Exodus 29:2

KJV

And unleavened bread, and cakes unleavened tempered with oil, and wafers unleavened anointed with oil: [of] wheaten flour shalt thou make them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And unleavened {H4682} bread {H3899}, and cakes {H2471} unleavened {H4682} tempered {H1101} with oil {H8081}, and wafers {H7550} unleavened {H4682} anointed {H4886} with oil {H8081}: of wheaten {H2406} flour {H5560} shalt thou make {H6213} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

also matzah, matzah cakes mixed with olive oil, and matzah wafers spread with oil - all made from fine wheat flour;

Berean Standard Bible

along with unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil. Make them out of fine wheat flour,

American Standard Version

and unleavened bread, and cakes unleavened mingled with oil, and wafers unleavened anointed with oil: of fine wheaten flour shalt thou make them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 29:2 meticulously details the specific bread offerings—unleavened bread, cakes unleavened tempered with oil, and wafers unleavened anointed with oil, all made from fine wheaten flour—required for the ordination ceremony of Aaron and his sons into the priesthood. These elements were not merely dietary provisions but sacred components, symbolizing purity, consecration, and the complete dedication demanded of those set apart for holy service to God, underscoring the divine standard of holiness in worship and mediation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"), a chapter dedicated entirely to the elaborate and precise ritual for consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests. It follows the detailed architectural plans for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25-27](/exodus/25-27 "Exodus 25-27 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") and the intricate designs for priestly garments in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments"). The instructions for these bread offerings are interwoven with commands for various sacrifices (sin, burnt, peace offerings), ceremonial washings, and anointings, forming a comprehensive protocol for establishing the Levitical priesthood. The meticulous nature of these instructions highlights God's demand for order, holiness, and intentionality in approaching Him, setting the stage for the proper functioning of the worship system in Israel and emphasizing that access to God is on His terms alone.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ordination ceremony described in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons") occurred at the foot of Mount Sinai, shortly after Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage and the giving of the Law. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, elaborate rituals were common for inaugurating religious or civic leaders, but Israel's ceremonies were unique in their divine origin and specific theological implications. The use of unleavened bread would have immediately resonated with the Israelites' recent experience of the [Passover and Exodus](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus"), where they ate unleavened bread in haste, symbolizing their swift departure and God's redemptive act. Oil was widely used in the ancient world for anointing kings, priests, and prophets, signifying divine appointment and empowerment. The emphasis on "wheaten flour" indicates the use of the finest available grain, reflecting the principle that only the best was acceptable as an offering to the holy God of Israel, a common practice in ancient sacrificial systems to honor deities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, as evidenced by the requirement for unleavened bread, symbolizing freedom from corruption and sin, essential for those approaching a holy God. Another key theme is **Consecration and Divine Appointment**, highlighted by the use of oil, which signifies setting apart for sacred service and the impartation of divine enablement. This is directly tied to the establishment of the **Priesthood as Mediators**, where Aaron and his sons are divinely appointed to bridge the gap between God and His people, a role demanding absolute adherence to divine specifications. Finally, the meticulous detail underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Order**, emphasizing that worship and service must be conducted precisely according to God's revealed will, as seen throughout the instructions for the Tabernacle and its rituals in [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25-40 "Exodus 25-40 - Tabernacle Construction and Consecration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Unleavened (Hebrew, _matstsâh'_):** The term `מַצָּה` (matstsâh), which appears multiple times in this verse, refers specifically to bread made without leaven. According to H4682, it signifies "sweetness" or, concretely, "sweet (i.e. not soured or bittered with yeast)." In biblical symbolism, leaven often represents corruption, sin, or malice (cf. [1 Corinthians 5:6-8](/1_corinthians/5-6-8 "1 Corinthians 5:6-8 - Leaven as a Symbol of Sin")). Therefore, "unleavened" signifies purity, integrity, and the absence of moral decay. Its inclusion in the priestly ordination offerings underscored the absolute holiness and blamelessness required of those who would mediate between a holy God and His people.
* **Tempered (Hebrew, _bâlal'_):** The Hebrew root `בָּלַל` (bâlal), from which the participle "tempered" is derived, means "to mix," "to mingle," or "to overflow (specifically with oil)." According to H1101, it implies a thorough incorporation. When applied to the cakes, it indicates that the oil was deeply and intrinsically integrated into the dough, not merely smeared on the surface. This suggests a deep, internal consecration and permeation of the symbolic element (oil, representing the Spirit or divine anointing) into the very substance of the offering, pointing to a complete and internal dedication.
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _mâshach'_):** The verb `מָשַׁח` (mâshach) means "to rub with oil," "to anoint," or "to consecrate." According to H4886, it also implies setting apart. This is the root from which the Hebrew word `מָשִׁיחַ` (mashiach), or "Messiah" (meaning "Anointed One"), is derived. The anointing of the wafers with oil signifies a setting apart for sacred use, a divine appointment, and often, the impartation of divine enablement or presence. Its use here emphasizes the consecration and divine authorization of the priests, marking them externally for their sacred office.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And unleavened bread,"**: This refers to flat, pure bread, free from any leavening agent. Symbolizing purity and the haste of the Exodus, it was a foundational component of the offering, representing the basic sustenance and purity required for sacred service, free from the corruption that leaven often signifies.
* **"and cakes unleavened tempered with oil,"**: These were thicker, flat breads, also without leaven, but with oil thoroughly mixed into the dough. The oil's deep integration signifies an intrinsic consecration and enablement for the priestly office, suggesting that the priests' very being was to be permeated by divine appointment and the spiritual qualities necessary for their role.
* **"and wafers unleavened anointed with oil:"**: Wafers were thin, flat cakes, again unleavened, but with oil smeared or brushed on their surface. This anointing, distinct from tempering, emphasizes the external mark of consecration and divine blessing upon the priests, publicly signifying their set-apart status and divine authorization through a visible act.
* **"[of] wheaten flour shalt thou make them."**: The specification of "wheaten flour" denotes the use of the finest quality grain. This detail underscores the principle that only the best, most unblemished offerings were acceptable to God, reflecting the supreme value and reverence due to Him in worship and service, and the high standard He sets for those who serve Him.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 29:2 employs several key literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with each element—unleavened bread, oil, and wheaten flour—carrying deep theological meaning. The unleavened bread symbolizes purity, integrity, and freedom from corruption, echoing the Passover and the hasty departure from Egypt. Oil consistently represents consecration, divine anointing, and the presence or empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The finest wheaten flour symbolizes giving one's best to God, reflecting the high standard of offerings demanded by a holy God. **Repetition** of "unleavened" (Hebrew: `matstsâh`) reinforces the critical importance of purity and holiness in the priestly office, emphasizing that the absence of spiritual corruption is non-negotiable for those who approach God. Furthermore, the **Meticulous Detail** in specifying the type of bread and the precise method of oil application (tempered vs. anointed) serves to emphasize the exact and unyielding nature of God's requirements for worship and service, highlighting His absolute holiness and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms, not human ones.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 29:2 profoundly underscores the theological truth that God demands absolute purity, consecration, and the highest quality of devotion from those who serve Him, especially in a mediatorial capacity. The unleavened bread signifies the necessary absence of sin and corruption, while the oil points to divine anointing and empowerment by the Holy Spirit for sacred service. This meticulous preparation of offerings for the priests foreshadows the perfect, unblemished nature of the ultimate High Priest and the spiritual offerings expected from His New Covenant people. It reveals God's intrinsic holiness and His desire for His people to approach Him with reverence and integrity, reflecting His own character in their service and demonstrating that true worship is always a response to His divine standards.

