Exodus 29:27 kjv

And thou shalt sanctify the breast of the wave offering, and the shoulder of the heave offering, which is waved, and which is heaved up, of the ram of the consecration, even of that which is for Aaron, and of that which is for his sons:

Exodus 29:27 nkjv

And from the ram of the consecration you shall consecrate the breast of the wave offering which is waved, and the thigh of the heave offering which is raised, of that which is for Aaron and of that which is for his sons.

Exodus 29:27 niv

"Consecrate those parts of the ordination ram that belong to Aaron and his sons: the breast that was waved and the thigh that was presented.

Exodus 29:27 esv

And you shall consecrate the breast of the wave offering that is waved and the thigh of the priests' portion that is contributed from the ram of ordination, from what was Aaron's and his sons'.

Exodus 29:27 nlt

"Set aside the portions of the ordination ram that belong to Aaron and his sons. This includes the breast and the thigh that were lifted up before the LORD as a special offering.

Exodus 29 verses

Exodus 29 27 Meaning

Exodus 29:27 specifies that certain portions of the "ram of ordination" – specifically, the breast designated as a wave offering and the thigh designated as a heave offering – are to be consecrated. This consecration signifies their being set apart for the Lord, and uniquely allocated to Aaron and his sons. These portions, once presented to God through distinct ritual gestures, become their rightful provision, emphasizing divine sustenance for the priesthood and the holiness associated with their office and sacred duties.

Exodus 29 27 Context

Exodus chapter 29 outlines the meticulous and elaborate process for consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests. This highly detailed ceremony is crucial for establishing the divinely appointed, holy priesthood, which would mediate between God and the Israelite community through the tabernacle worship system. The chapter includes instructions for their ritual washing, clothing with sacred garments, anointing with oil, and, critically, a series of animal sacrifices.

This specific verse, Exodus 29:27, focuses on the "ram of ordination," a significant sacrifice among those presented during the seven-day consecration ritual. It emphasizes which specific portions—the breast and the thigh—are to undergo the sacred gestures of "waving" (tenuphah) and "heaving" (terumah) and are then to be set apart as perpetually holy provisions for Aaron and his priestly descendants. This entire context underscores God's demand for holiness in His service, the meticulous nature of true worship, and His faithful provision for those consecrated to Him, all prefiguring the perfect Priesthood and ultimate sacrifice of the Messiah.

Exodus 29 27 Word analysis

• And you shall consecrate: w'qiddashta (וקדשת). Derived from the Hebrew root qadash (קדש), meaning "to set apart as holy," "to make sacred," or "to dedicate exclusively for divine use." This active verb, directed by God, emphasizes the solemn act of bestowing holiness upon these specific parts, rendering them distinct from all common things and fit for priestly consumption in a holy context.
• the breast: et ha-hazeh (את החזה). Refers to the chest portion of the sacrificial animal. In offerings, the breast was often a fatty and desirable part. Symbolically, it might relate to the "heart" or "center" of life, making it a fitting portion for presentation to God and for the sustenance of His priests.
• of the wave offering: ha-tenuphah (התנופה). From the verb nuph (נוף), meaning "to wave, to brandish." This refers to a ritual movement where the offering was moved back and forth before the altar. It symbolizes presentation to God, acknowledging His ownership, and then a gracious return or grant of a portion by God to the worshipper or priest. It is a highly symbolic act of surrender and divine receipt.
• and the thigh: w'et ha-shoq (ואת השוק). Refers to the upper leg or shoulder portion of the animal. Another substantial and often desirable part. The "right thigh" is frequently specified elsewhere (e.g., Lev 7:32), carrying particular significance, possibly due to its association with strength or being the side closest to the altar or the priest's right hand during the ritual.
• of the heave offering: ha-terumah (התרומה). From the verb rum (רום), meaning "to lift up, to raise high." This refers to another ritual movement where the offering was lifted upward. It symbolizes setting apart a gift, elevating it before God as a dedicated contribution, indicating an offering presented directly to Him from His people.
• which was waved: asher hunaf (אשר הונף). This is the passive form of nuph. It stresses that the action of waving has already been ritually completed, establishing the sacred status of the breast.
• and which was offered: w'asher huram (ואשר הורם). This is the passive form of rum. It similarly highlights the completed ritual act of lifting, confirming the thigh's sacred status as a dedicated gift.
• from the ram of ordination: mi-eyl ha-milu'im (מאיל המלואים). Literally "from the ram of fillings." This refers specifically to the ram used in the seven-day ordination ceremony. The term milu'im is connected to the phrase "fill their hands" (Ex 29:9, 33, 35), signifying the investiture of priestly office through receiving these sacrifices and their portions into their hands. This ram is distinct from other sacrificial animals due to its solemn purpose in commissioning the priests.
• for Aaron and for his sons: l'Aharon u'l'banaw (לאהרן ולבניו). Explicitly identifies the recipients of these consecrated portions. This confirms God's divine provision for His chosen ministers, ensuring their sustenance from the sacrifices offered, a key aspect of their distinct role and dedication to sacred service.

