King James Version

What Does Exodus 29:2 Mean?

Exodus 29:2 in the King James Version says “And unleavened bread, and cakes unleavened tempered with oil, and wafers unleavened anointed with oil: of wheaten flour ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 29:2 · 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.

4

And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil—all from fine wheat flour. Leaven represents sin/corruption (1 Corinthians 5:8); its absence pictures sinless purity. Oil represents the Holy Spirit. These bread offerings show that acceptable consecration requires both purity (unleavened) and Spirit-anointing (oil). The fine flour suggests the highest quality—God deserves our best. Christ, the Bread of Life, was perfectly unleavened (sinless) and fully anointed (Spirit without measure).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The three types of unleavened bread (plain, cakes mixed with oil, wafers anointed with oil) represented different degrees of oil incorporation—from mixed throughout to anointed on surface. All shared the essential quality of being unleavened, picturing purity in every form of offering.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the unleavened bread offerings illustrate different aspects of Christ's purity and anointing?
  2. What does offering 'fine flour' (highest quality) teach about giving God your best?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְלֶ֣חֶם1 of 14

bread

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

מַצּ֖וֹת2 of 14

And unleavened

H4682

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

וְחַלֹּ֤ת3 of 14

and cakes

H2471

a cake (as usually punctured)

מַצּ֖וֹת4 of 14

And unleavened

H4682

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

בְּלוּלֹ֣ת5 of 14

tempered

H1101

to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder

בַּשָּׁ֑מֶן6 of 14

with oil

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

וּרְקִיקֵ֥י7 of 14

and wafers

H7550

a thin cake

מַצּ֖וֹת8 of 14

And unleavened

H4682

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

מְשֻׁחִ֣ים9 of 14

anointed

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

בַּשָּׁ֑מֶן10 of 14

with oil

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

סֹ֥לֶת11 of 14

flour

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

חִטִּ֖ים12 of 14

of wheaten

H2406

wheat, whether the grain or the plant

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה13 of 14

shalt thou make

H6213

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

אֹתָֽם׃14 of 14
H853

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


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 29:2 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 29:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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