Exodus 29:20 kjv

Then shalt thou kill the ram, and take of his blood, and put it upon the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and upon the tip of the right ear of his sons, and upon the thumb of their right hand, and upon the great toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.

Exodus 29:20 nkjv

Then you shall kill the ram, and take some of its blood and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron and on the tip of the right ear of his sons, on the thumb of their right hand and on the big toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood all around on the altar.

Exodus 29:20 niv

Slaughter it, take some of its blood and put it on the lobes of the right ears of Aaron and his sons, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Then splash blood against the sides of the altar.

Exodus 29:20 esv

and you shall kill the ram and take part of its blood and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron and on the tips of the right ears of his sons, and on the thumbs of their right hands and on the great toes of their right feet, and throw the rest of the blood against the sides of the altar.

Exodus 29:20 nlt

Then slaughter it, and apply some of its blood to the right earlobes of Aaron and his sons. Also put it on the thumbs of their right hands and the big toes of their right feet. Splatter the rest of the blood against all sides of the altar.

Exodus 29 verses

Exodus 29 20 Meaning

This verse details a crucial part of the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons, applying the blood of the sacrificed ram directly to specific parts of their bodies. It signifies the complete and total consecration of the priests—their listening, their actions, and their entire conduct—for the holy service of God. The blood, representing life and purity, sanctifies both the ministers and the sacred space they are to operate within. This ritual symbolizes setting apart their whole being to hear God’s voice, perform His service, and walk in His ways.

Exodus 29 20 Context

Exodus 29 forms a central part of the detailed instructions for establishing the Tabernacle worship and the Levitical priesthood. It outlines the seven-day ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons, preceding their formal entry into service. This specific verse follows the command to slaughter the second ram, known as the "ram of ordination" or "ram of fillings." The context emphasizes the absolute holiness and meticulous separation required for those who would minister before God. It's a foundational text for understanding the Old Covenant priesthood's requirements, signifying God's precise and deliberate method for establishing sacred offices and practices.

Exodus 29 20 Word analysis

• slaughter (שָׁחַט - shachat): This is a technical term for ritual slaughter, specifically done for sacrifice, not mere butchering. It implies an intentional act of offering life to God.

• ram: This is the "ram of ordination" (ayil ha-milu'im), distinct from the earlier ram for the burnt offering. Its blood is specifically used for the unique consecration rite of the priests, marking their "filling" into priestly service.

• blood (דָּם - dam): Central to Israelite worship. Theologically, blood represents life (Lev 17:11) and is crucial for atonement and purification. In this context, it signifies the setting apart of something or someone for sacred use by the very life-force poured out and applied. It marks dedication.

• put it on: Indicates a precise and deliberate application. This is not a casual sprinkling but a specific, physical placement of the blood directly onto the body parts.

• lobe of Aaron's right ear (אֹזֶן יְמָנִית - ozen yemanit): Symbolizes the consecration of hearing and obedience. A priest must be set apart to hear God's voice, understand His commandments, and distinguish between the holy and the common, teaching God’s truth accurately. The "right" side indicates skill, honor, and preference.

• thumb of his right hand (בֹּהֶן יָמִין - bohen yamin): Symbolizes the consecration of action, service, and skill. Priests use their hands to perform all priestly duties: making offerings, blessing, and leading rituals. This signifies that their work is to be consecrated, skillful, and righteous. The "right" hand denotes strength, primary use, and efficacy.

• big toe of his right foot (בֹּהֶן רַגְלִי הַיְמָנִית - behon ragli hayemanit): Symbolizes the consecration of one's walk, path, and entire conduct. A priest’s life and direction must be in alignment with God’s will, leading others by example. The "right" foot indicates steadfastness, proper direction, and purpose.

• right (יָמִין - yamin): Applied to the ear, hand, and foot. Consistently emphasizes the strength, prominence, and efficacy of the consecrated parts. It is about dedicating the most capable and honorable parts of the body to divine service, signifying thorough and unreserved devotion.

• sprinkle the rest of the blood on and around the altar: While the specific body parts of the priest are directly touched by blood for their personal consecration, the remaining blood applied to the altar signifies the purification and sanctification of the holy space. This establishes the very ground of their ministry as set apart and acceptable for divine presence and sacrificial offering. It links the consecrated minister to the consecrated place of service.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "lobe of Aaron's right ear and on the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot": This precise tripartite application comprehensively covers the entire being and activity of the priest. It means that the priest's hearing (to receive God's word), his actions (to perform God's service), and his conduct (to walk in God's ways) are entirely set apart for God's holy purposes. It's a dedication of the full scope of their existence in ministry.
  • "take some of its blood and put it on... and sprinkle the rest of the blood on and around the altar": This phrase shows the twofold function of the sacrificial blood in ordination. Firstly, it effects a deep personal consecration of the priests. Secondly, it concurrently purifies and consecrates the physical space (the altar) where their holy service will occur, ensuring both the minister and the ministry context are made sacred.

Exodus 29 20 Bonus section

The "ram of ordination" (Hebrew: ayil ha-milu'im) received its name from the idea of "filling" or "completing" the hands of the priests, making them ready for service. Beyond the blood applied to the body, portions of this ram, including fat and specific choice cuts, were burned on the altar and eaten by Moses, Aaron, and his sons (Ex 29:22-26), symbolizing fellowship with God and shared participation in the covenant meal of consecration. The emphasis on the "right" side (ear, hand, foot) reflects ancient cultural understanding of the right as the side of strength, honor, skill, and favor. This particular rite contrasts sharply with pagan ceremonies where blood might be consumed or smeared chaotically, underscoring the ordered, deliberate, and God-prescribed nature of Israelite worship. The severity of subsequent consequences for priestly disobedience, as seen with Nadab and Abihu (Lev 10), highlights the binding nature of this meticulous consecration and the absolute holiness required of those set apart for God's service.

Exodus 29 20 Commentary

Exodus 29:20 is a powerful symbolic act marking the initiation of the Aaronic priesthood. The meticulous application of blood to the right ear, thumb, and big toe underscores the principle that those serving a holy God must be wholly consecrated—every faculty and action set apart. This specific ritual, using blood, represents not only purification but also the vitality and life surrendered for divine purpose. It establishes the grave responsibility of the priestly office, ensuring their devotion in listening, serving, and living is entirely aligned with God’s holiness. This deep dedication points forward to the ultimate consecration brought about by Jesus Christ's blood, which perfects believers, enabling them to serve as a "royal priesthood" (1 Pet 2:9), dedicated in every facet of their lives to God's glory.

Examples: For a believer, this can signify: hearing God’s Word with an obedient heart, performing good works for His glory, and walking daily in righteous paths according to His will.