Exodus 29 1

Exodus 29:1 kjv

And this is the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,

Exodus 29:1 nkjv

"And this is what you shall do to them to hallow them for ministering to Me as priests: Take one young bull and two rams without blemish,

Exodus 29:1 niv

"This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so they may serve me as priests: Take a young bull and two rams without defect.

Exodus 29:1 esv

"Now this is what you shall do to them to consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests. Take one bull of the herd and two rams without blemish,

Exodus 29:1 nlt

"This is the ceremony you must follow when you consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests: Take a young bull and two rams with no defects.

Exodus 29 verses

Exodus 29 1 Meaning

This verse introduces God's specific instructions to Moses for the ceremonial consecration of Aaron and his sons to establish them as priests. It details the initial, vital step of preparing the sacrificial animals—one young bull and two rams, all required to be "without blemish"—as an essential part of the elaborate ritual designed to make them holy and fit for their sacred duty of ministering directly to the Lord within the Tabernacle. This act of sanctification set them apart for divine service, underscoring the gravity and holiness of the priestly office.

Exodus 29 1 Context

Exodus 29:1 marks a pivotal transition within the book of Exodus, following detailed instructions for constructing the Tabernacle and its furnishings (Ex 25-27), and the design of the sacred priestly garments (Ex 28). This verse inaugurates the specific, elaborate rituals for the consecration of Aaron and his sons to function as priests. It is part of the extensive covenant stipulations given at Mount Sinai, emphasizing the establishment of Israel as a priestly kingdom through divine ordinance. Historically and culturally, while other ancient Near Eastern societies had priests and rituals, Israel's consecration ceremonies were unique in their focus on the holiness of Yahweh, who alone commanded the specific steps for purification and dedication, distinguishing His service from the practices of surrounding pagan nations and their deities. The meticulousness underlined the absolute necessity of approaching God on His terms.

Exodus 29 1 Word analysis

• "Now": A connective particle (וְעַתָּה, w'attah) introducing a new and significant set of instructions. It signifies a shift from the description of priestly garments to the actual process of setting aside the priests.
• "this is": (זֶה הַדָּבָר, zeh ha-davar), emphasizing that what follows is the definitive and required method.
• "thing": (דָּבָר, davar). While often meaning "word," here it signifies a "matter," "command," or "prescribed procedure." It denotes the specific action or set of actions about to be detailed.
• "that you shall do": (אֲשֶׁר תַּעֲשֶׂה, asher ta'aseh). This is a direct command to Moses, the appointed mediator, indicating that he is personally responsible for overseeing and performing these consecration rituals. It underscores the divine authority behind the instructions.
• "to them": (לָהֶם, lahem). Refers directly to Aaron and his sons, as specified in the preceding chapter, who are to be set apart for priestly service.
• "to hallow them": (לְקַדֵּשׁ אֹתָם, l'kaddesh otam). The verb qadash (קדש) means "to make holy," "to set apart," or "to consecrate." It's not about making them intrinsically divine but designating them exclusively for God's sacred use, rendering them ritually pure and functionally fit to mediate between God and the people. This act removes them from common status.
• "to minister to Me": (לְכַהֵן לִי, l'kahen li). The verb kahan (כהן) signifies "to perform the duties of a priest" or "to serve as a priest." The phrase "to Me" (לִי, li) stresses that their service is directed solely to YHWH, highlighting the monotheistic and exclusive nature of their calling, unlike pagan priests serving multiple deities.
• "in the priest's office": (כִּהוּנָה, k'hunnah). Refers to the sacred function or ministry of the priesthood itself. It signifies the authoritative position and specific duties they would undertake.
• "Take": (וְלָקַחְתָּ, v'lakachta). A clear, imperative command to Moses, initiating the process of preparing the sacrificial animals.
• "one young bull": (פַּר אֶחָד, par echad). A male bovine, signifying strength and value. Bulls were typically offered for major sin offerings, particularly for the high priest or the whole congregation, suggesting the gravity of the consecration.
• "and two rams": (וְאֵילִים שְׁנַיִם, v'eylim shnayim). Male sheep, smaller than bulls but still valuable. One ram would be for a burnt offering (elevation), the other for a unique consecration offering (ram of consecration), each with specific purposes in the ritual.
• "without blemish": (תְּמִימִם, temimim). From the Hebrew word tamim (תמים), meaning "whole," "complete," "perfect," "sound," or "blameless." This is a crucial and recurrent requirement for all sacrifices. It ensures the integrity and perfection of the offering to a holy God, prefiguring the flawless nature of Christ's ultimate sacrifice. The blemish could be physical (e.g., blindness, lameness) or imply impurity, preventing proper representation or atonement.

• "to hallow them, to minister to Me in the priest's office": This phrase encapsulates the twofold purpose of the consecration: first, separation and sanctification; second, authorization for active service unto God. It defines the identity and function of the priesthood as divinely appointed and singularly focused on God.
• "Take one young bull and two rams without blemish": This specification immediately points to the sacrificial nature of the consecration. The animals represent substitutionary elements and the means by which purification and atonement are made, paving the way for the priests to approach the Holy God. The requirement for being "without blemish" establishes a standard of perfection and purity indispensable for drawing near to God.

Exodus 29 1 Bonus section

The concept of "hallowing" (qadash) found here extends beyond mere ritual purification. It speaks to a fundamental change in status—a setting apart for an exclusive, holy purpose directly related to God's presence and service. This act of separation (holy = separate) is foundational to Israel's identity and is paralleled in the New Testament with believers being "set apart" (sanctified) by God's Spirit for holy living and service through Christ (1 Cor 1:2, Heb 10:10). The sacrifices specified (bull and rams) were extremely valuable, signifying the great cost involved in the consecration and service, foreshadowing the immense price of Christ's perfect sacrifice for our spiritual consecration.

Exodus 29 1 Commentary

Exodus 29:1 introduces the elaborate divine procedure for establishing the Aaronic priesthood, emphasizing the solemnity and necessity of being ceremonially separated unto God. The detailed instructions signify God's precise order for worship and service, highlighting that approach to His holiness must be on His terms. The command to bring specific, "without blemish" animals immediately foregrounds the concept of sacrifice as central to purification and access to God. These offerings foreshadow the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, as the ultimate Lamb "without blemish," renders unnecessary the repeated animal sacrifices and establishes a new covenant based on His own, final atonement. For believers today, this passage reminds us that God still calls for dedicated service (1 Pet 2:5,9), demanding a heart made clean by Christ's sacrifice, as we are called to be a "holy priesthood" ministering to Him through spiritual offerings of praise and obedient lives. The principle of dedication, purity, and authorized service to God remains foundational.