Exodus 29:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt take {H3947} all the fat {H2459} that covereth {H3680} the inwards {H7130}, and the caul {H3508} that is above the liver {H3516}, and the two {H8147} kidneys {H3629}, and the fat {H2459} that is upon them, and burn {H6999} them upon the altar {H4196}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Take all the fat that covers the inner organs, the covering of the liver and the two kidneys with their fat, and offer them up in smoke on the altar.

Berean Standard Bible

Take all the fat that covers the entrails and the lobe of the liver, and both kidneys with the fat on them, and burn them on the altar.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul upon the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 29:13 provides precise divine instructions for the priestly consecration ceremony, mandating that specific fatty portions of the sacrificial animal—including all the fat covering the internal organs, the caul of the liver, and both kidneys with their fat—are to be meticulously removed and completely burned upon the altar. This command highlights God's demand for absolute holiness in worship and establishes the foundational principle that the choicest, most vital parts of any offering belong exclusively to Him, symbolizing complete dedication and the sacred nature of approaching His presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the detailed blueprint for the inauguration of the Aaronic priesthood, as laid out in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"). It follows the initial preparations for the consecration ritual, including the washing and anointing of Aaron and his sons ([Exodus 29:4-9](/exodus/29-4-9 "Exodus 29:4-9 - Washing and Anointing the Priests")), and precedes further instructions regarding the ram of consecration, such as the waving of specific parts and the anointing with blood and oil ([Exodus 29:19-21](/exodus/29-19-21 "Exodus 29:19-21 - The Ram of Consecration and Blood Ritual")). The entire chapter is a foundational text, meticulously prescribing the rituals necessary for the priests to mediate between a holy God and His people, thereby establishing the sacred protocols for worship within the newly formed covenant community. These detailed instructions underscore the gravity of their office and the purity required to serve in the Tabernacle, whose construction was previously commanded in chapters like [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, animal sacrifice was a pervasive religious practice, often involving the burning of animal parts as offerings to deities. However, Israelite sacrifices, meticulously commanded by Yahweh, were distinct in their theological purpose and precise execution. The burning of specific fatty portions, particularly the internal fat, was a common element in various cultures, often associated with providing sustenance for the gods or creating a "sweet aroma." For Israel, this act was uniquely tied to the concept of **holiness** and **exclusive dedication** to Yahweh. The fat, kidneys, and the liver's caul were considered the richest, most vital, and often most desirable parts of the animal, symbolizing the "best" or the "life-essence." By commanding these specific parts to be offered exclusively to God, Israel was taught that the finest and most essential elements of their lives, possessions, and very being belonged solely to the Lord. This practice was integral to the establishment of the covenant relationship, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty and His unique claim over His people and their worship.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 29:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing that God's nature demands a sacred approach and that only what is consecrated and pure can be offered to Him. The meticulous nature of the instructions highlights the **Divine Authority and Sovereignty** of Yahweh, who dictates the precise terms of worship. The offering of the "best" parts underscores the theme of **Complete Dedication and Acknowledgment of God's Worthiness**, teaching Israel that their worship must involve their most valuable resources and a posture of unreserved surrender. Furthermore, this verse is foundational to the theme of **Atonement and Mediation**, as these sacrifices were part of the process by which priests could mediate for the people's sins, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice. The emphasis on the "sweet savor" ([Exodus 29:18](/exodus/29-18 "Exodus 29:18 - A Sweet Savor to the Lord")) also introduces the theme of **Divine Acceptance and Communion**, where God graciously accepts the offerings presented according to His commands.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fat (Hebrew, _cheleb'_):** (H2459) or חֵלֶב; from an unused root meaning to be fat; fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part; [idiom] best, fat(-ness), [idiom] finest, grease, marrow. In the context of Israelite sacrifice, _cheleb_ refers specifically to the internal, suet-like fat, not muscle fat. It was strictly forbidden for human consumption ([Leviticus 3:17](/leviticus/3-17 "Leviticus 3:17 - Prohibition of Eating Fat")), signifying its exclusive reservation for God. This highlights that the most valuable, vital, and desirable part of the animal was to be consecrated solely to Him, representing the very essence and vitality of the offering.
