King James Version

What Does Exodus 29:25 Mean?

Exodus 29:25 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt receive them of their hands, and burn them upon the altar for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour before...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt receive them of their hands, and burn them upon the altar for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour before the LORD: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.”

Exodus 29:25 · KJV

Context

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

25

And thou shalt receive them of their hands, and burn them upon the altar for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour before the LORD: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

26

And thou shalt take the breast of the ram of Aaron's consecration, and wave it for a wave offering before the LORD: and it shall be thy part.

27

And thou shalt sanctify the breast of the wave offering, and the shoulder of the heave offering, which is waved, and which is heaved up, of the ram of the consecration, even of that which is for Aaron, and of that which is for his sons:

Read Exodus 29 full chapter

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.

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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 · 14 words
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֤1 of 14

“And thou shalt receive”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֹתָם֙2 of 14
H853

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

מִיָּדָ֔ם3 of 14

“them of 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

וְהִקְטַרְתָּ֥4 of 14

“and burn”

H6999

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חָה5 of 14

“them upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

עַל6 of 14
H5921

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

הָֽעֹלָ֑ה7 of 14

“for a burnt offering”

H5930

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

לְרֵ֤יחַ8 of 14

“savour”

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיח֙וֹחַ֙9 of 14

“for a sweet”

H5207

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

לִפְנֵ֣י10 of 14

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

לַֽיהוָֽה׃11 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אִשֶּׁ֥ה12 of 14

“it is an offering made by fire”

H801

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

ה֖וּא13 of 14
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

לַֽיהוָֽה׃14 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

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

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 29:25 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 29:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 8:28Exodus 29:41Leviticus 3:16Leviticus 2:2Leviticus 2:9Leviticus 7:29-31

Test Your Knowledge

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

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