King James Version

What Does Exodus 24:8 Mean?

Exodus 24:8 in the King James Version says “And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hat...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.”

Exodus 24:8 · KJV

Context

6

And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.

7

And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.

8

And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.

9

Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel:

10

And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.

Read Exodus 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.

Moses sprinkles the second half of blood 'on the people' (עַל־הָעָם, al-ha'am)—same blood touching altar and people unites both in covenant. 'Behold the blood of the covenant' (הִנֵּה דַם־הַבְּרִית, hinneh dam-haberit) mirrors Jesus' Last Supper words: 'This is my blood of the covenant' (Matthew 26:28, using identical phrasing). Both covenants require blood; both bind God and people. But Sinai's covenant was temporary, repeatedly violated, requiring continual sacrifices. Christ's covenant is eternal, perfectly kept (by Him), requiring no further sacrifice. Hebrews 9:12 says Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary 'by His own blood...obtaining eternal redemption.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Blood sprinkling on the people physically marked them as covenant participants. Hebrews 9:19-20 directly references this event, contrasting Moses' sprinkling with Christ's superior blood. Jesus' Last Supper words deliberately echo Exodus 24:8.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' Last Supper language ('blood of the covenant') deliberately recall Exodus 24:8?
  2. What's the difference between blood sprinkled at Sinai (animal, temporary) and Christ's blood (human-divine, eternal)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיִּקַּ֤ח1 of 19

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֹשֶׁה֙2 of 19

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶת3 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דַֽם4 of 19

“Behold the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

וַיִּזְרֹ֖ק5 of 19

“and sprinkled”

H2236

to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)

עַל6 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָעָ֑ם7 of 19

“it on the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר8 of 19

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּ֤ה9 of 19
H2009

lo!

דַֽם10 of 19

“Behold the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

הַבְּרִית֙11 of 19

“of the covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר12 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

כָּרַ֤ת13 of 19

“hath made”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

יְהוָה֙14 of 19

“which the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עִמָּכֶ֔ם15 of 19
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

עַ֥ל16 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל17 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַדְּבָרִ֖ים18 of 19

“with you concerning all these words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָאֵֽלֶּה׃19 of 19
H428

these or those

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 24:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 24:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 10:4-5Exodus 24:6Ezekiel 36:25Matthew 26:28Hebrews 13:201 Corinthians 11:25

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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