King James Version

What Does Exodus 29:30 Mean?

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

Exodus 29:30 · KJV


Context

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

31

And thou shalt take the ram of the consecration, and seethe his flesh in the holy place.

32

And Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram, and the bread that is in the basket, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The seven-day consecration period represents complete, perfect preparation (seven = completeness). Aaron and his sons must remain at the tabernacle entrance throughout, unable to leave, fully devoted to consecration. This prefigures how believers, once called to Christ, must remain in Him continually—not part-time but full devotion. The daily repetition of sacrifices emphasizes that consecration requires ongoing renewal, ultimately fulfilled in Christ's once-for-all sacrifice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The seven-day period required priests to remain at the tabernacle entrance day and night, repeating sacrificial rituals daily. This intensive preparation demonstrated that priestly service demanded total commitment and thorough consecration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does remaining 'at the tabernacle entrance' picture abiding in Christ?
  2. What does seven-day consecration teach about the completeness of preparation God requires?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
שִׁבְעַ֣ת1 of 13

them on seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

יָמִ֗ים2 of 13

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

יִלְבָּשָׁ֧ם3 of 13

in his stead shall put

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

הַכֹּהֵ֛ן4 of 13

that is priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

תַּחְתָּ֖יו5 of 13
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

מִבָּנָ֑יו6 of 13

And that son

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 13
H834

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

יָבֹ֛א8 of 13

when he cometh

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל9 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֹ֥הֶל10 of 13

into the tabernacle

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֖ד11 of 13

of the congregation

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

לְשָׁרֵ֥ת12 of 13

to minister

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

בַּקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃13 of 13

in the holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity


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 29:30 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 29:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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