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KIDNEYS (often translated “Reins”)

Definition

Similar or the same as “Heart.“ Insides, inner (particularly of our inner man/mind)

Scripture

  • The heart and the reins (lit. kidneys) are frequently used together (see “Heart”).

Jeremiah 17:10 (KJV) I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

Psalms 7:9 (KJV) Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.

Psalms 7:9-10 (KJV) Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. 10 My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.

  • See the explanation of Revelation 2, in “Harlotry/Fornication” for context. This says that Jesus searches the hearts and the kidneys to see if people hold good or bad doctrine/teaching. The kidneys are where people hold doctrine.

Revelation 2:23 (KJV) And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins [lit. kidneys] and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works [referring to unbelief]. 24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine [the works he just referred to], and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 

  • David’s kidneys are said to instruct him, which makes it clear that this is being symbolically used.

Psalms 16:7 (KJV) I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.

  • Jeremiah says, “You are near in their mouth, and far from their reins,” while other portions of scripture say “their heart is far from me.” 

Jeremiah 12:2 (KJV) Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.

Isaiah 29:13 (KJV) Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

Matthew 15:8 (KJV) This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

  • Knowing that burnt offerings symbolize worship and thanksgiving (See “Burnt Offerings…”) and kidneys represent the insides/heart, this may shed some light on why the kidneys are part of the animal that are burnt as a burnt offering. As if to say that our worship (burnt offering) goes out to the Lord from our heart (our kidneys).
  • Referring to a peace offering:

Leviticus 3:3-5 (NKJV) Then he shall offer from the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire to the LORD. The fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on the entrails, 4 the two kidneys and the fat that is on them by the flanks, and the fatty lobe attached to the liver above the kidneys, he shall remove; 5 and Aaron’s sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which is on the wood that is on the fire, as an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the LORD.

  • Also, in the burnt offering that accompanies the sin offering:

Leviticus 4:8-12 (NKJV) He shall take from it all the fat of the bull as the sin offering. The fat that covers the entrails and all the fat which is on the entrails, 9 the two kidneys and the fat that is on them by the flanks, and the fatty lobe attached to the liver above the kidneys, he shall remove, 10 as it was taken from the bull of the sacrifice of the peace offering; and the priest shall burn them on the altar of the burnt offering. 11 But the bull’s hide and all its flesh, with its head and legs, its entrails and offal— 12 the whole bull he shall carry outside the camp to a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn it on wood with fire; where the ashes are poured out it shall be burned.

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