Biblica Analytica

אַלְיָה

al.yah (H0451)

fat tail

5 verses 2 books OT 5 / NT 0
AI Word Study

# Aliyah (אַלְיָה): The Fat Tail in Biblical Context The Hebrew word *aliyah* refers specifically to a fat tail, a anatomical feature with particular relevance to ancient Israelite life. Based on its five occurrences in the biblical text, this term designates a distinct part of certain animals—most notably sheep—that accumulated substantial fat reserves. The word's narrow, concrete definition suggests it named a recognizable and important bodily feature that Hebrew speakers would have encountered regularly in pastoral and sacrificial contexts. The rarity of this term (appearing only five times) indicates it served a specialized purpose rather than everyday discourse. Its limited usage likely reflects that *aliyah* was invoked primarily in contexts where this specific anatomical part held practical or ritual significance—most probably in descriptions of animal sacrifice or the distribution of meat from slaughtered animals. The term's precision and technical nature suggest it was the established vocabulary for this particular feature, used when detailed anatomical accuracy mattered to the biblical authors and their audiences.

AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.

Exodus 29:22

Also you shall take some of the ram’s fat, the fat tail, the fat that covers the innards, the cover of the liver, the two kidneys, the fat that is on them, and the right thigh (for it is a ram of consecration),

Leviticus 3:9

He shall offer from the sacrifice of peace offerings an offering made by fire to Yahweh; its fat, the entire tail fat, he shall take away close to the backbone; and the fat that covers the entrails, and all the fat that is on the entrails,

Leviticus 7:3

He shall offer all of its fat: the fat tail, and the fat that covers the innards,

Leviticus 8:25

He took the fat, the fat tail, all the fat that was on the innards, the cover of the liver, the two kidneys and their fat, and the right thigh;

Leviticus 9:19

and the fat of the bull and of the ram, the fat tail, and that which covers the innards, and the kidneys, and the cover of the liver;