King James Version

What Does Leviticus 8:29 Mean?

Leviticus 8:29 in the King James Version says “And Moses took the breast, and waved it for a wave offering before the LORD: for of the ram of consecration it was Moses...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Moses took the breast, and waved it for a wave offering before the LORD: for of the ram of consecration it was Moses' part; as the LORD commanded Moses.”

Leviticus 8:29 · KJV

Context

27

And he put all upon Aaron's hands, and upon his sons' hands, and waved them for a wave offering before the LORD.

28

And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt them on the altar upon the burnt offering: they were consecrations for a sweet savour: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

29

And Moses took the breast, and waved it for a wave offering before the LORD: for of the ram of consecration it was Moses' part; as the LORD commanded Moses.

30

And Moses took of the anointing oil, and of the blood which was upon the altar, and sprinkled it upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon his sons' garments with him; and sanctified Aaron, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.

31

And Moses said unto Aaron and to his sons, Boil the flesh at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and there eat it with the bread that is in the basket of consecrations, as I commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it.

Read Leviticus 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Moses took the breast, and waved it for a wave offering before the LORD: for of the ram of consecration it was Moses' part; as the LORD commanded Moses.

This verse falls within the section on Consecration of Aaron and Sons. The ordination ceremony established the Aaronic priesthood, involving washing, anointing, and sacrifice—prefiguring Christ's priesthood.

The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The ordination ceremony established the Aaronic priesthood, involving washing, anointing, and sacrifice—prefiguring Christ's priesthood. Chapters 8-10 describe the priesthood's consecration and early ministry. Aaron and his sons received special anointing for their mediatorial role between God and Israel. The tragic account of Nadab and Abihu (ch. 10) demonstrates that approaching God requires reverence and obedience. Ancient Near Eastern cultures had various sacrificial systems, but Israel's sacrificial worship was unique in its ethical foundation, monotheistic framework, and emphasis on atonement rather than appeasement. Unlike pagan rituals focused on manipulating deities, Israel's sacrifices acknowledged God's sovereignty and sought reconciliation based on His gracious provision. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיִּקַּ֤ח1 of 18

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֹשֶֽׁה׃2 of 18

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶת3 of 18
H853

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

הֶ֣חָזֶ֔ה4 of 18

“the breast”

H2373

the breast (as most seen in front)

וַיְנִיפֵ֥הוּ5 of 18

“and waved”

H5130

to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad

תְנוּפָ֖ה6 of 18

“it for a wave offering”

H8573

a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial offerings

לִפְנֵ֣י7 of 18

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֖ה8 of 18

“as the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מֵאֵ֣יל9 of 18

“for of the ram”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

הַמִּלֻּאִ֗ים10 of 18

“of consecration”

H4394

a fulfilling (only in plural), i.e., (literally) a setting (of gems), or (technically) consecration (also concretely, a dedicatory sacrifice)

מֹשֶֽׁה׃11 of 18

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

הָיָה֙12 of 18
H1961

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

לְמָנָ֔ה13 of 18

“part”

H4490

properly, something weighed out, i.e., (generally) a division; specifically (of food) a ration; also a lot

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר14 of 18
H834

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

צִוָּ֥ה15 of 18

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֖ה16 of 18

“as the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת17 of 18
H853

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

מֹשֶֽׁה׃18 of 18

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 8:29 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 Leviticus 8:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 4:11Leviticus 7:30-341 Corinthians 10:31Isaiah 66:20Exodus 29:26-27

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