King James Version

What Does Exodus 29:13 Mean?

Exodus 29:13 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, an...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar. the caul: it seemeth by anatomy, and the Hebrew doctors, to be the midriff”

Exodus 29:13 · KJV

Context

11

And thou shalt kill the bullock before the LORD, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

12

And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.

13

And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar. the caul: it seemeth by anatomy, and the Hebrew doctors, to be the midriff

14

But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire without the camp: it is a sin offering.

15

Thou shalt also take one ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram.

Read Exodus 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The burnt offering represents complete dedication to God—the entire animal consumed by fire, ascending as sweet savor to the LORD. This prefigures Christ's total self-offering, holding nothing back, His life completely devoted to God's glory. The fire consuming the offering pictures divine acceptance—God receives Christ's sacrifice with pleasure. Our worship, offered through Christ, also ascends as fragrant offering acceptable to God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah, 'that which ascends') was one of Israel's primary sacrifices, representing voluntary dedication to God. Unlike sin offerings (which addressed guilt), burnt offerings expressed worshipful consecration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Christ give Himself 'completely' (burnt offering) rather than partially?
  2. What does it mean that your worship ascends to God 'through Christ'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֗1 of 20

“And thou shalt take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶֽת2 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל3 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַחֵ֖לֶב4 of 20

“all the fat”

H2459

fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part

הַֽמְכַסֶּ֣ה5 of 20

“that covereth”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

אֶת6 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַקֶּרֶב֒7 of 20

“the inwards”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

וְאֵ֗ת8 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַיֹּתֶ֙רֶת֙9 of 20

“and the caul”

H3508

the lobe or flap of the liver (as if redundant or outhanging)

עַל10 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַכָּבֵ֔ד11 of 20

“that is above the liver”

H3516

the liver (as the heaviest of the viscera)

וְאֵת֙12 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁתֵּ֣י13 of 20

“and the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַכְּלָיֹ֔ת14 of 20

“kidneys”

H3629

a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)

וְאֶת15 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַחֵ֖לֶב16 of 20

“all the fat”

H2459

fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part

אֲשֶׁ֣ר17 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עֲלֵיהֶ֑ן18 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וְהִקְטַרְתָּ֖19 of 20

“that is upon them and burn”

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחָה׃20 of 20

“them upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 29:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 29:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 3:3-41 Samuel 2:16Leviticus 4:8-9Psalms 22:14Numbers 18:17Leviticus 16:25

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Exodus 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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