Exodus 29:34

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if ought of the flesh {H1320} of the consecrations {H4394}, or of the bread {H3899}, remain {H3498} unto the morning {H1242}, then thou shalt burn {H8313} the remainder {H3498} with fire {H784}: it shall not be eaten {H398}, because it is holy {H6944}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If any of the meat for the consecration or any of the bread remains until morning, burn up what remains; it is not to be eaten, because it is holy.

Berean Standard Bible

And if any of the meat of ordination or any bread is left until the morning, you are to burn up the remainder. It must not be eaten, because it is sacred.

American Standard Version

And if aught of the flesh of the consecration, 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 29:34 establishes a crucial divine directive for the meticulous handling and disposal of any leftover flesh from the consecration offerings or consecrated bread that remained until the following morning. This command underscores the absolute sanctity of items dedicated to God, mandating their destruction by fire rather than consumption. It highlights the profound purity, reverence, and strict boundaries required in all aspects of Tabernacle worship, ensuring that nothing set apart for the Lord could be treated as common, become defiled, or be misused.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 29 is a pivotal chapter, meticulously detailing the elaborate, seven-day ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons as priests, thereby establishing the formal Levitical priesthood in Israel. This chapter outlines a precise sequence of rituals, including ceremonial washings, anointing with oil, and specific sacrifices—a bull for a sin offering, and two rams for a burnt offering and a consecration offering, respectively. Our verse, Exodus 29:34, is situated towards the culmination of these detailed instructions, immediately following the directives for the priests to consume specific portions of the ram of consecration and the accompanying bread offerings within a prescribed timeframe (cf. [Exodus 29:31-33](/exodus/29-31-33 "Exodus 29:31-33 - Instructions for Eating the Consecration Offering")). The command to burn any remaining consecrated elements reinforces the stringent time limits and sacred boundaries surrounding these unique and holy offerings, ensuring their sanctity is maintained even in their final disposal.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Exodus unfold as Israel, recently liberated from Egyptian bondage, enters into a covenant relationship with Yahweh at Mount Sinai. The construction of the Tabernacle and the establishment of a formal, divinely appointed priesthood were central to God's plan for dwelling among His people and facilitating their worship. While sacrifices and rituals were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, Israel's system was distinct due to its emphasis on the absolute holiness of God and the strict requirements for approaching Him. The Hebrew concept of "holy" (Hebrew: _qodesh_) signified being "set apart" or "sacred," implying that anything dedicated to God was removed from common use and imbued with divine significance. The prohibition against eating consecrated remnants after a specific time, coupled with the command to destroy them by fire, served to prevent potential defilement, decay, or misuse, thereby preserving the unique and non-negotiable sanctity of the offerings and reflecting God's character and His demand for purity in the presence of His [holy dwelling place](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - The Command to Build the Sanctuary").

