Exodus 29:18

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it [is] a burnt offering unto the LORD: it [is] a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Then offer up the whole ram in smoke on the altar. It is a burnt offering for ADONAI, a pleasing aroma, an offering made to ADONAI by fire.

Berean Standard Bible:

Then burn the entire ram on the altar; it is a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD.

American Standard Version:

And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt-offering unto Jehovah; it is a sweet savor, an offering made by fire unto Jehovah.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And thou shalt burn{H6999} the whole ram{H352} upon the altar{H4196}: it is a burnt offering{H5930} unto the LORD{H3068}: it is a sweet{H5207} savour{H7381}, an offering made by fire{H801} unto the LORD{H3068}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Genesis 8:21

  • And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart [is] evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.

1 Kings 3:4

  • And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that [was] the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.

Genesis 22:13

  • And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind [him] a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

Mark 12:33

  • And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love [his] neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

Jeremiah 6:20

  • To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings [are] not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.

Psalms 50:8

  • I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, [to have been] continually before me.

Jeremiah 7:21

  • ¶ Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Put your burnt offerings unto your sacrifices, and eat flesh.

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Commentary for Exodus 29:18

Exodus 29:18 is part of a larger section of the book of Exodus that details the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests in Israel. The verse specifically describes the offering of a ram as a burnt offering, which is a central element of the consecration ritual.

**Themes:**
1. **Consecration and Priesthood:** The overarching theme of this chapter is the establishment of the priesthood in Israel. The elaborate rituals and offerings serve to set apart Aaron and his sons for their sacred duties.
2. **Worship and Sacrifice:** The burnt offering is a key act of worship in the Israelite religious practice, symbolizing the complete dedication of the offerer (in this case, the priests) to God.
3. **Atonement:** The offering is also associated with atonement, a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where sacrifices are made to cover the sins of the people and to reconcile them with God.
4. **Divine Pleasure:** The description of the offering as a "sweet savour" indicates that it is pleasing to the Lord, emphasizing the idea that proper worship and obedience to God's commands are favorable to Him.

**Historical Context:**
The events described in Exodus take place during the time of Moses, shortly after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. Having received the Ten Commandments and other laws at Mount Sinai, Moses is now instructed by God on how to ordain priests who will mediate between God and the people. This period is foundational for the establishment of Israel's religious and social structures.

The burnt offering itself is a common practice in the ancient Near East, where various cultures performed animal sacrifices as part of their religious ceremonies. However, in the context of Exodus, the offering is strictly regulated by God's instructions, emphasizing the unique relationship between God and Israel.

In summary, Exodus 29:18 reflects the themes of priestly consecration, worship through sacrifice, atonement, and divine acceptance within the historical context of Israel's formation as a nation under God's covenant after their deliverance from Egypt.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H6999
    There are 112 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: קָטַר
    Transliteration: qâṭar
    Pronunciation: kaw-tar'
    Description: a primitive root (identical with through the idea of fumigation in a close place and perhaps thus driving out the occupants); to smoke, i.e. turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship); burn (incense, sacrifice) (upon), (altar for) incense, kindle, offer (incense, a sacrifice).
  2. Strong's Number: H352
    There are 256 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אַיִל
    Transliteration: ʼayil
    Pronunciation: ah'-yil
    Description: from the same as אוּל; properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically a chief (politically); also a ram (from his strength); a pilaster (as a strong support); an oak or other strong tree; mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree.
  3. Strong's Number: H4196
    There are 338 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מִזְבֵּחַ
    Transliteration: mizbêach
    Pronunciation: miz-bay'-akh
    Description: from זָבַח; an altar; altar.
  4. Strong's Number: H5930
    There are 262 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: עֹלָה
    Transliteration: ʻôlâh
    Pronunciation: o-law'
    Description: or עוֹלָה; feminine active participle of עָלָה; a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke); ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice), go up to. See also עֶוֶל.
  5. Strong's Number: H3068
    There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יְהֹוָה
    Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
    Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
    Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
  6. Strong's Number: H5207
    There are 43 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: נִיחוֹחַ
    Transliteration: nîychôwach
    Pronunciation: nee-kho'-akh
    Description: or נִיחֹחַ; from נוּחַ; properly, restful, i.e. pleasant; abstractly, delight; sweet (odour).
  7. Strong's Number: H7381
    There are 55 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: רֵיחַ
    Transliteration: rêyach
    Pronunciation: ray'-akh
    Description: from רוּחַ; odor (as if blown); savour, scent, smell.
  8. Strong's Number: H801
    There are 357 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אִשָּׁה
    Transliteration: ʼishshâh
    Pronunciation: ish-shaw'
    Description: the same as אֶשָּׁה, but used in a liturgical sense; properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice; (offering, sacrifice), (made) by fire.