King James Version

What Does Exodus 29:12 Mean?

Exodus 29:12 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and pour all th...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.”

Exodus 29:12 · KJV

Context

10

And thou shalt cause a bullock to be brought before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the bullock.

11

And thou shalt kill the bullock before the LORD, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

12

And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.

13

And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar. the caul: it seemeth by anatomy, and the Hebrew doctors, to be the midriff

14

But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire without the camp: it is a sin offering.

Read Exodus 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The burnt offering represents complete dedication to God—the entire animal consumed by fire, ascending as sweet savor to the LORD. This prefigures Christ's total self-offering, holding nothing back, His life completely devoted to God's glory. The fire consuming the offering pictures divine acceptance—God receives Christ's sacrifice with pleasure. Our worship, offered through Christ, also ascends as fragrant offering acceptable to God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah, 'that which ascends') was one of Israel's primary sacrifices, representing voluntary dedication to God. Unlike sin offerings (which addressed guilt), burnt offerings expressed worshipful consecration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Christ give Himself 'completely' (burnt offering) rather than partially?
  2. What does it mean that your worship ascends to God 'through Christ'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֙1 of 15

“And thou shalt take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הַדָּ֣ם2 of 15

“all 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

הַפָּ֔ר3 of 15

“of the bullock”

H6499

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

וְנָֽתַתָּ֛ה4 of 15

“and put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עַל5 of 15
H5921

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

קַרְנֹ֥ת6 of 15

“it upon the horns”

H7161

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃7 of 15

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

בְּאֶצְבָּעֶ֑ךָ8 of 15

“with thy finger”

H676

something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe

וְאֶת9 of 15
H853

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

כָּל10 of 15
H3605

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

הַדָּ֣ם11 of 15

“all 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

תִּשְׁפֹּ֔ךְ12 of 15

“and pour”

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

אֶל13 of 15

“beside”

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְס֖וֹד14 of 15

“the bottom”

H3247

a foundation (literally or figuratively)

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃15 of 15

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

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 29:12 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 29:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 27:2Leviticus 8:15Leviticus 9:9Exodus 30:2Hebrews 10:4Exodus 38:2

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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