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 29:34 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **God's Absolute Holiness**. The meticulous instructions for handling sacred objects, even their remnants, underscore that God is utterly distinct and set apart from all that is common or profane. This verse also highlights the theme of **Reverence and Purity in Worship**, emphasizing that approaching God requires careful adherence to His prescribed ways, leaving no room for casualness or defilement. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Authority and Obedience**, as God's commands are given with specific rationales, demanding unwavering compliance. The precise timing and disposal methods for the offerings, as seen in this verse and other passages like [Leviticus 7:15-18](/leviticus/7-15-18 "Leviticus 7:15-18 - Time Limits for Peace Offerings"), underscore the importance of **Order and Structure in God's Economy**, ensuring that every detail reflects His perfect nature and purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Consecrations (Hebrew, _milluʼ'_):** This plural noun specifically refers to the "ordination" or "filling" offerings, particularly the ram of consecration (cf. [Exodus 29:22](/exodus/29-22 "Exodus 29:22 - The Ram of Consecration")). The use of this term highlights that the flesh in question is not from a general sacrifice but from the highly specific and unique ritual that formally inducted Aaron and his sons into their priestly office. This special context further underscores why its remnants required such stringent handling, as they were intimately connected to the sacred act of priestly investiture.
* **Burn (Hebrew, _sâraph'_):** The verb "burn" indicates complete destruction by fire. In the Old Testament, burning was a prescribed method for disposing of items that were either defiled (e.g., idolatrous objects) or, paradoxically, supremely holy and therefore too sacred for common human interaction or consumption (e.g., portions of certain sin offerings). Here, it signifies that the sacredness of the offerings, once their prescribed purpose (consumption within the time limit) was fulfilled, necessitated their complete removal through a purifying agent, preventing any possibility of profanation or decay. This act of burning serves as a final, reverent act of separation.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** This foundational term signifies "set apart," "sacred," or "consecrated." In Exodus 29:34, its application to the leftover flesh and bread elevates these items beyond mere food. They are not simply "leftovers" but remnants of something uniquely dedicated to God through the consecration ritual. Their holiness is the ultimate rationale for their specific, non-consumable disposal, emphasizing God's absolute purity and the reverence required for anything associated with His divine presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if ought of the flesh of the consecrations, or of the bread, remain unto the morning":** This opening clause establishes the precise condition and the specific items under consideration. "Ought of the flesh of the consecrations" refers to any portion of the ram designated for the ordination ceremony that was not consumed. "Or of the bread" refers to the unleavened bread, cakes, and wafers offered alongside the sacrifice, as detailed in [Exodus 29:23](/exodus/29-23 "Exodus 29:23 - The Bread Offerings"). The critical phrase "remain unto the morning" sets a strict time limit for consumption, implying that these sacred items were meant to be eaten on the day of the offering, before the new day dawned.
* **"then thou shalt burn the remainder with fire":** This is the direct, imperative command for disposal. The method—burning with fire—is definitive and absolute, signifying complete destruction. This act ensures that the sacred remnants are not left to decay, become defiled, or be used for common purposes, thereby preserving their unique sacred status. Burning here functions as a final, reverent act of separation and return to the divine realm.
* **"it shall not be eaten, because it [is] holy":** This final clause provides the divine rationale and theological justification for the preceding command. The explicit prohibition against eating the leftovers is directly linked to their inherent holiness. Once consecrated, these items were set apart for God's exclusive use and could not be treated as ordinary food. Their sacred status demanded a unique form of disposal that honored their dedication to Yahweh, reinforcing the boundary between the sacred and the common.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 29:34 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message with clarity and authority. The most prominent is **Legal Prescription**, as the verse functions as a direct, imperative command within the broader legal code governing priestly consecration and Tabernacle worship. This prescriptive language emphasizes the divine authority behind the instructions and the absolute necessity of meticulous obedience. There is also strong **Symbolism** embedded within the command: fire, as the prescribed method of disposal, symbolizes both purification and divine consumption. Just as fire purifies and transforms, so too does it consume that which is holy but no longer intended for human consumption, returning it, in a sense, to the divine realm. Furthermore, the explicit statement "because it [is] holy" acts as a form of **Explanatory Justification**, providing the theological underpinning for the strict command. This justification elevates the practical instruction to a principle rooted in God's nature, reinforcing the overarching theme of God's absolute **Holiness** that permeates the entire book of Exodus and the Pentateuch, demanding a careful and reverent response from His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 29:34 profoundly underscores the absolute holiness of God and the meticulous reverence required in His presence. It teaches that anything dedicated to Yahweh, even its remnants, retains a sacred character that prohibits common usage or casual disposal. This principle highlights God's demand for purity, order, and intentionality in worship, preventing any form of defilement or profanation of what belongs exclusively to Him. The strict command to burn reinforces the idea that what is holy must be handled with utmost care, demonstrating that God's standards are non-negotiable and His nature is supremely set apart from all that is common or impure. This verse serves as a foundational lesson in the sacred-profane distinction that permeates Old Testament law.

* [Leviticus 7:15-18](/leviticus/7-15-18 "Leviticus 7:15-18 - Time Limits for Peace Offerings")
* [Leviticus 10:16-20](/leviticus/10-16-20 "Leviticus 10:16-20 - Moses' Rebuke and Aaron's Explanation Regarding Offerings")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - Our God is a Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific rituals of priestly consecration are no longer practiced in the New Covenant, Exodus 29:34 offers timeless principles that profoundly impact our understanding of reverence for God and spiritual things. This verse challenges us to consider how we handle what we deem "holy" in our lives today. Do we treat our worship, our service, our spiritual disciplines, and even our relationships within the body of Christ with the same meticulous care and reverence that God demanded for the physical elements of the Tabernacle? The command to burn the leftovers because they are holy teaches us that God desires not just our offerings, but our complete dedication and respect for His sacred presence. It calls us to intentionality, ensuring that our faith is lived out with purpose and reverence, not casually or haphazardly. We are reminded that God's holiness pervades all aspects of our lives, and our response should be one of profound awe and careful obedience, seeking to honor Him in every detail, recognizing that even the "remnants" of our spiritual lives matter to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be treating spiritual "leftovers" or sacred things with less reverence than God desires?**
* **How does the command to burn what is holy inform your approach to worship, prayer, and the study of God's Word today?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of God's holiness and apply greater intentionality in your spiritual walk?**

