קֵבָה
the paunch (as a cavity) or first stomach of ruminants
Definition
The Hebrew word קֵבָה (qêbâh) refers specifically to the stomach or digestive organ of an animal, particularly the first stomach (the rumen) of a ruminant. In its single biblical occurrence, it denotes a part of the sacrificial animal that was designated as a priestly portion. The term emphasizes the cavity or internal pouch of the animal, derived from a root meaning 'to hollow out.' While it is a precise anatomical term, its theological significance arises solely from its role in the ritual laws of the Old Testament.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in Deuteronomy 18:3. It appears within a list of priestly dues from the people's sacrifices. The verse specifies that the priests are to be given the shoulder, the two cheeks, and the 'qêbâh' (translated as 'maw' in the KJV) from the offerings of oxen and sheep. Its usage is entirely confined to this cultic, legal context concerning the support of the Levitical priesthood.
Etymology
קֵבָה (qêbâh) is a noun derived from the root קָבַב (qāḇaḇ, H6895), which means 'to hollow out' or 'to curse.' The connection to 'hollow out' clearly relates to the word's meaning as an internal cavity or pouch, specifically the stomach. It is a concrete anatomical term with a straightforward derivation from this physical sense of the root.
Semantic Range
While the word itself is an anatomical term, its theological importance lies in its application within the Mosaic law. In Deuteronomy 18:3, the 'qêbâh' is part of the provision God established for the tribe of Levi, who received no territorial inheritance. This detail underscores God's practical care for His ministers and the principle that those who serve at the altar should share in its offerings (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:13). It highlights the integration of even mundane physical parts into the sacred system of worship and community sustenance.
In ancient Israelite culture, butchery and sacrifice were closely linked. The specific identification of the 'qêbâh' (the rumen or paunch) as a priestly portion reflects a detailed understanding of animal anatomy and the practical division of sacrificial remains. This portion, likely rich and considered a choice part, was a tangible form of material support for the priestly class, integral to the agricultural and sacrificial economy.
בֶּטֶן (beṭen, H990) — A more general term for belly, womb, or body cavity, applicable to humans and animals. כְּרֵס (kerēs, H3770) — Another term for belly or abdomen, often with a focus on its rounded shape or as the seat of emotions.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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