כָּבֵד

כָּבֵד

the liver (as the heaviest of the viscera)

Definition

The Hebrew word כָּבֵד (kâbêd) primarily refers to the liver, the heaviest internal organ, as indicated by its root meaning 'heavy'. In all 14 of its biblical occurrences, it denotes the physical organ of the liver, specifically within the context of sacrificial rituals. For example, in the ordination offering for priests, the instructions specify removing 'the two kidneys and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the lobe of the liver' (Exodus 29:13, 22). There is no evidence of a metaphorical or extended meaning for this term in the biblical text; its usage is consistently literal and anatomical.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the ritual texts of the Torah (Exodus and Leviticus) in the context of animal sacrifices. It always appears as part of detailed instructions for preparing offerings, specifically listing the liver alongside other organs like the kidneys and fat. The pattern is formulaic: the liver (often the 'lobe' or 'appendage' of the liver) is to be removed and, along with specific fats, burned on the altar as a 'food offering' to God (Leviticus 3:4, 10, 15; 4:9; 7:4).

Etymology

The noun כָּבֵד (kâbêd, H3516) is directly derived from the identical adjective/verb root כּבד (kbd, H3515), which means 'to be heavy, weighty, or honored'. The liver was considered the heaviest of the internal organs (the viscera), hence its name. This connection is a clear example of a body part named for a physical characteristic. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Akkadian (kabattu) and Ugaritic (kbd), also mean 'liver'.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is anatomical, its exclusive use in sacrificial law gives it theological significance. The liver, along with the kidneys and fat, was considered the choicest part of the animal, set apart for God. Burning these specific organs symbolized giving the very best and the very life (often associated with inner organs) of the sacrifice to Yahweh. This practice underscored the principles of consecration, atonement, and the seriousness of approaching a holy God through prescribed means, as seen in the sin offering (Leviticus 4:9) and peace offerings (Leviticus 3:4). In the ancient Near East, the liver was often regarded as more than just a physical organ; it was frequently seen as the seat of emotions, thought, or the will (similar to how the 'heart' is used in modern English). While the Bible's sacrificial usage focuses on its physicality, the surrounding cultures sometimes practiced hepatoscopy (divination by examining livers). The biblical ritual deliberately avoids any divinatory practice, instead sanctifying the organ wholly for God in worship, marking a distinct theological difference from neighboring pagan rites. כְּלָיוֹת (kilyâh, H3629) — kidneys; often paired with the liver in sacrificial texts as another inner organ offered to God. חֵלֶב (cheleb, H2459) — fat; specifically the suet or fatty tissue that covered the liver and kidneys, which was also burned on the altar.

Word Details