Words-Group Analysis

• "the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the heave offering": This pairing of specific animal parts with specific ritual gestures highlights the precision and detail God required in Israelite worship. Each element had a designated place and function, reflecting divine order and setting a standard of meticulous obedience for His chosen people. The distinctiveness of these portions from a particular offering also points to God's gracious allocation for His dedicated servants.
• "which was waved and which was offered": The repetition using passive verbs emphasizes that the sacred ritual actions had already been fully performed upon these portions, thus conferring upon them their consecrated status. It underlines the importance of proper liturgical procedure in establishing the holiness and legitimacy of the offering and the priests' right to it.
• "from the ram of ordination for Aaron and for his sons": This phrase succinctly connects the specific sacrificial animal used in a pivotal ceremony (ordination) with its direct beneficiaries, Aaron and his sons. It underscores the unique, foundational purpose of this particular sacrifice in consecrating the priesthood and God's concurrent commitment to sustain those whom He sets apart for His service.

Exodus 29 27 Bonus section

• The practice of "waving" (tenuphah) and "heaving" (terumah) in Israelite worship communicated profound theological truths without words. The gestures physically demonstrated transfer of ownership to God and God's gracious giving back, visually teaching the congregation about divine authority, surrender, and provision.
• The "ram of ordination" (milu'im) sacrifices were distinctive; unlike other offerings where the animal was consumed by fire or the worshiper, portions of this specific ram were eaten by Moses and then by the newly consecrated priests (Ex 29:32), reinforcing the communal aspect of consecration and shared holiness within that unique context.
• This specific instruction served to emphasize the distinction between common and holy, ordinary and sacred, laying a foundational principle for proper understanding of God's dwelling among His people. The holiness of the priesthood was integral to the holiness of the tabernacle worship itself.
• The continued mention of the breast and thigh as priestly portions in later laws (Lev 7:30-34, Num 18:18) confirms the lasting nature of God's decree and His established means of supporting those who serve Him faithfully.

Exodus 29 27 Commentary

Exodus 29:27 is a precise instruction embedded within the detailed ordination ritual for the Levitical priesthood. It dictates that specific parts of the "ram of ordination"—the breast (wave offering) and the thigh (heave offering)—are to be holy, set apart for Aaron and his sons. These portions, previously consecrated through symbolic ritual movements (waving and heaving), embody a twofold truth: divine ownership and divine provision.

The act of "waving" signified presenting the entire animal (represented by this portion) to God, acknowledging His supreme dominion over all. Subsequently, God graciously returns these portions to His consecrated priests, symbolizing His benevolent provision for those dedicated to His service. Similarly, the "heave offering" ritual of lifting up affirmed dedication to God. These precise instructions underscore God's demand for order and holiness in all matters related to His worship and those who minister before Him.

This allocation was not merely sustenance but a profound reminder of their special status; they subsisted from "holy things" directly given by God, distinguishing them from the general populace. The ceremony, particularly involving the ram of ordination (lit. "ram of fillings," referring to filling their hands with priestly authority and function), highlighted that their authority and sustenance came solely from divine appointment.

Ultimately, these ancient rituals, with their physical sacrifices and specific portions, pointed forward to Christ, the ultimate consecrated High Priest, whose perfect sacrifice entirely fulfilled and transcended all such offerings. He, as our once-for-all sacrifice, provides ultimate spiritual sustenance. Moreover, just as God sustained His priests, so He provides for His ministers today, and His call to holiness extends to all believers, who are called a "royal priesthood" (1 Pet 2:9) to offer spiritual sacrifices of worship and service, sustained by Him who set them apart.