* **Caul (Hebrew, _yôthereth'_):** (H3508) feminine active participle of יָתַר; the lobe or flap of the liver (as if redundant or outhanging); caul. This specific anatomical detail refers to the omentum, a fatty membrane covering the liver. Its inclusion in the list of parts to be offered underscores the meticulousness of God's instructions, ensuring that even seemingly minor but significant fatty portions, integral to the animal's vitality, were dedicated, reinforcing the principle of comprehensive and precise dedication.
* **Burn (Hebrew, _qâṭar'_):** (H6999) a primitive root (identical with through the idea of fumigation in a close place and perhaps thus driving out the occupants); to smoke, i.e. turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship); burn (incense, sacrifice) (upon), (altar for) incense, kindle, offer (incense, a sacrifice). This verb is distinct from those meaning simply to consume by fire. It emphasizes the purpose of the offering: to create smoke that ascends as a "pleasing aroma" or "sweet savor" to the Lord ([Exodus 29:18](/exodus/29-18 "Exodus 29:18 - A Sweet Savor to the Lord")), signifying divine acceptance, communion, and the transformation of the physical offering into a spiritual act of worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards":** This opening command establishes the initial action and the scope of the offering. "All the fat" emphasizes completeness and leaves no room for withholding any portion of this valuable substance. The "inwards" (Hebrew _qereb_, H7130) refers to the internal organs, the very core and seat of the animal's vitality. The fat covering these organs was considered the most desirable and rich part, symbolizing the essence of the offering.
* **"and the caul [that is] above the liver":** This clause specifies a particular fatty appendage. The "caul" (omentum) is a fatty membrane, and its direct association with the liver (Hebrew _kâbêd_, H3516), a vital organ in ancient thought, further emphasizes the offering of the animal's most essential and rich components. It demonstrates the precise anatomical knowledge and divine specificity in God's instructions.
* **"and the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] upon them":** The kidneys (Hebrew _kilyâh_, H3629), like the liver, were considered vital organs in ancient Near Eastern understanding, often associated with inner emotions, life, and the seat of conscience. The command to take both kidneys (Hebrew _shᵉnayim_, H8147), along with any fat directly attached to them, reiterates the thoroughness required in dedicating the best and most vital parts to God, leaving nothing of significant value unoffered.
* **"and burn [them] upon the altar":** This final directive specifies both the method and the sacred location of the offering. To "burn them upon the altar" indicates that these specific portions were to be consumed by fire on the sacred altar (Hebrew _mizbêach_, H4196), transforming them into smoke that ascended to God. This act was not for human consumption but was solely for God, signifying His exclusive claim over the choicest parts and the complete, unreserved dedication of the offering. It was an act of worship, not disposal.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device evident in Exodus 29:13 is **Detailed Instruction**, a hallmark of the legal and ritualistic sections of the Pentateuch. The verse meticulously itemizes specific anatomical parts ("all the fat that covereth the inwards," "the caul that is above the liver," "the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them") to be offered, leaving no ambiguity for the priests. This precision underscores the divine authority behind the commands and the absolute necessity of adherence in approaching a holy God, emphasizing the seriousness and sanctity of the consecration process. Furthermore, there is profound **Symbolism** at play. The "fat" (Hebrew _chelev_) universally symbolizes the choicest, richest, and most vital part of the animal, representing the "best" of what is offered. By commanding these specific, internal, and rich parts to be burned, the text symbolizes the complete dedication of the offering's essence to God, signifying that only the purest, most valuable, and life-giving elements belong to Him. The act of burning itself is a symbolic transformation, turning the physical offering into an ascending aroma, representing communion, acceptance, and the spiritual ascent of the worshiper's devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 29:13, with its precise instructions for offering the choicest fatty portions of the sacrifice, profoundly illustrates the theological principles of divine holiness and the unwavering requirement of complete dedication from those who seek to approach God. The burning of the fat, considered the "best" and most vital part of the animal, signifies that God is supremely worthy of the highest honor and the most valuable offering. It establishes a divine pattern where the worshiper acknowledges God's absolute sovereignty by surrendering the essence of their possession, reflecting a heart of total devotion and reverence. This act of giving the "best" was not merely a ritualistic formality but was designed to cultivate a posture of worship that recognized God's absolute claim over all things and His inherent worthiness to receive the purest and most significant expressions of devotion.

