Exodus 29 34

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.

Exodus 29:34 nkjv

And if any of the flesh of the consecration offerings, or of the bread, remains until the morning, then you shall burn the remainder with fire. It shall not be eaten, because it is holy.

Exodus 29:34 niv

And if any of the meat of the ordination ram or any bread is left over till morning, burn it up. It must not be eaten, because it is sacred.

Exodus 29:34 esv

And if any of the flesh for the ordination or of the bread remain until the morning, then you shall burn the remainder with fire. It shall not be eaten, because it is holy.

Exodus 29:34 nlt

If any of the ordination meat or bread remains until the morning, it must be burned. It may not be eaten, for it is holy.

Exodus 29 verses

Exodus 29 34 Meaning

Exodus 29:34 outlines specific instructions for the disposal of the leftover consecrated flesh and bread from the priestly ordination ceremony. Any portions remaining until the following morning were strictly forbidden to be eaten. Instead, they had to be burned completely with fire, because their holy status demanded meticulous care and prevented them from becoming common or corrupt, upholding the sanctity of the sacrificial system.

Exodus 29 34 Context

Exodus 29 details the elaborate, seven-day consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons to become priests. This chapter describes specific rituals, garments, and numerous animal sacrifices (a bull for a sin offering, two rams for burnt and ordination offerings) along with bread offerings. The purpose is to sanctify and set apart Aaron and his descendants for their unique role of ministering to God and mediating for the people. Verse 34 falls within the instructions for handling the remnants of these consecrated offerings, particularly the flesh of the ram of ordination and the basket of bread. The entire chapter underscores the immense holiness of God, the meticulous purity required for those who serve Him, and the precise procedures necessary to approach and maintain covenant relationship with Him. Historically, this chapter established the foundational rituals for the Israelite priesthood, distinct from the practices of surrounding nations, emphasizing Yahweh's precise and exclusive demands.

Exodus 29 34 Word analysis

• And if anything (wə’im-yiwwāṯēr): Introduces a conditional clause regarding a surplus. The root yathar (יתר) means to be left over or to remain.
• of the flesh (mibbəśar - מבשר): Refers to the physical animal offering, specifically that part allocated for eating by the priests.
• of the consecration (hammillu’îm - המלואים): Hebrew for "fillings" or "consecrations." It specifically refers to the ordination ceremony where the hands of the priests were "filled" with portions of the sacrifice. This term highlights the extreme sanctity of the sacrificial offerings directly tied to the priestly anointing.
• or of the bread (‘ō min-haleḥem - או מן-הלחם): Includes the cakes and wafers from the basket of unleavened bread that were part of the ordination offerings, also designated as holy.
• remain (yōthēr - יתר): Implies any excess that has not been consumed according to the prescribed portion or time.
• until the morning (‘ad-habBōqer - עד-הבוקר): Establishes a strict time limit for consumption. This boundary ensures freshness, prevents spoilage in a warm climate, and reinforces the temporary nature of the sacred meal, emphasizing immediate devotion rather than hoarding or common use.
• then you shall burn (wəśārāp̄tā - ושרפת): Mandates destruction by fire. śāraph (שרף) means to utterly consume by burning, different from burning as an offering (qatar). This method is for purification or complete disposal of holy things no longer usable.
• the remainder (hayyōthēr - הנותר): Again emphasizes whatever is left over after the permitted time.
• with fire. (bā’ēš - באש): Fire symbolizes purification and is God's prescribed method for returning that which is too holy or defiled to Himself.
• It shall not be eaten, (lō’ yē’āk̄ēl - לא יאכל): A strict prohibition. Consuming it beyond the designated time would be a profane act, even if unintentionally.
• because it is holy. (kî-qōdeš hû’ - כי-קדש הוא): This is the foundational theological reason. Qōdeš (קדש) means "holy" or "set apart." Its sacredness demands absolute adherence to divine rules for its handling; anything less would desecrate it. The holiness transfers to the elements, demanding respectful treatment even in disposal.

Exodus 29 34 Bonus section

The command in Exodus 29:34 reveals several layers of theological truth about God's nature and the Israelite sacrificial system. Firstly, it illustrates the transference of holiness: objects or substances touched by divine command or use for God's purposes acquire a sanctity that distinguishes them from the common. Secondly, it underscores the fragility of holiness in human hands: without precise divine instruction, humanity tends to profane or defile sacred things, hence the need for stringent rules. Thirdly, the strict time limit (until morning) also serves a practical, pedagogical function—it fosters attentiveness and prompt obedience, discouraging procrastination or misuse. The immediate consumption and strict disposal underscore a sense of urgency and directness in sacred worship. This principle foreshadows the call for immediate, radical commitment in the New Testament (e.g., Jesus' call to follow Him without looking back, Lk 9:62). The "holy" in this context points to what is exclusively God's, untouchable by human alteration or casual storage once its prescribed time for use or consumption has passed.

Exodus 29 34 Commentary

Exodus 29:34 acts as a crucial boundary marker within the detailed consecration of Aaron and his sons, establishing a foundational principle for handling all sacred things in Israel. The immediate command to burn any remaining consecrated flesh or bread until the morning stems from the extreme holiness imparted to these items by their dedication to God. This command prevented potential defilement or decay, maintaining ritual purity and revering God's sanctity. It was not merely about avoiding spoilage, but a theological declaration: what is truly holy must be consumed completely or returned to God through fire, reinforcing the idea that God's portion and commanded use must be fulfilled, not neglected or profaned. This principle permeates the Mosaic law, underscoring God's precise demands for approaching Him and maintaining the covenant. Failure to adhere to such commands often carried severe consequences, highlighting the gravity of treating the holy as common. The swift and complete disposal via fire serves as a powerful visual of separation—the holy cannot mingle with the mundane over time.