Bible Word Study
פֶּדֶר
peder · suet
פֶּדֶר
suet
Definition
The Hebrew word פֶּדֶר (peder) refers specifically to the suet or hard fat that surrounds the internal organs of sacrificial animals. In the Levitical law, this suet was distinct from other types of fat and was to be removed and burned on the altar as an offering to the Lord (Leviticus 1:8, 1:12). It is consistently treated as a part of the animal that belongs exclusively to God and must be completely consumed by fire. The term does not appear to have a broader or metaphorical meaning in its biblical usage, being confined to this precise sacrificial context.
Biblical Usage
פֶּדֶר is used exclusively in the context of the sacrificial system described in the book of Leviticus. All three occurrences are in instructions for burnt offerings: twice in the general regulations for the people (Leviticus 1:8, 1:12) and once in the narrative of the consecration of Aaron and his sons (Leviticus 8:20). The pattern is consistent: the suet is to be arranged on top of the burning pieces of the sacrificial animal on the altar.
Etymology
The noun פֶּדֶר (peder) is derived from an unused Hebrew root meaning 'to be greasy' or 'fatty.' This etymological connection directly informs its specific meaning as the hard, visceral fat. There are no widely accepted cognates in other Semitic languages for this precise term, which underscores its specialized, technical meaning within the Israelite cultic vocabulary.
Semantic Range
The handling of the פֶּדֶר carries significant theological weight. Its mandatory removal and burning signified that the choicest, richest part of the animal—seen as its very life and strength—belonged wholly to God. This act taught Israel about God's holiness, His exclusive claim on their offerings, and the concept of consecration. Understanding this specific term enriches reading by highlighting the meticulous care and theological intentionality embedded in the sacrificial laws, pointing to the need for a perfect, complete offering—a theme fulfilled in Christ. In the ancient Near East, fat was highly valued as a rich source of energy and flavor. However, Israel's ritual law uniquely reserved this specific suet (peder) for God alone, forbidding its consumption (Leviticus 3:16-17). This set Israel apart from surrounding cultures where such fatty portions might be offered to deities or consumed in feasts. The burning of the suet produced a distinctive 'pleasing aroma to the Lord' (Leviticus 1:9), representing the complete surrender of the best portion to God. חֵלֶב (cheleb, H2459) — A broader term for fat, including the peder but also other fatty portions; sometimes used figuratively for the 'best' or 'choicest' part.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]