King James Version

What Does Leviticus 9:21 Mean?

Leviticus 9:21 in the King James Version says “And the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved for a wave offering before the LORD; as Moses commanded.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved for a wave offering before the LORD; as Moses commanded.”

Leviticus 9:21 · KJV

Context

19

And the fat of the bullock and of the ram, the rump, and that which covereth the inwards, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver:

20

And they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burnt the fat upon the altar:

21

And the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved for a wave offering before the LORD; as Moses commanded.

22

And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings.

23

And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people.

Read Leviticus 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved for a wave offering before the LORD; as Moses commanded.

This verse falls within the section on Priests Begin Their Ministry. Aaron's first official sacrifices as high priest, culminating in God's glory appearing and fire consuming the offerings.

The Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Aaron's first official sacrifices as high priest, culminating in God's glory appearing and fire consuming the offerings. 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 texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  3. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְאֵ֣ת1 of 13
H853

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

הֶֽחָז֗וֹת2 of 13

“And the breasts”

H2373

the breast (as most seen in front)

וְאֵת֙3 of 13
H853

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

שׁ֣וֹק4 of 13

“shoulder”

H7785

the (lower) leg (as a runner)

הַיָּמִ֔ין5 of 13

“and the right”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

הֵנִ֧יף6 of 13

“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

אַֽהֲרֹ֛ן7 of 13

“Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

תְּנוּפָ֖ה8 of 13

“for a wave offering”

H8573

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

לִפְנֵ֣י9 of 13

“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

יְהוָ֑ה10 of 13

“the LORD”

H3068

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר11 of 13
H834

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

צִוָּ֥ה12 of 13

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

מֹשֶֽׁה׃13 of 13

“as 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 9:21 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 9:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 7:30-34Leviticus 7:26Luke 2:13Exodus 29:24Isaiah 49:3Exodus 29:26-28

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