King James Version

What Does Exodus 29:34 Mean?

Exodus 29:34 in the King James Version says “And if ought of the flesh of the consecrations, or of the bread, remain unto the morning, then thou shalt burn the remai...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And if ought of the flesh of the consecrations, or of the bread, remain unto the morning, then thou shalt burn the remainder with fire: it shall not be eaten, because it is holy.”

Exodus 29:34 · KJV

Context

32

And Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram, and the bread that is in the basket, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

33

And they shall eat those things wherewith the atonement was made, to consecrate and to sanctify them: but a stranger shall not eat thereof, because they are holy.

34

And if ought of the flesh of the consecrations, or of the bread, remain unto the morning, then thou shalt burn the remainder with fire: it shall not be eaten, because it is holy.

35

And thus shalt thou do unto Aaron, and to his sons, according to all things which I have commanded thee: seven days shalt thou consecrate them.

36

And thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atonement for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.

Read Exodus 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The seven-day consecration period represents complete, perfect preparation (seven = completeness). Aaron and his sons must remain at the tabernacle entrance throughout, unable to leave, fully devoted to consecration. This prefigures how believers, once called to Christ, must remain in Him continually—not part-time but full devotion. The daily repetition of sacrifices emphasizes that consecration requires ongoing renewal, ultimately fulfilled in Christ's once-for-all sacrifice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The seven-day period required priests to remain at the tabernacle entrance day and night, repeating sacrificial rituals daily. This intensive preparation demonstrated that priestly service demanded total commitment and thorough consecration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does remaining 'at the tabernacle entrance' picture abiding in Christ?
  2. What does seven-day consecration teach about the completeness of preparation God requires?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְֽאִם1 of 17
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

הַנּוֹתָר֙2 of 17

“remain”

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

מִבְּשַׂ֧ר3 of 17

“And if ought of the flesh”

H1320

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

הַמִּלֻּאִ֛ים4 of 17

“of the consecrations”

H4394

a fulfilling (only in plural), i.e., (literally) a setting (of gems), or (technically) consecration (also concretely, a dedicatory sacrifice)

וּמִן5 of 17
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַלֶּ֖חֶם6 of 17

“or of the bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

עַד7 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַבֹּ֑קֶר8 of 17

“unto the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וְשָֽׂרַפְתָּ֤9 of 17

“then thou shalt burn”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

אֶת10 of 17
H853

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

הַנּוֹתָר֙11 of 17

“remain”

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

בָּאֵ֔שׁ12 of 17

“with fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

לֹ֥א13 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵֽאָכֵ֖ל14 of 17

“it shall not be eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

כִּי15 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

קֹ֥דֶשׁ16 of 17

“because it is holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הֽוּא׃17 of 17
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 29:34 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 29:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 12:10Leviticus 8:32Exodus 29:22Leviticus 7:18-19Exodus 29:26Leviticus 10:16

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Exodus 29 with CommentaryAll Exodus ChaptersComplete Exodus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes