Exodus 29:16 kjv

And thou shalt slay the ram, and thou shalt take his blood, and sprinkle it round about upon the altar.

Exodus 29:16 nkjv

and you shall kill the ram, and you shall take its blood and sprinkle it all around on the altar.

Exodus 29:16 niv

Slaughter it and take the blood and splash it against the sides of the altar.

Exodus 29:16 esv

and you shall kill the ram and shall take its blood and throw it against the sides of the altar.

Exodus 29:16 nlt

Then slaughter the ram, and splatter its blood against all sides of the altar.

Exodus 29 verses

Exodus 29 16 Meaning

Exodus 29:16 describes a crucial step in the consecration of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood. It instructs Moses to ritually slaughter a ram and forcefully apply its blood around the base of the altar of burnt offering. This act of shedding and applying blood serves to atone for and purify the altar, making it holy and suitable for sacrifices, and signifies the divine provision for priests to approach a holy God.

Exodus 29 16 Context

Exodus chapter 29 outlines the meticulous and foundational instructions for the consecration ceremony of Aaron and his sons, establishing them as priests for the newly organized nation of Israel. This elaborate seven-day ritual sets apart a specific group of men to mediate between God and His people, highlighting the stringent requirements for holiness when approaching the Almighty. Verse 16 is part of the first day's proceedings, focusing on the second ram, specifically designated as the "ram of burnt offering." This offering immediately follows the bull of the sin offering, which also involves blood application to the altar's horns, emphasizing that even the sacred altar must be purified and sanctified for God's holy presence. Historically and culturally, rituals involving animal sacrifice and blood were common in the ancient Near East, but Israel's sacrificial system stood distinct by its focus on a singular, holy God and by strictly limiting the consumption of blood, reserving it solely for atonement.

Exodus 29 16 Word analysis

• You: This singular pronoun refers to Moses (as the agent commanded by God to carry out these ordination rites, a transitional role before the priests were fully consecrated).
• shall kill (וְשָׁחַטְתָּ֣, və·šā·ḥaṭ·tā): The Hebrew verb shachat (שָׁחַט) denotes a specific ritual slaughter, usually done by cutting the throat. It implies a deliberate and precise act for the purpose of sacrifice, distinguishing it from general killing.
• the ram (הָאַ֔יִל, hā·’a·yil): Hebrew ayil (אַיִל), a male sheep. This is the second of the two rams prescribed for the ordination ceremony, distinct from the ram of ordination (v. 19). It represents the "burnt offering" (עֹלָה, ʿōlāh), signifying complete devotion and general atonement through its total consumption by fire on the altar.
• and take (וְלָקַחְתָּ֥, və·lā·qaḥ·tā): Hebrew laqach (לָקַח), to grasp or acquire. This emphasizes the careful collection of the life-giving essence immediately after the ritual killing.
• its blood (אֶת־דָּמֹ֔ו, ’eṯ-dā·mōw): Hebrew dam (דָם). In the Old Testament, blood is intrinsically linked to life (Lev 17:11). Its sacred nature means it cannot be consumed by humans but is specifically designated for the altar as a means of atonement, purificiation, and sanctification.
• and splash it (וְזָרַקְתָּ֛, və·zā·raq·tā): Hebrew zaraq (זָרַק). This verb describes a forceful application, a sprinkling or throwing of the blood, not just a gentle touch. It signifies an energetic act of purification and dedication that spreads the efficacy of the blood over a wider area.
• against the sides (עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ סָבִ֔יב, ‘al-ham·miz·bê·aḥ sā·ḇîḇ): The Hebrew saviv (סָבִיב) means "around" or "on every side." This indicates a complete or comprehensive application of the blood to the entire perimeter of the altar, ensuring its full consecration.
• of the altar (הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ, ham·miz·bê·aḥ): Hebrew mizbeach (מִזְבֵּחַ). This refers specifically to the altar of burnt offering, the large outdoor altar in the Tabernacle courtyard. It was the primary place where atonement was symbolically made through sacrifice.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "You shall kill the ram, and take its blood": This sequence highlights the necessity of both the sacrifice itself and the handling of its most potent element—the blood. It underscores that the ritual power lies not merely in the death of the animal but in the sacred application of its life-blood as prescribed by God.
• "and splash it against the sides of the altar": This phrase emphasizes the extensive and thorough nature of the consecration. Splashing blood "around" or "against the sides" indicates a complete purification and setting apart of the entire structure for its holy purpose. The altar, where humanity meets divinity through sacrifice, must itself be made holy to receive God's acceptable offerings.

Exodus 29 16 Bonus section

The Hebrew word for "burnt offering," ʿōlāh (עֹלָה), literally means "that which goes up" or "ascends," referring to the entire animal being consumed by fire on the altar, its smoke ascending to God. This signifies complete dedication and pleasing aroma to the Lord, in contrast to other offerings where parts were consumed by priests or worshipers. The detailed instructions in this chapter for the consecration ritual, especially concerning the blood, emphasize that the holiness required for priesthood and proximity to God is not inherent but conferred by divine command and specific ritual actions, ultimately pointing to a divine gift rather than human achievement. Moses's direct involvement in performing this priestly act for Aaron and his sons demonstrates his unique role as God's chosen mediator who inaugurates the covenant, preparing the way for the Levitical priesthood to fully assume its duties.

Exodus 29 16 Commentary

Exodus 29:16 is a pivotal instruction in the priestly ordination ceremony, illustrating a fundamental principle of biblical worship: access to a holy God requires sanctification. The ram, acting as a "burnt offering," symbolizes total dedication and general atonement. Its blood, containing life (Lev 17:11), is carefully taken and applied forcefully around the altar. This application does not merely clean the altar but "makes atonement for it" (Ex 29:36), purifying and dedicating it, making it "most holy." Without this meticulous blood application, the altar would remain common and unsuitable for God's sacred purpose of receiving sacrifices that atone for sin. This act underscores God's absolute demand for holiness in all elements related to His worship and illustrates His divine provision for overcoming ritual defilement. The sacrificial blood sets the stage for future worship. This ancient ritual vividly foreshadows the supreme and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His precious blood, shed on the cross, did not just cleanse an earthly altar but, being perfect, provided a "once for all" (Heb 9:12, 7:27) purification for His people, sanctifying believers and enabling their direct access to the very presence of God without need for repeated animal sacrifices (Heb 10:4). Just as the altar had to be consecrated for service, so too, are believers consecrated by the blood of Christ to offer spiritual sacrifices.