King James Version

What Does Exodus 29:36 Mean?

Exodus 29:36 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou h... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atonement for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.

Exodus 29:36 · KJV


Context

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.

36

And thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atonement for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.

37

Seven days thou shalt make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy : whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy.

38

Now this is that which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God promises to dwell among Israel, meeting them at the tabernacle, His glory sanctifying the place and people. The daily offerings maintain covenant relationship—morning and evening, continually before the LORD. This perpetual worship prefigures Christ's eternal intercession and the New Covenant promise: 'I will be their God, and they shall be my people.' The tabernacle becomes the meeting place where God and man commune through prescribed atonement.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The daily burnt offerings (morning and evening) continued throughout Israel's history, maintaining the covenant relationship established at Sinai. This perpetual worship demonstrated that relationship with God requires ongoing devotion, not one-time commitment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's eternal intercession fulfill the 'daily offerings' pattern?
  2. What does God's promise to 'dwell among you' mean for your daily life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וּפַ֨ר1 of 14

a bullock

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

חַטָּ֜את2 of 14

for a sin offering

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֤ה3 of 14

And thou shalt offer

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לַיּוֹם֙4 of 14

every day

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

עַל5 of 14
H5921

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

בְּכַפֶּרְךָ֖6 of 14

when thou hast made an atonement

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

וְחִטֵּאתָ֙7 of 14

and thou shalt cleanse

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

עַל8 of 14
H5921

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ9 of 14

the altar

H4196

an altar

בְּכַפֶּרְךָ֖10 of 14

when thou hast made an atonement

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עָלָ֑יו11 of 14
H5921

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

וּמָֽשַׁחְתָּ֥12 of 14

for it and thou shalt anoint

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

אֹת֖וֹ13 of 14
H853

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

לְקַדְּשֽׁוֹ׃14 of 14

it to sanctify

H6942

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


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 29:36 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 29:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study