כִּלְיָה (kil.yah)
kil.yah
kidney
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 25 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun kilyah refers to the kidneys, appearing in Scripture both as a physical organ and as a metaphor for the innermost self. In its literal sense, it frequently denotes the fat of the kidneys offered in sacrifice, particularly in Leviticus where priests present these parts on the altar (Leviticus 3:4; 7:4). This specific cut was considered choice meat, highlighting the value placed on this organ in ancient Israelite ritual practice.
Figuratively, kilyah represents the seat of deep emotions and moral character. Translators often render it as "reins," reflecting an older English convention that associates this inner region with hidden thoughts and affections. The prophets use this imagery to describe God’s scrutiny of human motives, such as when Jeremiah speaks of a God who tests the kidneys and heart (Jeremiah 11:20; 17:10). This usage suggests that true character resides in the deepest, most private part of a person, beyond what is visible on the surface.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In ancient Israel, the kidneys were not just biological organs but the seat of deep emotion and moral character. When Scripture speaks of God testing the kidneys, it points to a scrutiny that goes beyond outward behavior to examine hidden motives and true intentions. This imagery reminds us that our inner life matters deeply to God, who sees what remains unseen by others.
For your faith, this means there is no need to hide your struggles or doubts. The same God who values the finest parts of a sacrifice also values the honesty of your heart. You can bring your whole self to Him, knowing that He understands the complexity of your emotions and desires.
This perspective offers comfort in times of judgment or confusion. Instead of fearing a distant observer, you can trust in a Creator who knows you intimately. Your inner thoughts are held within His care, inviting you to live with integrity and openness before Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 25 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ kidneys15×
- kidneys/ my6×
- kidneys2×
- [the] kidneys of2×
- in/ kidneys/ my1×
- from/ kidneys/ their1×
- and/ the/ kidneys1×
- and/ kidneys/ my1×
- [the] kidneys1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/כְּלָיֹ֔ת6×
- הַ/כְּלָיֹ֖ת5×
- כִּלְי֣וֹת2×
- הַ/כְּלָי֖וֹת2×
- מִ/כִּלְיוֹתֵי/הֶֽם\׃1×
- כִּ֭לְיוֹתַ/י1×
- כְּלָי֖וֹת1×
- כְּלָי֑וֹת1×
- כִלְיוֹתָֽ/י\׃1×
- כִלְיוֹתָ֑/י1×
- כִלְיוֹתַ֣/י1×
- כִלְיֹתָ֑/י1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 17:10
“I, Yahweh, search the mind. I try the heart, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.”
This verse explicitly links the testing of the kidneys with God’s knowledge of human ways, highlighting the organ as the seat of moral accountability.
-
Leviticus 3:4
and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away.
The offering of kidney fat signifies that the innermost parts of a person are presented to God as a choice and valuable portion of worship.
-
Job 16:13
His archers surround me. He splits my kidneys apart, and does not spare. He pours out my bile on the ground.
Here, the splitting of kidneys illustrates intense physical and emotional suffering, showing the word’s connection to deep personal pain.