King James Version

What Does Exodus 29:19 Mean?

Exodus 29:19 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt take the other ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 29:19 · KJV


Context

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.

21

And thou shalt take of the blood that is upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The consecration ram's blood applied to Aaron's right ear, thumb, and toe symbolizes that priests must hear God's word (ear), act on it (thumb/hand), and walk in it (toe/foot). Blood application sanctifies these members for holy service. Christ's blood sanctifies our hearing, working, and walking—our complete life consecrated through His atonement. The right side emphasizes the place of honor and strength.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The blood application ceremony was unique to priestly consecration, marking the priests as blood-sanctified for service. This visible sign testified to their cleansing and separation for God's purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's blood sanctify your hearing, working, and walking?
  2. What does the 'right' (ear, hand, foot) emphasis teach about strength in service?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְלָ֣קַחְתָּ֔1 of 12

And thou shalt take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֵ֖ת2 of 12
H853

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

הָאָֽיִל׃3 of 12

of the ram

H352

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

הַשֵּׁנִ֑י4 of 12

the other

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

וְסָמַ֨ךְ5 of 12

shall put

H5564

to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)

אַֽהֲרֹ֧ן6 of 12

and Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וּבָנָ֛יו7 of 12

and his sons

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

אֶת8 of 12
H853

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

יְדֵיהֶ֖ם9 of 12

their hands

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עַל10 of 12
H5921

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

רֹ֥אשׁ11 of 12

upon the head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הָאָֽיִל׃12 of 12

of the ram

H352

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


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 29:19 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 29:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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