King James Version

What Does Exodus 29:33 Mean?

Exodus 29:33 in the King James Version says “And they shall eat those things wherewith the atonement was made, to consecrate and to sanctify them: but a stranger sha... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they shall eat those things wherewith the atonement was made, to consecrate and to sanctify them: but a stranger shall not eat thereof, because they are holy.

Exodus 29:33 · KJV


Context

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.

33

And they shall eat those things wherewith the atonement was made, to consecrate and to sanctify them: but a stranger shall not eat thereof, because they are holy.

34

And if ought of the flesh of the consecrations, or of the bread, remain unto the morning, then thou shalt burn the remainder with fire: it shall not be eaten, because it is holy.

35

And thus shalt thou do unto Aaron, and to his sons, according to all things which I have commanded thee: seven days shalt thou consecrate them.


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 · 16 words
יֹאכַ֖ל1 of 16

And they shall eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֹתָם֙2 of 16
H853

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 16
H834

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

כֻּפַּ֣ר4 of 16

those things wherewith the atonement was made

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

בָּהֶ֔ם5 of 16
H0
לְמַלֵּ֥א6 of 16

to consecrate

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

אֶת7 of 16
H853

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

יָדָ֖ם8 of 16
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

לְקַדֵּ֣שׁ9 of 16

and to sanctify

H6942

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

אֹתָ֑ם10 of 16
H853

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

וְזָ֥ר11 of 16

them but a stranger

H2114

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

לֹֽא12 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֹאכַ֖ל13 of 16

And they shall eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

כִּי14 of 16
H3588

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

קֹ֥דֶשׁ15 of 16

thereof because they are holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הֵֽם׃16 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)


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 29:33 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 29:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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