King James Version

What Does Exodus 29:14 Mean?

Exodus 29:14 in the King James Version says “But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire without the camp: it is a sin offeri... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 29:14 · KJV


Context

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.

16

And thou shalt slay the ram, and thou shalt take his blood, and sprinkle it round about upon the altar.


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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 13 words
וְאֶת1 of 13
H853

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

בְּשַׂ֤ר2 of 13

But the flesh

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

הַפָּר֙3 of 13

of the bullock

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

וְאֶת4 of 13
H853

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

עֹר֣וֹ5 of 13

and his skin

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

וְאֶת6 of 13
H853

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

פִּרְשׁ֔וֹ7 of 13

and his dung

H6569

excrement (as eliminated)

תִּשְׂרֹ֣ף8 of 13

shalt thou burn

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

בָּאֵ֔שׁ9 of 13

with fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

מִח֖וּץ10 of 13

without

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה11 of 13

the camp

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

חַטָּ֖את12 of 13

it is a sin offering

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

הֽוּא׃13 of 13
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo


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 29:14 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 29:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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