King James Version

What Does Exodus 29:37 Mean?

Exodus 29:37 in the King James Version says “Seven days thou shalt make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy : whatsoever ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 29:37 · KJV

Context

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.

39

The one lamb thou shalt offer in the morning; and the other lamb thou shalt offer at even:

Read Exodus 29 full chapter

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.

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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 · 15 words
שִׁבְעַ֣ת1 of 15

“Seven”

H7651

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

יָמִ֗ים2 of 15

“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

תְּכַפֵּר֙3 of 15

“thou shalt make an atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עַל4 of 15
H5921

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

בַּמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ5 of 15

“for the altar”

H4196

an altar

יִקְדָּֽשׁ׃6 of 15

“and sanctify”

H6942

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

אֹת֑וֹ7 of 15
H853

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

וְהָיָ֤ה8 of 15
H1961

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

בַּמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ9 of 15

“for the altar”

H4196

an altar

קָֽדָשִׁ֔ים10 of 15

“most holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

קָֽדָשִׁ֔ים11 of 15

“most holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

כָּל12 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַנֹּגֵ֥עַ13 of 15

“whatsoever toucheth”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

בַּמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ14 of 15

“for the altar”

H4196

an altar

יִקְדָּֽשׁ׃15 of 15

“and 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 29:37 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 29:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 40:10Matthew 23:19Exodus 30:28-29Matthew 23:17Daniel 9:24

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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