Exodus 29:19 kjv

And thou shalt take the other ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram.

Exodus 29:19 nkjv

"You shall also take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands on the head of the ram.

Exodus 29:19 niv

"Take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head.

Exodus 29:19 esv

"You shall take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram,

Exodus 29:19 nlt

"Now take the other ram, and have Aaron and his sons lay their hands on its head.

Exodus 29 verses

Exodus 29 19 Meaning

Exodus 29:19 details a crucial step in the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests: they are instructed to lay their hands on the head of a specific ram, identified as "the other ram" or "the ram of ordination." This action signifies their complete identification with the sacrifice being made, a vicarious act through which they are ceremonially dedicated, sanctified, and authorized for their priestly ministry, establishing a profound spiritual bond between the offerer, the offering, and the Lord.

Exodus 29 19 Context

Exodus 29 is central to the establishment of the Levitical priesthood, detailing the meticulous, divinely ordained seven-day consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons. This chapter, following the divine instructions for the tabernacle's construction (Ex 25-28), bridges the gap between the design of the sacred dwelling and its proper operation by appointed holy personnel. Verses 1-37 describe the step-by-step process, including various offerings and rituals, ensuring Aaron and his sons are sanctified and made fit to approach a holy God and mediate for the people. This specific verse (29:19) deals with the "ram of ordination" (Hebrew: 'eil ha-millu'im, meaning 'ram of fillings' or 'installations'), distinguishing it from the preceding sin offering bull and burnt offering ram. It underscores the unique nature of this particular sacrifice, which did not primarily atone for sin but inaugurated their office, enabling them to "fill their hands" with the priestly authority.

Historically, this detailed ritual stood in stark contrast to the diverse and often chaotic religious practices of surrounding pagan nations. Unlike deities requiring erratic and often cruel sacrifices for appeasement, the God of Israel prescribed specific, ordered, and symbolic acts designed for purity, dedication, and atonement, demonstrating His holiness, justice, and faithfulness to His covenant people. This emphasis on divine instruction served as a powerful polemic against arbitrary human religious inventions, establishing a clear boundary between Israel's unique worship of Yahweh and the idolatry prevalent in Egypt and Canaan.

Exodus 29 19 Word analysis

• Then you shall take (וְלָקַחְתָּ֣ – ve'lakhakhta): From the root לקח (lakach), meaning to 'take,' 'receive,' 'obtain.' This denotes an intentional, decisive action by Moses, the officiant, underscoring the divine command and sacred purpose.

• the other ram (אֶת־הָאַ֣יִל הַשֵּׁנִ֑י – et-ha'ayil ha'sheni): Literally "the ram the second." איל ('ayil) refers to a 'ram,' a male sheep, signifying strength and suitability for sacrifice. "The second" clearly differentiates it from the previous ram used for the burnt offering, highlighting its distinct role in the ordination ceremony.

• and Aaron and his sons shall lay (וְסָמְכ֣וּ אַהֲרֹן וּבָנָ֗יו – ve'sâmekhû Aharon u'bânâyv): From סָמַךְ (samakh), meaning to 'lean upon,' 'support,' 'rest upon,' 'ordain.' This word emphasizes the firm, deliberate placement of hands, signifying identification and transfer of purpose. The inclusion of both "Aaron and his sons" emphasizes their collective consecration.

• their hands (אֶת־יְדֵיהֶ֖ם – et-y'deyhem): יָד (yad) is 'hand.' Hands represent personal involvement, action, authority, and identity. The plural "hands" reinforces the complete engagement of all the priests being consecrated.

• on the head (עַל־רֹ֥אשׁ – 'al-ro'sh): ראש (ro'sh) means 'head,' signifying the whole being, essence, or totality. Placing hands on the head indicates full identification with the animal and, by extension, the acceptance of the consequences and purposes of the sacrifice.

• of the ram (הָאַֽיִל – ha'ayil): The repetition of 'ram' here re-emphasizes that this specific animal is the subject of the direct action of the priests, making the link explicit and solemn.

• "Then you shall take the other ram": This initial instruction designates the precise animal for a unique sacred function, setting it apart from all other sacrifices as a specific component of priestly induction.

• "and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram": This phrase describes the pivotal symbolic act of the verse. The laying on of hands here signifies deep identification of the priests with the sacrifice, transferring their legal standing and ceremonial purity onto the animal, enabling it to act as their representative for consecration. It’s an act of dedication and an acknowledgment that their entrance into sacred office is mediated through sacrifice.

Exodus 29 19 Bonus section

The "ram of ordination" ('eil ha-millu'im) implies a ceremony of "filling of the hands," a unique Hebrew idiom for investiture into a sacred office. The subsequent ritualistic application of the ram's blood to the right earlobe, right thumb, and right big toe of Aaron and his sons (Ex 29:20) demonstrates this unique consecration. These blood marks signified that the priests' hearing (ear), service (thumb/hand), and walk (toe/foot) were now entirely dedicated to God. This ram, unlike other sin or burnt offerings, led to a fellowship offering (Ex 29:26-28), where portions were eaten by Moses and the priests, symbolizing their communion with God in their newly established holy role. This intricate sequence highlights God's demand for complete consecration and purification for those serving in His presence, all ultimately fulfilled and surpassed in the perfect, all-sufficient consecration offered through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

Exodus 29 19 Commentary

Exodus 29:19 provides a profound moment in the detailed priestly consecration ceremony. The instruction for Aaron and his sons to lay their hands upon "the other ram" – specifically known as the "ram of ordination" ('eil ha-millu'im) – symbolizes more than mere contact. This action represents a deep identification of the prospective priests with the sacrificial animal, embodying their transfer of purpose, dedication, and ultimately, their being into the sacrifice. It signifies that what is done to the ram is ceremonially done for the priests, preparing them for their holy office. Unlike typical sin or burnt offerings, this ram was distinct in its role of "filling their hands," or commissioning them, for their divine service. It foreshadows the New Testament concept of identifying with Christ, our perfect sacrifice and High Priest (Heb 9-10). Through His singular, complete offering of Himself, believers are now sanctified and commissioned as a "royal priesthood" (1 Pet 2:9), with no need for the repetitive animal sacrifices for ordination, as our consecration comes through Christ's perfect work.