* [Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - All Fat Belongs to the Lord")
* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth")
* [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Malachi 1:8 - Offering the Lame and Blind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Old Testament sacrificial system, including the specific commands of Exodus 29:13, has been perfectly fulfilled and superseded by the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the underlying principles of holiness, complete dedication, and offering our "best" to God remain profoundly relevant and eternally binding for believers today. This verse challenges us to deeply examine what constitutes the "fat" in our contemporary lives – not merely our material possessions, but our most valuable and vital resources: our time, our unique talents and spiritual gifts, our energy, our deepest affections, and our intellectual capacities. Are we offering God our leftovers, giving Him only what is convenient or what remains after we have satisfied our own desires? Or are we intentionally and sacrificially giving Him our choicest and most vital parts, recognizing His supreme worthiness? True worship in the new covenant involves a holistic surrender, a presenting of our entire lives as a "living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), in response to a God who gave His absolute best for us. This calls for a life of intentional, moment-by-moment devotion, where every aspect of our being is consecrated to His glory, reflecting a heart that truly understands His infinite value and sovereign claim.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "fat" and "choicest parts" in my life—my most valuable resources, time, or talents—that God is calling me to offer to Him today?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be inadvertently withholding my "best" from God, perhaps offering Him only what is convenient or leftover?**
* **How does the principle of giving God my "best" inform and transform my daily decisions regarding my time management, financial stewardship, and the cultivation of my relationships?**

### FAQ
**Why was the fat specifically reserved for God and not to be eaten by humans?**

Answer: The fat (Hebrew, _cheleb_, H2459) was considered the richest, most valuable, and often life-sustaining part of the animal in ancient cultures. By commanding that all fat be burned exclusively on the altar for God, and explicitly forbidding its consumption by humans ([Leviticus 3:17](/leviticus/3-17 "Leviticus 3:17 - Prohibition of Eating Fat")), God was establishing a profound theological principle. It signified that the choicest and most essential elements of the offering belonged solely to Him. This underscored His absolute holiness, His supreme sovereignty, and His unique claim over the "best" of His creation. It also served as a constant, tangible reminder to Israel that their worship required complete dedication and that God was to be honored above all else, receiving the highest honor and the most valuable portion.

**What is the significance of burning the fat on the altar, as opposed to other forms of disposal?**

Answer: The act of "burning" (Hebrew, _qâṭar_, H6999) on the altar was not merely disposal but a specific, sacred ritual act of making a smoke offering. As the fat, kidneys, and caul were consumed by fire, the smoke would ascend, symbolizing the offering's ascent to God as a "pleasing aroma" or "sweet savor" ([Exodus 29:18](/exodus/29-18 "Exodus 29:18 - A Sweet Savor to the Lord")). This transformation from physical substance to ascending smoke represented the divine acceptance of the offering by God and facilitated communion between the worshiper and the divine. It was a visual and olfactory declaration of devotion, signifying that the essence of the offering was given entirely to the Lord and was received by Him, establishing a sacred bond.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 29:13, with its meticulous command to offer the choicest fatty portions of the sacrifice, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrifices, including the ram of consecration and the burning of the "fat," were not ends in themselves but were profound shadows pointing to the glorious reality of Christ's perfect self-offering. Just as the fat represented the "best" and most vital part of the animal, Jesus offered Himself as the spotless [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), giving His entire being—His perfect life, His innocent blood, His very essence—as a once-for-all sacrifice for the sins of humanity ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified by Christ's Offering")). His sacrifice was the ultimate "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")), perfectly pleasing and fully efficacious, achieving what countless animal offerings could never accomplish: true atonement, eternal redemption, and reconciliation with God. Through His complete dedication on the cross, Christ consecrated us, His believers, making us a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), enabling us to approach God directly, not with animal offerings, but by presenting our lives as "living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), in grateful response to His ultimate act of love and perfect offering.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 3:3

And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that [is] upon the inwards,

Leviticus 3:4

And the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] on them, which [is] by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.

1 Samuel 2:16

And [if] any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and [then] take [as much] as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, [Nay]; but thou shalt give [it me] now: and if not, I will take [it] by force.

Leviticus 9:19

And the fat of the bullock and of the ram, the rump, and that which covereth [the inwards], and the kidneys, and the caul [above] the liver:

Psalms 22:14

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

Leviticus 3:14

And he shall offer thereof his offering, [even] an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that [is] upon the inwards,

Leviticus 3:16

And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: [it is] the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat [is] the LORD'S.