Exodus 29:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the flesh {H1320} of the bullock {H6499}, and his skin {H5785}, and his dung {H6569}, shalt thou burn {H8313} with fire {H784} without {H2351} the camp {H4264}: it is a sin offering {H2403}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the bull's flesh, skin and dung you are to destroy by fire outside the camp; it is a sin offering.

Berean Standard Bible

But burn the flesh of the bull and its hide and dung outside the camp; it is a sin offering.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 29:14 delineates a crucial procedural detail for the sin offering bullock, sacrificed during the week-long consecration of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood. This verse mandates that the bullock's flesh, skin, and dung be completely consumed by fire outside the Israelite encampment. This specific instruction underscores the profound defilement associated with sin and the absolute necessity of its complete removal and separation from God's holy presence and His consecrated people, establishing a foundational principle for ritual purity and atonement within the Mosaic covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 29 is a pivotal chapter within the Pentateuch, meticulously detailing the divine instructions for the ordination of Aaron and his sons into the Levitical priesthood. This elaborate seven-day ritual involved a series of precise sacrifices and anointings, designed to set apart those chosen to mediate between God and Israel. Verse 14 specifically addresses the disposal of the first sin offering—a bullock—presented on the initial day of this consecration. Preceding verses, such as [Exodus 29:10-13](/exodus/29-10-13 "Exodus 29:10-13 - Laying Hands and Offering the Bullock"), describe the laying on of hands, the slaying of the bullock, and the application of its blood to the altar and the priests, symbolizing atonement and purification. The unique command in [Exodus 29:14](/exodus/29-14 "Exodus 29:14 - Burning the Sin Offering Outside the Camp") to burn the remaining parts "without the camp" distinguishes this particular sin offering from other sacrifices where portions might be consumed by priests or burned on the altar, highlighting its specific function in dealing with the profound defilement associated with the sins of the priests themselves, who must be utterly clean to serve a holy God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Exodus 29 were given to Moses at Mount Sinai, immediately preceding the construction of the Tabernacle and the formal establishment of Israel's worship system. The concept of "the camp" was central to Israelite life in the wilderness, representing the sacred space where God's presence, manifested in the Tabernacle, resided among His people. Anything ritually impure or defiling had to be removed from this consecrated area to maintain the holiness of the community and prevent God's judgment, as seen in later regulations for the unclean in [Numbers 5:1-4](/numbers/5-1-4 "Numbers 5:1-4 - Removal of the Unclean from the Camp"). The act of burning "without the camp" for certain sin offerings, particularly those for the high priest or the entire community (as later detailed in [Leviticus 4:11-12](/leviticus/4-11-12 "Leviticus 4:11-12 - Disposal of the Sin Offering")), served as a powerful visual lesson. It underscored the absolute holiness of Yahweh and the radical separation required between His divine purity and the defilement of human sin. This practice was distinct from other ancient Near Eastern sacrificial systems, emphasizing Israel's unique covenant relationship and God's uncompromising demand for unblemished purity in His presence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's absolute separation from sin and His demand for purity from those who approach Him. The ritual highlights the theme of **Atonement and Expiation**, demonstrating the meticulous process required to deal with sin and restore a right relationship with God. The unique disposal method of the sin offering reinforces the theme of **Radical Separation from Sin**, illustrating that sin is not merely covered but must be utterly removed and destroyed from the presence of the holy community. Furthermore, it foreshadows the concept of a **Substitute Bearing Sin**, where an innocent life is offered to bear the defilement, a theme that finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament, particularly in the book of [Hebrews](/hebrews/1 "Hebrews - Christ's Superiority"). The entire consecration process, of which this verse is a part, establishes the **Mediatorial Role of the Priesthood**, showing the necessity of divinely appointed individuals to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, a role that points to the perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bullock (Hebrew, _par'_):** From H6499, referring to a young bull, typically a male bovine of significant size and value. In the ancient Israelite sacrificial system, a bullock was often prescribed for major offerings, especially those involving the high priest or the entire community, signifying the gravity and costliness of the atonement required for serious sin or collective impurity. Its substantial nature underscored the weight of the sin being addressed.
* **Without (Hebrew, _chûwts'_):** From H2351, meaning "outside" or "outdoors," derived from a root meaning "to sever." This term is crucial as it indicates a physical location beyond the boundaries of the Israelite encampment. Theologically, it represents complete removal from the consecrated space where God's presence dwelt. The act of burning "without" the camp symbolized the total expulsion and destruction of the sin and its defiling effects, ensuring that no trace of impurity remained within the holy community.
* **Sin offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** From H2403, derived from a root meaning "to miss the mark" or "to sin." In the context of offerings, _chaṭṭâʼâh_ specifically denotes a sacrifice made to atone for sin or ritual impurity. It is a "purification offering" designed to cleanse from defilement, whether moral or ceremonial, thereby restoring the offerer or community to a state of ritual acceptability before God. The unique disposal method for this particular _chaṭṭâʼâh_ underscores its profound purpose in dealing with deep-seated defilement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung":** These elements represent the entire physical remains of the sacrificial animal that were *not* used in the blood rituals or consumed on the altar. "Flesh" refers to the muscle and tissue, "skin" to the outer covering, and "dung" to the intestinal waste. By specifying even the most impure part (the dung), the text emphasizes that the entirety of the animal, representing the totality of the sin and its defilement, was to be removed. This comprehensive list highlights the thoroughness required in dealing with sin.
* **"shalt thou burn with fire without the camp":** This is the divine command for the disposal method and location. "Burn with fire" (H8313, H784) signifies complete destruction and consumption, leaving nothing behind. The instruction "without the camp" (H2351, H4264) is paramount, indicating that the defiled remains could not be allowed to contaminate the sacred space of the Tabernacle or the holy community. This act of removal and incineration ensured the radical separation of sin from God's presence, portraying sin as an entity to be utterly annihilated.
* **"it [is] a sin offering":** This concluding statement unequivocally identifies the purpose of this particular sacrifice. It clarifies that the entire ritual, including the unique disposal of the animal's remains, was integral to its function as a sin offering – a sacrifice designed to atone for and cleanse from sin, particularly for the high priest and the community, thereby restoring their purity before a holy God. This final declaration reinforces the profound theological meaning embedded in the ritual.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its theological weight. **Symbolism** is central, with the bullock representing the sin itself, or the one bearing the sin's consequences through substitution. The act of **burning** symbolizes complete destruction, purification, and the consuming wrath against sin. The location "**without the camp**" vividly symbolizes the radical separation of sin from God's holy presence and His people, emphasizing the utter incompatibility of defilement with divine holiness. There is also a strong element of **ritual purity and impurity**, where the meticulous instructions for handling the animal's remains underscore the absolute necessity of removing all defilement from the sacred space. The verse functions as a **type**, pointing forward to a greater reality, particularly through its emphasis on removal and suffering outside the consecrated area, foreshadowing Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 29:14 profoundly illustrates the gravity of sin and the absolute holiness of God. The command to burn the sin offering "without the camp" teaches that sin is utterly incompatible with God's presence; it must be completely removed and destroyed, not merely covered or contained. This radical separation underscores the depth of defilement that sin brings and the meticulous measures God required to maintain the purity of His dwelling place among His people. It foreshadows the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would truly cleanse from all sin, a sacrifice that would also take place "outside the camp" of human sanctity, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to both justice and mercy.

