King James Version

What Does Exodus 29:27 Mean?

Exodus 29:27 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt sanctify the breast of the wave offering, and the shoulder of the heave offering, which is waved, and whi... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

Exodus 29:27 · KJV


Context

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:

28

And it shall be Aaron's and his sons' by a statute for ever from the children of Israel: for it is an heave offering: and it shall be an heave offering from the children of Israel of the sacrifice of their peace offerings, even their heave offering unto the LORD.

29

And the holy garments of Aaron shall be his sons' after him, to be anointed therein, and to be consecrated in them.


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 · 17 words
וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֞1 of 17

And thou shalt sanctify

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

אֵ֣ת׀2 of 17
H853

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

חֲזֵ֣ה3 of 17

the breast

H2373

the breast (as most seen in front)

הַתְּנוּפָ֗ה4 of 17

of the wave offering

H8573

a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial offerings

וְאֵת֙5 of 17
H853

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

שׁ֣וֹק6 of 17

and the shoulder

H7785

the (lower) leg (as a runner)

הַתְּרוּמָ֔ה7 of 17

of the heave offering

H8641

a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute

וּמֵֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר8 of 17

even of that which

H834

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

הוּנַ֖ף9 of 17

which is waved

H5130

to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad

וּמֵֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 17

even of that which

H834

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

הוּרָ֑ם11 of 17

and which is heaved up

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

מֵאֵיל֙12 of 17

of the ram

H352

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

הַמִּלֻּאִ֔ים13 of 17

of the consecration

H4394

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

וּמֵֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר14 of 17

even of that which

H834

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

לְאַֽהֲרֹ֖ן15 of 17

is for Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וּמֵֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר16 of 17

even of that which

H834

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

לְבָנָֽיו׃17 of 17

and of that which is for 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


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 29:27 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 29:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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