King James Version

What Does Exodus 29:22 Mean?

Exodus 29:22 in the King James Version says “Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul above the live... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and the right shoulder; for it is a ram of consecration:

Exodus 29:22 · KJV


Context

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.

22

Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and the right shoulder; for it is a ram of consecration:

23

And one loaf of bread, and one cake of oiled bread, and one wafer out of the basket of the unleavened bread that is before the LORD:

24

And thou shalt put all in the hands of Aaron, and in the hands of his sons; and shalt wave them for a wave offering before the LORD. shalt wave: or, shalt shake to and fro


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 · 27 words
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֣1 of 27

Also thou shalt take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִן2 of 27
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

אֵ֥יל3 of 27

for it is a ram

H352

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

הַחֵ֙לֶב֙4 of 27

and the fat

H2459

fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part

וְהָֽאַלְיָ֜ה5 of 27

and the rump

H451

the stout part, i.e., the fat tail of the middle eastern sheep

וְאֶת6 of 27
H853

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

הַחֵ֙לֶב֙7 of 27

and the fat

H2459

fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part

הַֽמְכַסֶּ֣ה8 of 27

that covereth

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

אֶת9 of 27
H853

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

הַקֶּ֗רֶב10 of 27

the inwards

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

וְאֵ֨ת11 of 27
H853

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

יֹתֶ֤רֶת12 of 27

and the caul

H3508

the lobe or flap of the liver (as if redundant or outhanging)

הַכָּבֵד֙13 of 27

above the liver

H3516

the liver (as the heaviest of the viscera)

וְאֵ֣ת׀14 of 27
H853

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

שְׁתֵּ֣י15 of 27

and the two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַכְּלָיֹ֗ת16 of 27

kidneys

H3629

a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)

וְאֶת17 of 27
H853

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

הַחֵ֙לֶב֙18 of 27

and the fat

H2459

fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part

אֲשֶׁ֣ר19 of 27
H834

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

עֲלֵיהֶ֔ן20 of 27
H5921

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

וְאֵ֖ת21 of 27
H853

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

שׁ֣וֹק22 of 27

shoulder

H7785

the (lower) leg (as a runner)

הַיָּמִ֑ין23 of 27

that is upon them and the right

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

כִּ֛י24 of 27
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֵ֥יל25 of 27

for it is a ram

H352

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

מִלֻּאִ֖ים26 of 27

of consecration

H4394

a fulfilling (only in plural), i.e., (literally) a setting (of gems), or (technically) consecration (also concretely, a dedicatory sacrifice)

הֽוּא׃27 of 27
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 29:22 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 29:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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