* [Leviticus 4:11-12](/leviticus/4-11-12 "Disposal of the Priest's Sin Offering")
* [Leviticus 16:27](/leviticus/16-27 "Disposal of the Day of Atonement Sin Offering")
* [Hebrews 13:11-12](/hebrews/13-11-12 "Christ Suffered Outside the Gate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient ritual of burning the sin offering "without the camp" carries profound implications for believers today, serving as a powerful visual reminder of the nature of sin and the completeness of God's provision for it. It forces us to confront the seriousness with which God views sin – not as a minor transgression, but as a defiling force that cannot coexist with His holiness. This understanding should cultivate a deep reverence for God and a sober assessment of our own sinfulness, prompting us to confess and repent. Furthermore, it directs our gaze to Christ, who perfectly fulfilled this type. Just as the sin offering was taken outside the camp to be utterly consumed, so too Jesus suffered outside the city gate, bearing the full weight of our sin and its defilement, becoming the ultimate sacrifice that completely purges us from unrighteousness. This profound truth should inspire immense gratitude and a renewed commitment to live lives of holiness, recognizing that we have been cleansed by a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. It also calls us to identify with Christ in His separation from the world's values, to "go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach" ([Hebrews 13:13](/hebrews/13-13 "Go Forth to Him Outside the Camp")), living distinctively for Him and embracing the cost of discipleship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the command to burn the sin offering "without the camp" deepen your understanding of the gravity and defiling nature of sin?**
* **In what specific ways does this Old Testament ritual foreshadow Christ's ultimate sacrifice, and how does that impact your appreciation for His atoning work?**
* **What does it practically mean for believers today to "go forth... without the camp, bearing his reproach" ([Hebrews 13:13](/hebrews/13-13 "Living a Separated Life")) in our daily lives, and how can we live more distinctly for Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why were parts of the sin offering burned "without the camp" instead of on the altar?**

