’, a legally enforceable claim, not merely a suggestion.
The slaughter of animals in ancient Israel took place both at the sanctuary for offerings and at home for ordinary meals (Deut 12:15,21). The phrase זֹבְחֵי הַזֶּבַח (‘those who sacrifice the sacrifice’) is used elsewhere for both types of slaughter. Adam Clarke cites Genesis 46:1 and Proverbs 17:1 where זֶבַח appears in non-sacrificial contexts. Yet the Cambridge Bible argues that within the context of the priestly regulations, the slaughter is connected to the altar, as the priests stood to minister before Yahweh (v.5). This is reinforced by the surrounding verses detailing the priests’ service.
The specific parts, shoulder (זְרֹעַ), two cheeks (לְחָיַיִם), and stomach (קֵבָה), are choice cuts. Keil and Delitzsch identify the shoulder as the front leg (cf. Num 6:19). The stomach was regarded as a delicacy in the ancient world (Gill cites Aristotle and Aristophanes). Barnes suggests these three parts representing the three main sections of the animal, head, body, and legs, symbolize the consecration of the whole animal (and the worshipper) to God.
The regulation also addresses an abuse: the sons of Eli took by force whatever they wanted from the sacrifices (1 Sam 2:12, 17). By naming specific portions, God sets boundaries, as Calvin notes, to prevent priestly greed and protect the people from extortion.
Textual Notes
The supplied sources note no significant textual variants for this verse. The Hebrew text is consistent across manuscripts, and the translations agree closely on the content.
Reception History
Jewish tradition long viewed this verse as part of the detailed regulations for priestly support, with the Talmud discussing the exact definition of the parts. Early Christian writers like Clement of Rome used similar passages to argue for the support of church leaders. In the medieval period, allegorical interpretations dominated: the shoulder represented good works, the cheeks confession of faith, the stomach the capacity to receive divine grace. Reformation commentators such as Calvin and the Geneva Bible returned to the literal sense, emphasizing the legal protection against priestly abuse. The verse continues to be cited in discussions of pastoral compensation and the principle of giving the first and best to God's servants.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- God’s provision for His priests. Because the Levites had no land inheritance, God commanded specific portions from every animal slain (whether sacrificial or not, the debate notwithstanding). This ensured they could focus on ministry.
- Symbolism of the parts. Shoulder (strength), cheeks (speech, eating), stomach (inner appetites). These represent offering our whole selves to God, our actions, words, and desires.
- Boundaries against greed. By fixing the due, God prevented priests from taking more than their share, as Eli’s sons had done.
Five-point outline
- The basis: priests have no inheritance in land (v.1, 2).
- The command: people must give the shoulder, cheeks, stomach.
- The recipients: the priests chosen by God (v.5).
- The symbolism: dedication of strength, speech, and appetite.
- The protection: a fixed due curbs both priestly greed and popular neglect.
Illustration hooks
- A farmer sets aside the best cut of meat for the pastor during community feasts, a tangible expression of honour and support.
- In some cultures, the choicest portion of a meal is given to the guest of honour; here God designates that portion for His servants.
- A church board uses a clear policy for pastoral compensation, avoiding both stinginess and overreaching.
Questions your congregation is asking
- What does this verse mean for how we support our pastors today? Is it a model for salaries?
- Why did God specify these particular parts? Do they have symbolic meaning?
- Does this verse imply we should give the “first and best” to those who serve us spiritually?
Leading a Discussion
This verse sits at the heart of how ancient Israel supported its priests. But what exactly was the scope of this due? And what principles carry over for today? As you discuss, notice the tension between seeing this as a sacrificial regulation versus a wider command for all slaughter. Your group may land differently; the goal is to understand the text’s role in a community that was learning to honour both God and His servants.
Discussion questions
- What does the phrase “the priest’s due” (mishpat) tell us about the force of this command?
- Why do you think God specifies the shoulder, cheeks, and stomach? What might each represent?
- Read Leviticus 7:30, 34. How do the portions given there compare to Deuteronomy 18:3? What might explain the difference?
- Some commentators restrict this due to sacrificial animals, while others include ordinary slaughter. Which view seems more consistent with the context of Deuteronomy 18? Why?
- How did the sons of Eli abuse similar regulations (1 Samuel 2:12, 17), and how does this verse guard against such abuse?
- What principle for supporting spiritual leaders can we draw from this verse, and how might it apply in your church context?
- In what ways might we inadvertently fail to honour those who minister among us? How can we practise generosity without a legalistic list?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Leviticus 7:30 | With his own hands he shall bring the offerings of Yahweh made by fire. He shall bring the fat with the breast, that the breast may be waved for a wave offering before Yahweh. |
| Leviticus 7:34 | For the waved breast and the heaved thigh I have taken from the children of Israel out of the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them to Aaron the priest and to his sons as their portion forever from the children of Israel.’” |
| Deuteronomy 12:27 | You shall offer your burnt offerings, the meat and the blood, on Yahweh your God’s altar. The blood of your sacrifices shall be poured out on Yahweh your God’s altar, and you shall eat the meat. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
10 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke notes that the word translated "sacrifice" here can also refer to an animal killed for ordinary eating, not just a religious offering. He therefore understands this command to mean that the priests were to receive specific parts from the animals the people slaughtered for common meals: the shoulder, the two cheeks, and the stomach.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes notes that the regulation requiring a portion from the animal's head, feet, and body to be given to the priest symbolises the consecration of the whole worshipper. He observes that ancient commentators saw this as dedicating words, acts, and appetites to God, likely in connection with peace-offering meals.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin observes that God's detailed list of priestly provisions serves two purposes: it gives the priests clear entitlement to prevent disputes with the people, and it sets firm boundaries to restrain priestly greed. The example of Eli's sons shows what happens when such limits are absent, as they seized whatever they wanted.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
This commentary notes that Deuteronomy's law on priestly dues specifies fixed portions, the shoulder, cheeks and maw, which earlier priests had taken by force. The writer sees this as a legal reform, granting priests definite parts of every altar sacrifice, a step between the earlier arbitrary fork and later laws giving the breast and thigh.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note stresses that the priest's portion from each sacrifice is a fixed duty owed by the people, not a voluntary gift. The shoulder, two cheeks, and maw are specifically assigned as the priest's rightful share, establishing a system of regular provision for those who serve at the altar.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill notes that the priest's portion from peace offerings came directly from the people, not from other priests. The specific parts — the shoulder, the two cheeks with the tongue (meaning the whole head), and the maw, which he identifies as the fourth stomach of the animal — were the priest's due.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
jfb notes that this passage adds the cheeks and the stomach to the priest's portion, parts anciently considered a delicacy, whereas earlier law gave only the breast and shoulder. He finds it unclear whether this is a new command or simply a more detailed repetition of the old one.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch insists that Deuteronomy maintains a clear distinction between priests and Levites, contrary to claims that the author conflates them. The shoulder, cheek, and stomach given to priests are a separate right from the people, not the same as the wave-breast and heave-leg, and likely applied only to animals slaughtered for festive meals rather than ordinary use.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry sees the law denying the Levites a land inheritance as God's deliberate safeguard against worldly entanglements. They were given no share in spoils or property precisely so they would have better things to mind and remain free to serve.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley notes that the Hebrew word traditionally rendered "maw" or stomach could instead mean "breast" or the part under it. He points out this translational ambiguity, acknowledging that the exact body part is not certain from the original language.