Deuteronomy 18:3 - Priests' sacred portions from offerings

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Hebrew Text

וְזֶה יִהְיֶה מִשְׁפַּט הַכֹּהֲנִים מֵאֵת הָעָם מֵאֵת זֹבְחֵי הַזֶּבַח אִם־שׁוֹר אִם־שֶׂה וְנָתַן לַכֹּהֵן הַזְּרֹעַ וְהַלְּחָיַיִם וְהַקֵּבָה׃

English Translation

And this shall be the priest’s allotment from the people, from those who offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; they shall give to the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.

Transliteration

Ve'ze yihye mishpat hakohanim me'et ha'am me'et zovchei hazevach im-shor im-seh venatan lakohen hazro'a vehalechayim vehakeivah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְזֶ֡ה יִהְיֶה֩ מִשְׁפַּ֨ט הַכֹּהֲנִ֜ים מֵאֵ֣ת הָעָ֗ם מֵאֵ֛ת זֹבְחֵ֥י הַזֶּ֖בַח אִם־שׁ֣וֹר אִם־שֶׂ֑ה וְנָתַן֙ לַכֹּהֵ֔ן הַזְּרֹ֥עַ וְהַלְּחָיַ֖יִם וְהַקֵּבָֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

The Portions Given to the Kohanim

The verse (Devarim 18:3) outlines the portions of a sacrifice that are designated for the kohanim (priests). These portions are known as the matnot kehunah (priestly gifts) and consist of the zeroa (foreleg), lecha’ayim (cheeks), and keivah (maw or stomach). Rashi explains that these gifts apply specifically to animals slaughtered for non-sacrificial purposes (korbanot shelamim or chullin), not to offerings brought on the altar, which are entirely given to Hashem.

Symbolism of the Three Portions

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 18:3) connects these three portions to significant events involving the Kohanim:

Zeroa (Shoulder): Corresponds to the "arm" of Hashem, recalling how He redeemed Israel from Egypt ("with an outstretched arm" – Shemot 6:6).
Lecha’ayim (Cheeks): Alludes to the prayer of the Kohen, as the cheeks are associated with speech (Tehillim 106:30).
Keivah (Maw): Represents the Kohen’s role in atonement, as the stomach digests food, just as repentance "digests" sin (Yoma 75a).

Halachic Application

The Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 9:1-2) details the laws of these gifts, emphasizing that they are obligatory and must be given to the Kohen with proper respect. The zeroa includes the upper foreleg, the lecha’ayim includes the tongue and surrounding meat, and the keivah refers to one of the stomach chambers (the omasum). The Talmud (Chullin 134a) discusses the precise anatomical definitions to ensure proper fulfillment of the mitzvah.

Spiritual Lessons

The Kli Yakar teaches that these gifts remind the Jewish people of the Kohen’s spiritual role. The zeroa symbolizes strength in divine service, the lecha’ayim represent devotion in prayer, and the keivah signifies internalizing Torah values. By giving these portions, the people acknowledge the Kohen’s role in connecting them to Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 132b

The verse is discussed in the context of the priestly portions from sacrifices, specifically detailing the parts of the animal given to the priests.

📖 Zevachim 56a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of sacrifices and the portions allocated to the priests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 18:3 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 18:3 explains the portions of an animal sacrifice that must be given to the Kohanim (priests). When someone brings an ox or sheep as a sacrifice, they must give the priest the 'shoulder' (foreleg), 'cheeks' (including the tongue), and the 'maw' (stomach). This is part of the Torah's system of supporting the Kohanim who serve in the Temple.

Q: Why are these specific parts (shoulder, cheeks, maw) given to the priests?
A: Rashi explains that these parts were chosen because they represent significant aspects of the animal: the shoulder (זרוע) symbolizes strength, the cheeks (לחיים) represent speech and expression (since the tongue is included), and the maw (קיבה) symbolizes sustenance and digestion. Giving these parts honors the priestly service and acknowledges G-d's blessings in these areas of life.

Q: Does this law still apply today?
A: Since the Temple is not standing today, we do not bring animal sacrifices, and thus this law is not currently practiced. However, the Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 9:1) explains that when the Temple is rebuilt, these laws will be reinstated. Some also see a moral lesson in this mitzvah—to honor and support those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service.

Q: What is the significance of giving these gifts to the Kohanim?
A: The Talmud (Chulin 132a) teaches that these gifts are a form of support for the Kohanim, who did not receive a portion of land in Israel and instead devoted themselves to serving G-d in the Temple. By giving them these choice portions, the people acknowledge their spiritual role and ensure they are sustained without distraction.

Q: Are there other gifts given to the Kohanim besides these parts?
A: Yes, besides the shoulder, cheeks, and maw, there are other gifts to the Kohanim mentioned in the Torah, such as Terumah (a portion of produce), Challah (dough offering), and the firstborn of kosher animals (Bechor). Each of these serves as a way to support the priestly class and maintain the sanctity of the Temple service.