King James Version

What Does Exodus 29:18 Mean?

Exodus 29:18 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offerin...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.”

Exodus 29:18 · KJV

Context

16

And thou shalt slay the ram, and thou shalt take his blood, and sprinkle it round about upon the altar.

17

And thou shalt cut the ram in pieces, and wash the inwards of him, and his legs, and put them unto his pieces, and unto his head. unto: or, upon

18

And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

19

And thou shalt take the other ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram.

20

Then shalt thou kill the ram, and take of his blood, and put it upon the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and upon the tip of the right ear of his sons, and upon the thumb of their right hand, and upon the great toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.

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 · 13 words
וְהִקְטַרְתָּ֤1 of 13

“And thou shalt burn”

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

אֶת2 of 13
H853

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

כָּל3 of 13
H3605

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

הָאַ֙יִל֙4 of 13

“the whole ram”

H352

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה5 of 13

“upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

עֹלָ֥ה6 of 13

“it is a burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

ה֖וּא7 of 13
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לַֽיהוָ֖ה8 of 13

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

רֵ֣יחַ9 of 13

“savour”

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיח֔וֹחַ10 of 13

“it is a sweet”

H5207

properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight

אִשֶּׁ֥ה11 of 13

“an offering made by fire”

H801

properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice

לַֽיהוָ֖ה12 of 13

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

הֽוּא׃13 of 13
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 29:18 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 29:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 8:211 Samuel 7:9Hebrews 10:6-101 Kings 3:4Ephesians 5:2Genesis 22:2

Test Your Knowledge

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

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