King James Version

What Does Exodus 29:28 Mean?

Exodus 29:28 in the King James Version says “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: an... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 29:28 · KJV


Context

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.

30

And that son that is priest in his stead shall put them on seven days, when he cometh into the tabernacle of the congregation to minister in the holy place. that son: Heb. he of his sons


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 · 20 words
וְהָיָה֩1 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְאַֽהֲרֹ֨ן2 of 20

And it shall be Aaron's

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

בְּנֵֽי3 of 20

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

לְחָק4 of 20

by a statute

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

עוֹלָ֗ם5 of 20

for ever

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

מֵאֵת֙6 of 20
H853

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

בְּנֵֽי7 of 20

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙8 of 20

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כִּ֥י9 of 20
H3588

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

תְּרֽוּמָתָ֖ם10 of 20

and it shall be an heave offering

H8641

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

ה֑וּא11 of 20
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

תְּרֽוּמָתָ֖ם12 of 20

and it shall be an heave offering

H8641

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

יִֽהְיֶ֨ה13 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מֵאֵ֤ת14 of 20
H853

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

בְּנֵֽי15 of 20

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙16 of 20

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מִזִּבְחֵ֣י17 of 20

of the sacrifice

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

שַׁלְמֵיהֶ֔ם18 of 20

of their peace offerings

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

תְּרֽוּמָתָ֖ם19 of 20

and it shall be an heave offering

H8641

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

לַֽיהוָֽה׃20 of 20

unto 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 29:28 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 29:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study