Exodus 29:14 (KJV)

What does Exodus 29:14 mean?

Exodus 29:14 commands that the flesh, skin, and dung of the sacrificial bull must be burned outside the camp, rather than on the altar, because it is a sin offering. This instruction sets apart certain parts of the animal as not to be used in the regular sacrificial rituals but instead disposed of in a specific, separate way.

God is speaking to Moses, giving him detailed instructions for the ordination of priests. In this verse, God explains what should be done with the parts of the bull that are not offered on the altar during the sin offering. The burning of these parts outside the camp highlights the seriousness of sin and the need to remove impurity from the community.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 29:14

• "flesh" (בָּשָׂר, basar): This word refers to the meat of the bull, showing that not only the internal organs but also the main body was to be burned outside.
• "skin" (עֹר, `or): The skin was not kept or used but was also to be destroyed, emphasizing total removal.
• "dung" (פֶּרֶשׁ, peresh): This term for the animal’s waste makes clear that even the most unclean parts were to be taken out and burned, reinforcing the idea of complete cleansing.
• "without" (מִחוּץ, mikhuts): This word means "outside," and here it stresses that the burning must happen away from the camp, separating what is unclean from the people.

Why Exodus 29:14 matters

• Exodus 29:14 clarifies that not every part of a sacrificial animal was used in worship; some parts were considered unclean and had to be removed from the community.
• The verse shows the seriousness with which sin and impurity were treated in Israel’s worship, requiring not just sacrifice but also careful disposal of what represented sin.
• This instruction fits into the larger context of priestly ordination, showing how the priests and the people were to be set apart as holy by following God’s detailed commands.