A declaration · devotional in mood · a little context helps
“Every offering matters only when you know who receives it.”
For I am the enjoyer and lord of all sacrifices. But those people do not know me in truth, and so they fall away.
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Hover a word to focus on it.
Read literallyI · indeed · of all sacrifices · the enjoyer · and · the lord · indeed · and · not · but · me · they know · in truth · therefore · fall away · they
All sacrifices ultimately belong to Krishna, who receives them and rules over them. People fall when they do not know this truth clearly.
Krishna speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga" (The Royal Knowledge).
Verse 24 sits in Chapter 9 of the Bhagavad Gita — Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga, "The Royal Knowledge". The chapter has 34 verses in total.
You give time, money, and attention to what matters most, but forget the deeper source behind it all. That forgetfulness quietly drains the meaning out of your effort.
Did you like this verse?
It shifts devotion from ritual performance to clear recognition of the one who receives every offering.
What this verse means
All sacrifices ultimately belong to Krishna, who receives them and rules over them. People fall when they do not know this truth clearly.
Context & commentary
On Kurukshetra, Arjuna is still frozen while Krishna explains why worship matters. After saying that all sincere worship reaches him, Krishna adds that he is the one who truly receives every sacrifice. Missing that truth leaves people spiritually adrift.
Why this verse still matters
You give time, money, and attention to what matters most, but forget the deeper source behind it all. That forgetfulness quietly drains the meaning out of your effort.
“Devotion deepens when you remember who stands behind every offering.”
Explore related themes: bhakti (69 verses), yajna (32 verses)