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:

EXODUS 29:22KJV
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Exodus 29:22 (KJV)

What does Exodus 29:22 mean?

Exodus 29:22 describes how Moses is to take specific parts of a ram—the fat, the rump, the fat covering the inner organs, the caul above the liver, the two kidneys with their fat, and the right shoulder—because this ram is being used for a special ceremony to set apart (consecrate) the priests. These instructions are part of a detailed ritual for dedicating Aaron and his sons to serve as priests.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving step-by-step instructions for the ordination of the priests. The focus is on selecting certain valuable and symbolic portions of the animal, which were considered the best parts, to be used in the consecration ceremony. This ritual act is part of a larger process described in Exodus 29, showing the seriousness and care involved in preparing the priests for their sacred duties.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 29:22

  • The word for "consecration" is מִלֻּאִים (millu'im), meaning "filling" or "ordination." It points to the idea of the priests being "filled" with what they need for their role, not just being set apart but being equipped.
  • The word for "fat" is חֵלֶב (chelev), which refers to the choicest, richest parts of the animal. These were considered especially valuable in ancient Israelite offerings.
  • The "caul" is יֹתֶרֶת (yoteret), which refers to a specific lobe or membrane above the liver, a detail that shows the precision of the ritual.
  • The "right shoulder" is שׁוֹק (shoq), often understood as the right thigh or leg, a part typically reserved for important offerings.

Why Exodus 29:22 matters

  • This verse clarifies that not just any part of the animal was used in the consecration ritual; only select, significant portions were chosen, highlighting the value and seriousness of the ceremony.
  • Understanding the specific instructions helps readers see the care and respect given to the process of setting apart priests, which reflects the importance of their role in Israelite worship.
  • The detailed ritual connects to the broader theme in Exodus of God establishing a holy people with a structured way to approach Him, emphasizing order and reverence in worship.

Where else these words appear

“rump” Hebrew H451 · used in 5 verses

  • Leviticus 3:9 And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat thereof, and the whole rump, it shall he take off hard by the backbone; and the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,
  • Leviticus 7:3 And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof; the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards,
  • Leviticus 8:25 And he took the fat, and the rump, and all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and the right shoulder:

“caul” Hebrew H3508 · used in 11 verses

  • Exodus 29:13 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.
  • Leviticus 3:15 And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.
  • Leviticus 8:16 And he took all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and Moses burned it upon the altar.

“liver” Hebrew H3516 · used in 14 verses

  • Exodus 29:13 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.
  • Leviticus 4:9 And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away,
  • Leviticus 9:10 But the fat, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver of the sin offering, he burnt upon the altar; as the LORD commanded Moses.

“consecration” Hebrew H4394 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 25:7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.
  • Exodus 29:34 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.
  • Leviticus 8:28 And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt them on the altar upon the burnt offering: they were consecrations for a sweet savour: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.