### FAQ
**Why couldn't the consecrated flesh or bread be eaten the next day?**

Answer: The primary reason was their "holiness." Items consecrated to God were set apart for a specific, limited purpose and time. Allowing them to remain and be consumed beyond the prescribed period would risk defilement, decay, or treating them as common food, thereby profaning their sacred status. This strict time limit, common for many Old Testament offerings (e.g., [Leviticus 7:15](/leviticus/7-15 "Leviticus 7:15 - Peace Offering Consumption Time")), reinforced the unique and temporary nature of the sacrificial act and the absolute purity required in God's presence. It ensured that the sacred remained distinct from the common.

**What does "the flesh of the consecrations" refer to?**

Answer: This phrase specifically refers to the meat from the "ram of consecration" (Hebrew: _'ayil ha-millu'im'_), which was one of the primary sacrifices offered during the seven-day ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons as priests. [Exodus 29:22](/exodus/29-22 "Exodus 29:22 - The Ram of Consecration") details the specific parts of this ram that were offered and, in part, consumed by the priests. The term "consecrations" (Hebrew: _millu'im'_) itself denotes the act of "filling the hand," symbolizing the formal investiture and empowerment of the priests for their sacred office.

**Why was fire the prescribed method for disposal?**

Answer: Fire was a common and significant element in Israelite worship and law, carrying multiple layers of meaning. As a method of disposal, burning signified complete destruction and purification. For items that were supremely holy and could not be consumed or kept indefinitely, fire ensured their complete removal without profanation. It symbolically returned the sacred elements to God in a way that prevented any common human interaction with them, reinforcing the boundary between the holy and the common. In other contexts, fire also symbolized God's presence, His consuming holiness (cf. [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - Our God is a Consuming Fire")), and His judgment, underscoring the seriousness of handling sacred things.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 29:34, with its stringent command to burn what is holy yet cannot be consumed, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrifices, including those for consecration, were inherently temporary and incomplete, requiring constant repetition and meticulous adherence to prevent defilement. Their "holiness" was derived from their dedication to God, yet even they could not endure or perfectly cleanse. Jesus, however, is the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His body, offered "once for all" (cf. [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice")), fully consecrated and purified us, rendering the repeated burning of remnants unnecessary. He is the substance to which all these shadows pointed, the true and lasting "consecration" of humanity to God. The "leftovers" of our sin and imperfection, which the Old Covenant could only temporarily cover or symbolically "burn," are completely consumed and forgiven through His finished work on the cross, as He bore our sins in His own body (cf. [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")). We, who are now made holy through His blood (cf. [Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")), are called to live as a "living sacrifice" (cf. [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")), continually presenting ourselves to God, not through the burning of physical remnants, but through a life of worship and obedience, empowered by the Spirit and perfected in Christ, who is our ultimate and eternal holiness.

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 8:32

And that which remaineth of the flesh and of the bread shall ye burn with fire.

Exodus 12:10

And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.

Exodus 29:22

Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul [above] the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] upon them, and the right shoulder; for it [is] a ram of consecration:

Leviticus 7:18

And if [any] of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings be eaten at all on the third day, it shall not be accepted, neither shall it be imputed unto him that offereth it: it shall be an abomination, and the soul that eateth of it shall bear his iniquity.

Leviticus 7:19

And the flesh that toucheth any unclean [thing] shall not be eaten; it shall be burnt with fire: and as for the flesh, all that be clean shall eat thereof.

Exodus 16:19

And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning.

Leviticus 10:16

And Moses diligently sought the goat of the sin offering, and, behold, it was burnt: and he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron [which were] left [alive], saying,