In biblical terminology, "innards" generally refers to the internal organs of a living being, often associated with sacrificial practices, emotions, and the seat of deep feelings. The term is frequently used in the context of the Old Testament sacrificial system, where specific instructions were given regarding the handling of the internal parts of sacrificial animals.

Sacrificial Practices

The innards of animals played a significant role in the sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites. In the book of Leviticus, detailed instructions are provided for various offerings, including burnt offerings, peace offerings, and sin offerings. For instance, in Leviticus 3:3-4, the peace offering is described: "From the peace offering, he is to bring as an offering made by fire to the LORD the fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on them, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys."

The innards, particularly the fat surrounding them, were often burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord. This act symbolized the offering of the best parts to God, acknowledging His holiness and the need for atonement.

Symbolism and Emotions

In biblical literature, innards are also metaphorically associated with emotions and the inner life of individuals. The Hebrew word "me'eh," often translated as "bowels" or "innards," is used to express deep-seated feelings such as compassion, yearning, and distress. For example, in Jeremiah 31:20, God expresses His deep compassion for Ephraim: "Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, a delightful child? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore, My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him," declares the LORD.

This metaphorical use underscores the belief that the innermost parts of a person are the seat of emotions and moral consciousness, reflecting the depth of God's love and compassion for His people.

Health and Cleanliness

The Bible also addresses issues of health and cleanliness concerning the innards. In the dietary laws given to the Israelites, certain animals were deemed unclean, and their consumption was prohibited. These laws, found in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, were intended to set the Israelites apart as a holy people and to promote physical health and spiritual purity.

New Testament References

While the New Testament does not focus extensively on the innards in the context of sacrifices, it does continue the metaphorical use of the term to describe inner emotions and spiritual truths. For example, in Philippians 1:8, Paul writes, "God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus." The word "affection" here is translated from the Greek "splagchnon," which literally means "innards" or "bowels," indicating deep, heartfelt emotion.

In summary, the concept of innards in the Bible encompasses both the literal and metaphorical, serving as a crucial element in the sacrificial system, a symbol of deep emotions, and a reflection of God's compassionate nature.

On the Interior Man
... [Ps.34(35):10; Job 40:13]. The innards are the effect of piety and mercy;
in the apostle: anything in your innards and compassion. ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/vi on the interior man.htm

Innards (15 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Innards (15 Occurrences). Exodus 29:13 You shall
take all the fat that covers the innards, the cover of ...
/i/innards.htm - 10k

Entrails (18 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:13 You shall take all the fat that covers the innards, the cover of the
liver, the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, and burn them on the ...
/e/entrails.htm - 11k

Covers (50 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:13 You shall take all the fat that covers the innards, the cover of the
liver, the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, and burn them on the ...
/c/covers.htm - 19k

Connected (11 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 3:3 He shall offer of the sacrifice of peace offerings an offering made
by fire to Yahweh; the fat that covers the innards, and all the fat that is ...
/c/connected.htm - 9k

Legs (50 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). Exodus 29:17 You shall cut the ram into its pieces, and wash its
innards, and its legs, and put them with its pieces, and with its head. ...
/l/legs.htm - 21k

Appendage (11 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:13 You shall take all the fat that covers the innards, the cover of the
liver, the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, and burn them on the ...
/a/appendage.htm - 9k

Tail (16 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:22 Also you shall take some of the ram's fat, the fat tail, the fat that
covers the innards, the cover of the liver, the two kidneys, the fat that is ...
/t/tail.htm - 13k

Kidneys (15 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:13 You shall take all the fat that covers the innards, the cover of the
liver, the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, and burn them on the ...
/k/kidneys.htm - 16k

Liver (16 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:13 You shall take all the fat that covers the innards, the cover of the
liver, the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, and burn them on the ...
/l/liver.htm - 16k

Fat (150 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:13 You shall take all the fat that covers the innards, the cover of the
liver, the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, and burn them on the ...
/f/fat.htm - 44k

Innards: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus