Exodus 29 37

Exodus 29:37 kjv

Seven days thou shalt make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy.

Exodus 29:37 nkjv

Seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and sanctify it. And the altar shall be most holy. Whatever touches the altar must be holy.

Exodus 29:37 niv

For seven days make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will be most holy, and whatever touches it will be holy.

Exodus 29:37 esv

Seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it, and the altar shall be most holy. Whatever touches the altar shall become holy.

Exodus 29:37 nlt

Purify the altar, and consecrate it every day for seven days. After that, the altar will be absolutely holy, and whatever touches it will become holy.

Exodus 29 verses

Exodus 29 37 Meaning

Exodus 29:37 specifies the conclusion of the seven-day consecration process for the bronze altar of burnt offering, affirming that this extensive ritual purifies and sanctifies it to the highest degree. Consequently, the altar attains a superlative state of holiness, designated "most holy," implying that anything which thereafter touches its surface also becomes sanctified through that contact.

Exodus 29 37 Context

Exodus chapter 29 outlines the elaborate and solemn inauguration of the Aaronic priesthood and the consecration of the Tabernacle and its associated furnishings. This entire chapter focuses on establishing the procedures by which the Levitical priests and sacred objects could mediate between God and His people, allowing for His holy presence to dwell among them. Verses 10-37 specifically detail the ordination offerings and the unique anointing and cleansing of the altar of burnt offering, emphasizing its critical role in Israelite worship as the central point for sacrifice and atonement. Verse 37, marking the seventh day of this meticulous process, highlights the completion of the altar's consecration and its attained state of absolute sacredness.

Historically and culturally, the ancient Near East had various altars for religious practices, often tied to deities and involving elaborate rituals. However, Yahweh's instructions for the Israelite altar and priesthood distinguish it profoundly. The demand for specific materials, precise rituals, and above all, absolute holiness (expressed as "most holy"), sets it apart from pagan altars. This distinct holiness underscores the unique nature of the God of Israel and His separation from idolatrous practices, establishing a sacred space utterly dedicated to Him and His divine presence among His chosen people. This meticulous process ensures that everything connected to divine worship reflects God's unapproachable purity.

Exodus 29 37 Word analysis

• "Seven days": This number frequently signifies completion, perfection, and divine action throughout Scripture, echoing the seven days of creation. Here, it denotes a full, thorough, and divinely ordained period of purification and dedication, signifying the altar's perfect fitness for its sacred purpose. (Gen 2:2, Ex 24:16)

• "you shall make atonement" (כָּפַר, kāphar): While often associated with making expiation for sin, here the verb's primary sense is "to purge," "to purify," or "to cleanse." It refers to the removal of any lingering impurity or defilement from the new altar itself, preparing it to be a pure vessel fit for the Holy God's presence and the shedding of atoning blood for human sin. This cleansing is for the object, not a substitutionary atonement for people. (Ex 30:10)

• "for the altar" (מִזְבַּח, mizbēaḥ): This refers specifically to the bronze altar of burnt offering, located in the outer court of the Tabernacle. It was the primary focal point of Israelite worship, where animal sacrifices were offered to God, representing the central place for humanity to approach a holy God.

• "consecrate it" (קָדַשׁ, qādash): To render sacred, to set apart or dedicate exclusively for God's holy use. This signifies a divine act of transformation, making an ordinary object sacred by its special appointment and dedication to Yahweh. This step establishes its function as divinely sanctioned.

• "the altar shall be most holy" (קֹדֶשׁ קָֽדָשִׁים, qōḏeš qāḏāšîm): This Hebrew phrase, literally "holiness of holies" or "a most high holiness," indicates the highest possible degree of holiness in the Tabernacle system. This extreme sacredness meant the altar was utterly separated for God, demanding the utmost reverence and prohibiting unauthorized or casual contact. This superlative level of holiness was reserved for things supremely devoted to Yahweh. (Ex 30:10; Lev 2:3)

• "whatever touches the altar": This phrase highlights the altar's active, radiating holiness. Its supreme sacredness is not passive but possesses a transmissible quality. It implies a caution: only those authorized or items intended for holy use should come into contact, as anything touching it inherently partakes in its sacredness and thereby falls under the strict requirements of holiness.

• "shall become holy" (קָדַשׁ, qādash): The same verb "to consecrate." Here, it denotes a transformation by contact. Unlike defilement, which often spread passively, the transfer of holiness, especially in this highest degree, signified the altar's unique power and God's intentional infusion of sanctity into designated items. This principle dictates strict handling of anything that makes contact with "most holy" objects. (Hag 2:12-13 illustrates a comparison of the transmission of holiness versus defilement.)

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it": This phrase emphasizes the extensive and thorough nature of the ritual. The repeated purification over seven days ensures the altar's complete cleansing and dedication. The "atonement" for the altar removes its potential ceremonial impurities, making it fit for its holy role, before it is "consecrated" (set apart) as a holy instrument of divine service. This two-pronged action results in an object perfectly prepared for God's presence.
  • "and the altar shall be most holy; whatever touches the altar shall become holy": This powerful coupling underscores both the state of the altar and its impact. Its "most holy" status is foundational, indicating supreme divine ownership and purity. From this supreme state of holiness, it actively "sanctifies" (makes holy) anything that comes into contact with it. This demonstrates the profound spiritual power resident in divinely appointed sacred spaces, drawing everything into the realm of God's perfect purity and demanding respect and special handling for items thus affected. It acts as a divine filter, transforming that which it touches to match its own sanctity, setting strict boundaries around divine worship.

Exodus 29 37 Bonus section

The concept of something becoming "most holy" by God's decree, coupled with its ability to sanctify other items through touch, speaks profoundly to the biblical theme of God's active involvement in establishing purity and sacred space. It wasn't merely a passive state but a dynamic spiritual power. This specific aspect contrasts with the general Old Testament principle often observed in Haggai 2:12-13, where holy meat cannot transmit holiness through mere contact. This difference elevates the bronze altar of burnt offering and its function to a unique, almost radiating, holiness. This distinction further underscores the altar's critical role as the focal point of access to God, where defilement met purity, and God established terms for His gracious presence. The intensity of this consecration underscores the absolute purity demanded for interaction with the divine in the covenant.

Exodus 29 37 Commentary

Exodus 29:37 concludes a profound seven-day ritual of purification and consecration for the bronze altar. Its designation as "most holy" (Hebrew: qodesh qadashim) places it in the highest category of sacredness, on par with the Ark of the Covenant, signifying its absolute dedication to Yahweh and its pivotal role in the divine-human covenant. This deep holiness means the altar is not just ritually clean, but profoundly imbued with divine sanctity.

The theological significance lies in the concept of "transferable holiness." Unlike how ritual defilement spreads in many instances, here supreme holiness actively imparts itself through contact. This principle implies God's transformative power, turning common objects (that touched the altar appropriately) into consecrated ones, highlighting the strictness and power of divine holiness within the Tabernacle system. This also meant that special care was required when dealing with items that touched the altar, as they too became holy. This stringent requirement underscores the inapproachable purity of God and the meticulously ordered approach He demands for fellowship. The altar, therefore, becomes not merely a place of sacrifice, but a source of consecration, demonstrating that everything in God's presence must partake of His sacredness.

Ultimately, this carefully consecrated altar, mediating God's presence and enabling atonement, points forward to Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate altar (Heb 13:10) whose perfect sacrifice both atoned for sin and made those who approach Him truly and eternally holy (Heb 10:10-14). Just as the Old Testament altar could sanctify what touched it, Christ's perfect and permanent consecration (Jn 17:19) extends His own holiness to believers, setting them apart and empowering them to live sanctified lives.

• Practical Example: For believers, being "set apart" (sanctified) means living lives reflecting God's holiness (1 Pet 1:15-16). This means choosing actions, words, and thoughts that are congruent with being connected to the ultimate "Most Holy" One, influencing others toward righteousness rather than being defiled by the world.