Numbers 18:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Douay-RheimsHebrew (Masoretic text)

But the flesh shall fall to thy use, as the consecrated breast, and the right shoulder shall be thine.
Douay-Rheims

וּבְשָׂרָ֖ם יִהְיֶה־לָּ֑ךְ כַּחֲזֵ֧ה הַתְּנוּפָ֛ה וּכְשׁ֥וֹק הַיָּמִ֖ין לְךָ֥ יִהְיֶֽה׃
Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Cyrill of Alexandria

5th centuryChurch Father

For the chosen people, there must exist an intrinsic and perfecting force, symbolized by the shoulder. This is also reflected in the word, clearly demonstrated by the teaching represented by the jaws, as well as by the stomach, which signifies fertility. Shouldn't one who is genuinely priestly and near to God be both active and competent?

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.

Lev 7:31Who shall burn the fat upon the altar. But the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'.
Lev 7:34For the breast that is elevated and the shoulder that is separated I have taken of the children of Israel, from off their victims of peace offerings: and have given them to Aaron the priest, and to his sons, by a law for ever, from all the people of Israel.
Ex 29:26Thou shalt take also the breast of the ram, wherewith Aaron was consecrated, and elevating it thou shalt sanctify it before the Lord, and it shall fall to thy share.
Ex 29:28Wherewith Aaron was consecrated and his sons, and they shall fall to Aaron's share, and his sons', by a perpetual right from the children of Israel: because they are the choicest and the beginnings of their peace victims which they offer to the Lord.