Bible Dictionary
RUMP
Rump in older Bible English may refer to the broad fat tail of a Syrian sheep. This choice portion was included among the parts of certain offerings burned on the altar.
Definition
Rump in older Bible English refers to the broad fat tail of the Syrian sheep, not simply the hindquarters. This tail could be very large and was regarded as a choice portion of mutton.
Biblical Usage
The fat tail was included among the portions of the peace and trespass offerings that were waved before the Lord and completely burned on the altar.
Historical Background
The tail of the Syrian sheep could weigh as much as 20 pounds and was considered one of the daintiest portions. The Revised Version correctly renders the older “rump” as “fat tail.”
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>rump: the King James Version uses this word as translation of 'alyah (Ex 29:22; Le 3:9; 7:3; 8:25; 9:19), where the Revised Version (British and American) correctly renders "fat tail." Reference is here had to the broad tail of the Syrian sheep, which occasionally weighs as much as 20 lbs., and is considered one of the daintiest portions of mutton. It was one of those portions of the peace and trespass offering which were not eaten by the priest or the sacrificer, but which with other choice portions were waved before the Lord and wholly burnt on the altar as a sweet savor unto Yahweh.</p>