JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning eating animal fat and kidneys.

The Bible specifically prohibits eating animal fat (Lev. 3:17 and 7:23). In addition, the Levitical priesthood was instructed to remove the two kidneys and "the caul above the liver" and burn them upon the altar along with the fat (Ex. 29:13; Lev. 3:3-5, 9-11).

The New King James Version translates the "caul above the liver" as the "fatty lobe attached to the liver above the kidneys" (Lev. 3:4). The "caul" of an animal is defined in "Unger's Bible Dictionary" as the "liver-net, or stomach-net, which commences at the division between the right and left lobes of the liver, and stretches on the one side across the stomach, and on the other to the regions of the kidney." In other words, the "caul" is the fatty membrane surrounding the liver and the kidneys.

Since the priests never ate the fatty membrane or the two kidneys, the indication is that we would also do well to not eat those parts.

If we may assist you further with your study of the Bible, please let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT