Old Testament
Exodus 29:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Remove all the fat covering the internal organs, the lobe of the liver, and both kidneys with the fat on them, and burn it all on the altar.
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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.
What Exodus 29:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God instructs the Israelites on how to prepare offerings. The focus is on removing specific fatty parts from the animal, which are considered unclean. The fat covering the internal organs, including the liver and kidneys, is to be burned on the altar. This act symbolizes the offering of the best parts to God, showing reverence and dedication. The burning of fat represents a way to connect with God, as it is a pleasing aroma to Him. This ritual emphasizes the importance of purity and the need to offer what is valuable. It reflects a deeper understanding of sacrifice, where the act of giving is not just about the physical offering but also about the heart behind it. By following these instructions, the Israelites demonstrate their commitment to God and their desire to maintain a relationship with Him through worship and sacrifice. This practice serves as a reminder of the significance of giving our best to God in all aspects of life, not just in rituals.
How to apply Exodus 29:13 to your life
Consider what you can offer to God in your daily life. This could be your time, talents, or resources. Just as the Israelites were instructed to give their best, strive to dedicate your best efforts to God in everything you do. Reflect on how you can deepen your relationship with Him through your actions and choices.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 29:13 mean?
Exodus 29:13 provides instructions for preparing animal offerings, specifically focusing on the removal and burning of certain fatty parts. This act symbolizes giving the best to God and emphasizes the importance of purity in worship.
What is the significance of burning fat in Exodus 29:13?
Burning the fat in Exodus 29:13 represents a way to connect with God, as it is seen as a pleasing aroma to Him. This ritual underscores the idea of offering valuable parts of the sacrifice to demonstrate dedication and reverence.
What does the phrase 'the fat covering the internal organs' refer to in Exodus 29:13?
The phrase refers to specific fatty tissues that cover the internal organs of the animal, which were considered unclean and were to be removed and burned as part of the sacrificial process.
Why were the liver and kidneys mentioned in Exodus 29:13?
The liver and kidneys are mentioned because they are key internal organs from which the fat was to be removed. Their inclusion highlights the specific parts of the animal that were to be offered to God.
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