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Exodus 29:13 - Offering inner sanctity to Hashem

Exodus 29:13 - שמות 29:13

Hebrew Text

וְלָקַחְתָּ אֶת־כָּל־הַחֵלֶב הַמְכַסֶּה אֶת־הַקֶּרֶב וְאֵת הַיֹּתֶרֶת עַל־הַכָּבֵד וְאֵת שְׁתֵּי הַכְּלָיֹת וְאֶת־הַחֵלֶב אֲשֶׁר עֲלֵיהֶן וְהִקְטַרְתָּ הַמִּזְבֵּחָה׃

English Translation

And thou shalt take all the fat that covers the inwards, and the appendage that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.

Transliteration

Velakachta et-kol-hachelev hamchaseh et-hakerev ve'et hayoteret al-hakaved ve'et shtei haklayot ve'et hachelev asher aleihen vehiktafta hamizbeicha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֗ אֶֽת־כׇּל־הַחֵ֘לֶב֮ הַֽמְכַסֶּ֣ה אֶת־הַקֶּ֒רֶב֒ וְאֵ֗ת הַיֹּתֶ֙רֶת֙ עַל־הַכָּבֵ֔ד וְאֵת֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י הַכְּלָיֹ֔ת וְאֶת־הַחֵ֖לֶב אֲשֶׁ֣ר עֲלֵיהֶ֑ן וְהִקְטַרְתָּ֖ הַמִּזְבֵּֽחָה׃
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֗ אֶֽת־כׇּל־הַחֵ֘לֶב֮ הַֽמְכַסֶּ֣ה אֶת־הַקֶּ֒רֶב֒ וְאֵ֗ת הַיֹּתֶ֙רֶת֙ עַל־הַכָּבֵ֔ד וְאֵת֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י הַכְּלָיֹ֔ת וְאֶת־הַחֵ֖לֶב אֲשֶׁ֣ר עֲלֵיהֶ֑ן וְהִקְטַרְתָּ֖ הַמִּזְבֵּֽחָה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 3:3-4) details the specific fats and organs from sacrificial animals that are to be burned on the altar. This is part of the laws of korban shelamim (peace offerings), which were voluntary offerings expressing gratitude or devotion to Hashem.

Explanation of the Components

  • הַחֵלֶב הַמְכַסֶּה אֶת־הַקֶּרֶב (the fat covering the inwards): Rashi explains that this refers to the layer of fat surrounding the stomach and intestines. The Torah prohibits consuming this fat (חֵלֶב), as it is designated exclusively for the altar (Vayikra 7:23).
  • הַיֹּתֶרֶת עַל־הַכָּבֵד (the appendage above the liver): According to the Talmud (Chullin 49a), this is a lobe of fat attached to the liver. The Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos 5:4) clarifies its precise location and method of removal.
  • שְׁתֵּי הַכְּלָיֹת (the two kidneys): The kidneys symbolize moral discernment, as they are often associated with decision-making in Tanach (e.g., Tehillim 16:7). Their inclusion in the offering may allude to dedicating one's ethical choices to Hashem.
  • הַחֵלֶב אֲשֶׁר עֲלֵיהֶן (the fat upon them): This refers to the fat surrounding the kidneys, which, like the other fats, is forbidden for consumption and reserved for the altar.

Spiritual Significance

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 3:4) teaches that the burning of these fats represents the elevation of physicality to a higher spiritual purpose. Fat, which signifies indulgence and material comfort, is entirely consumed by the fire of the altar, symbolizing the sublimation of physical desires in service of Hashem.

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Mizbeach 7:1-3) emphasizes that these fats may never be eaten, even outside the context of sacrifices. The prohibition applies to both domesticated and wild animals, as derived from Vayikra 7:23-25. The Gemara (Chullin 93a) discusses the detailed laws of how these fats must be removed and prepared for the altar.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 49b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the sacrificial fats and the proper procedure for offering them on the altar.
📖 Zevachim 35b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the specific parts of the animal that are to be offered as sacrifices and the proper handling of these parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 29:13 mean in the context of sacrifices?
A: Exodus 29:13 describes the specific parts of an animal sacrifice that were to be burned on the altar—namely, the fat covering the innards, the lobe above the liver, and the kidneys with their fat. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Chullin 49a), these parts were considered the choicest and most fitting for offering to Hashem, symbolizing devotion and the removal of physical desires.
Q: Why were only certain fats and organs burned in the sacrifice?
A: The Torah specifies these fats and organs because they were seen as the most vital and rich parts of the animal. The Rambam (Hilchos Ma'aseh HaKorbanos 7:2) explains that offering these parts demonstrated complete dedication to Hashem, as they were highly valued. Additionally, the Talmud (Yoma 75a) teaches that fats and kidneys were associated with human desires, so burning them symbolized refining one's physical inclinations.
Q: How does this verse apply today without the Temple?
A: While we no longer bring physical sacrifices, the principle behind Exodus 29:13 still applies. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 3:3) teaches that prayer replaces sacrifices, and just as the fats were offered with intent, our prayers should be offered with sincerity and focus. Additionally, the Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:46) explains that the deeper lesson is to dedicate our best efforts—whether in mitzvos, learning, or kindness—to serving Hashem.
Q: What is the significance of burning the kidneys in the sacrifice?
A: The kidneys are mentioned because, in Jewish thought (based on Talmud, Berachos 61a), they symbolize inner counsel and moral decision-making. By offering them on the altar, we acknowledge that our choices and wisdom should be directed toward holiness. Rashi (on Leviticus 3:4) also notes that the kidneys and their fat represent hidden, inner aspects of a person, teaching us to refine even our private thoughts for divine service.