Leviticus – Chapter 3

Old Testament • 17 Verses

Chapter Summary

Leviticus 3 opens with the words: "And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offerings, and he will offer of the herd, whether male or female: he shall offer them without…" Aaron stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 17 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and family and covenant relationships. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offerings, and he will offer of the herd, whether male or female: he shall offer them without blemish before the Lord.

2And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his victim, which shall be slain in the entry of the tabernacle of the testimony: and the sons of Aaron the priests shall pour the blood round about upon the altar.

3And they shall offer of the sacrifice of peace offerings, for an oblation to the Lord: the fat that covereth the entrails, and all the fat that is within,

4The two kidneys with the fat wherewith the flanks are covered, and the caul of the liver with the two little kidneys.

5And they shall burn them upon the altar, for a holocaust, putting fire under the wood: for an oblation of most sweet savour to the Lord.

6But if his oblation and the sacrifice of peace offering be of the flock, whether he offer male or female, they shall be without blemish.

7If he offer a lamb before the Lord:

8He shall put his hand upon the head of the victim. And it shall be slain in the entry of the tabernacle of the testimony: and the sons of Aaron shall pour the blood thereof round about upon the altar.

9And they shall offer of the victim of peace offerings, a sacrifice to the Lord: the fat and the whole rump,

10With the kidneys, and the fat that covereth the belly and all the vitals and both the little kidneys, with the fat that is about the flanks, and the caul of the liver with the little kidneys.

11And the priest shall burn them upon the altar, for the food of the fire, and of the oblation of the Lord.

12If his offering be a goat, and he offer it to the Lord:

13He shall put his hand upon the head thereof: and shall immolate it in the entry of the tabernacle of the testimony. And the sons of Aaron shall pour the blood thereof round about upon the altar.

14And they shall take of it for the food of the Lord's fire, the fat that covereth the belly, and that covereth all the vital parts:

15The two little kidneys with the caul that is upon them which is by the flanks, and the fat of the liver with the little kidneys.

16And the priest shall burn them upon the altar, for the food of the fire, and of a most sweet savour. All the fat shall be the Lord's.

17By a perpetual law for your generations, and in all your habitations: neither blood nor fat shall you eat at all.

Important Verses in Leviticus 3

“And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offerings, and he will offer of the herd, whether male or female: he shall offer them without blemish before the Lord.”

Leviticus 3:1

“And they shall burn them upon the altar, for a holocaust, putting fire under the wood: for an oblation of most sweet savour to the Lord.”

Leviticus 3:5

“And they shall offer of the victim of peace offerings, a sacrifice to the Lord: the fat and the whole rump,”

Leviticus 3:9

“If his offering be a goat, and he offer it to the Lord:”

Leviticus 3:12

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Leviticus was written with the priests (sons of Aaron) and the whole assembly of Israel in view. Chapter 3 of 27 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 17 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Aaron, the principal figures named in this chapter. The chapter begins: "And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offerings, and he will offer of the herd, whether male or female: he shall…" It concludes: "By a perpetual law for your generations, and in all your habitations: neither blood nor fat shall you eat at all. " Read against its original backdrop, Leviticus is the liturgical handbook of ancient Israel, given at Sinai to teach a newly freed people how to worship a holy God. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Leviticus around Core traditions from the wilderness period; final form by the 5th century BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Moses; contains priestly legislation preserved by the Levitical priesthood

When It Was Written

Core traditions from the wilderness period; final form by the 5th century BC

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense of Leviticus 3 presents a concrete episode in the history of holiness, sacrifice, and priestly worship. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offerings, and he will offer of the herd, whether male or female: he shall offer them without blemish before the…" The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of holiness, sacrifice, and priestly worship. Catholic theology sees these sacrifices fulfilled in Christ's one perfect sacrifice (CIC 1539-1545). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 721).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • ✓From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.

People in This Chapter

Aaron3 mentions

Reflection for Today

As Catholics read Leviticus Chapter 3, we do so within the living Tradition that has guarded this text for two millennia.

The saints did not treat Scripture as antiquarian literature. St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, and countless others used passages such as this to fuel daily conversion. the Church as mother and teacher remains a practical lesson for modern disciples.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 355).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Leviticus Chapter 3 about?

Leviticus 3 contains 17 verses. It opens with "And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offerings, and he will offer of the herd, whether male or female: he shall…" and closes with "By a perpetual law for your generations, and in all your habitations: neither blood nor fat shall you eat at all. ". The book as a whole is law and liturgical instruction.

What is a key verse in Leviticus 3?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offerings, and he will offer of the herd, whether male or female: he shall offer them without blemish before the Lord." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Leviticus Chapter 3?

This chapter mentions Aaron.

Who wrote Leviticus and when?

Traditionally attributed to Moses; contains priestly legislation preserved by the Levitical priesthood. Core traditions from the wilderness period; final form by the 5th century BC.

Related Chapters

Exodus 16Shares people and themes with this chapterNumbers 4Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Chronicles 6Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises🙏Prayer for the Family🙏Novena to the Holy Family

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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