Answer: The disposal method for sin offerings, particularly those for the high priest or the entire community, was distinct from other sacrifices. While burnt offerings were wholly consumed on the altar as a pleasing aroma to God, and peace offerings had parts consumed by priests and worshippers, the sin offering for corporate or priestly sin was handled differently. The blood, which made atonement, was brought into the Tabernacle or applied to the altar, but the body of the animal was considered so thoroughly identified with the sin and its defilement that it could not be brought near the holy altar for consumption by fire there. Instead, it had to be completely removed from the sacred space of the camp and utterly destroyed by fire, symbolizing the complete purging and removal of sin and its defiling effects from God's holy presence and His people. This emphasized that sin cannot remain in the presence of a holy God, and the act of burning outside the camp served as a powerful visual lesson in the radical separation required between divine holiness and human defilement. This is further elaborated in passages like [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "The Sin Offering").

**What is the significance of "flesh," "skin," and "dung" specifically being mentioned?**

Answer: By listing "flesh," "skin," and "dung," the text emphasizes the complete and total disposal of the animal's physical remains, including its most common and most impure parts. The "flesh" and "skin" represent the visible body of the animal, while "dung" represents the waste product, the most defiling element. The inclusion of all these elements underscores that the *entirety* of the sin, and its associated defilement, was to be utterly removed and destroyed. Nothing was to remain within the holy camp that could in any way be associated with the impurity of sin, ensuring a thorough cleansing and separation. This meticulous detail highlights the comprehensive nature of the atonement and purification required, leaving no room for lingering defilement within the sacred community, a principle woven throughout the Mosaic Law concerning purity and defilement, as seen in [Leviticus 11-15](/leviticus/11 "Laws of Purity").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 29:14 finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The burning of the sin offering "without the camp" was a powerful prophetic type, pointing directly to the suffering and sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as the sin offering bore the defilement of Israel's sin and was cast out from the holy community to be utterly consumed, so too Jesus, "who knew no sin, was made to be sin for us" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). He bore the full weight of humanity's sin and its curse, suffering "outside the gate" of Jerusalem ([Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")), a direct and striking parallel to the Old Testament ritual. His crucifixion outside the city walls signified His complete identification with our defilement and His radical separation from the world's systems, becoming the ultimate, perfect, and once-for-all sin offering. Through His shed blood and complete destruction of sin's power, He sanctified His people, making the countless animal sacrifices obsolete and providing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Christ's Eternal Redemption")). His sacrifice outside the camp not only cleansed us but also calls us to follow Him "outside the camp, bearing his reproach" ([Hebrews 13:13](/hebrews/13-13 "Go Forth to Him Outside the Camp")), living lives separated from the world's defilement and consecrated to God.

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 4:11

And the skin of the bullock, and all his flesh, with his head, and with his legs, and his inwards, and his dung,

Leviticus 4:12

Even the whole bullock shall he carry forth without the camp unto a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn him on the wood with fire: where the ashes are poured out shall he be burnt.

Leviticus 4:21

And he shall carry forth the bullock without the camp, and burn him as he burned the first bullock: it [is] a sin offering for the congregation.

2 Chronicles 29:24

And the priests killed them, and they made reconciliation with their blood upon the altar, to make an atonement for all Israel: for the king commanded [that] the burnt offering and the sin offering [should be made] for all Israel.

Ezra 8:35

[Also] the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats [for] a sin offering: all [this was] a burnt offering unto the LORD.

Exodus 30:10

And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it [is] most holy unto the LORD.

Leviticus 5:8

And he shall bring them unto the priest, who shall offer [that] which [is] for the sin offering first, and wring off his head from his neck, but shall not divide [it] asunder: