King James Version

What Does Exodus 29:1 Mean?

Exodus 29:1 in the King James Version says “And this is the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And this is the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,

Exodus 29:1 · KJV


Context

1

And this is the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,

2

And unleavened bread, and cakes unleavened tempered with oil, and wafers unleavened anointed with oil: of wheaten flour shalt thou make them.

3

And thou shalt put them into one basket, and bring them in the basket, with the bullock and the two rams.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The consecration ceremony requires 'one young bullock, and two rams without blemish.' The Hebrew word קָדַשׁ (qadash, consecrate/sanctify) means to set apart as holy. Unblemished animals prefigure Christ the spotless Lamb (1 Peter 1:19). The bullock for sin offering and rams for burnt offerings establish the pattern: sin must be atoned (bullock) before acceptable worship (rams) can be offered. Consecration requires both cleansing from sin and dedication to God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The seven-day consecration ceremony (v.35) set apart Aaron and his sons for priestly service. This elaborate ritual demonstrated that approaching God to serve required extensive preparation, multiple sacrifices, and complete devotion—nothing casual or hurried.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the requirement for unblemished animals point to Christ's perfect qualification as our sacrifice?
  2. Why must sin-atonement (bullock) precede worship-offering (rams) in the consecration process?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְזֶ֨ה1 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

הַדָּבָ֜ר2 of 17

And this is the thing

H1697

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

אֲשֶֽׁר3 of 17
H834

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

תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה4 of 17

that thou shalt do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָהֶ֛ם5 of 17
H0
לְקַדֵּ֥שׁ6 of 17

unto them to hallow

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

אֹתָ֖ם7 of 17
H853

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

לְכַהֵ֣ן8 of 17

them to minister unto me in the priest's office

H3547

to officiate as a priest; figuratively, to put on regalia

לִ֑י9 of 17
H0
לְ֠קַח10 of 17

Take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

פַּ֣ר11 of 17

bullock

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

אֶחָ֧ד12 of 17

one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

בֶּן13 of 17

young

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בָּקָ֛ר14 of 17
H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

וְאֵילִ֥ם15 of 17

rams

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

שְׁנַ֖יִם16 of 17

and two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

תְּמִימִֽם׃17 of 17

without blemish

H8549

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth


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 29:1 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 29:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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