* [Leviticus 2:4-5](/leviticus/2-4-5 "Leviticus 2:4-5 - Grain Offerings with Oil")
* [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Holy Priesthood Offering Spiritual Sacrifices")
* [Hebrews 7:26-27](/hebrews/7-26-27 "Hebrews 7:26-27 - Christ, the Holy and Blameless High Priest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific rituals of the Old Testament priesthood are no longer practiced, the enduring principles embedded in Exodus 29:2 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. As a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - The Royal Priesthood")), we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). This verse challenges us to examine the "ingredients" of our own lives and service. Are we striving for purity, free from the "leaven" of sin and malice that can corrupt our motives and actions? Is our service "tempered with oil," deeply permeated by the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance, ensuring that our efforts are Spirit-led rather than self-driven? Is our dedication "anointed," visibly set apart for God's purposes, demonstrating His ownership and empowerment in our lives? And are we offering our "finest wheaten flour"—our best talents, time, and resources—to the Lord, not out of legalistic obligation, but out of grateful reverence for His holiness and His gracious provision in Christ? Our daily walk, our worship, and our interactions should all reflect this consecrated life, marked by integrity and a Spirit-empowered commitment to God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might "leaven" (sin or impurity) be hindering my spiritual purity and effectiveness in service to God?**
* **How does the concept of being "tempered with oil" (deeply integrated with the Holy Spirit) apply to my daily walk and decision-making, ensuring my actions are Spirit-led?**
* **Am I consistently offering my "finest wheaten flour" (my best efforts, talents, and resources) to God in my worship, work, and relationships, or am I holding back?**
* **How does understanding the meticulous nature of God's requirements for the Old Testament priesthood inform my approach to holiness, reverence, and intentionality in my Christian life today?**

### FAQ

**Why was "unleavened" bread so important for the priestly offerings?**

Answer: The repeated emphasis on "unleavened" (Hebrew: _matstsâh'_) was crucial because leaven (yeast) often symbolized sin, corruption, or malice in biblical thought (e.g., [1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "1 Corinthians 5:8 - Leaven as a Symbol of Malice")). Therefore, the absence of leaven signified purity, holiness, and integrity. For the priests, who were to mediate between a holy God and His people, their offerings and their very lives needed to be free from spiritual corruption, reflecting the blamelessness required to approach God's presence. It also served as a perpetual reminder of the haste and purity of the [Exodus deliverance](/exodus/12-39 "Exodus 12:39 - The Hasty Departure"), where Israel left Egypt so quickly they had no time for their dough to rise.

**What is the significance of "oil" in these offerings?**

Answer: Oil in the Bible is a powerful symbol of consecration, setting apart for holy use, and often, the presence and empowering of the Holy Spirit. In [Exodus 29:2](/exodus/29-2 "Exodus 29:2 - Bread Offerings for Priestly Consecration"), the oil is used in two distinct ways: "tempered with" (mixed into) cakes and "anointed with" (smeared on) wafers. The oil "tempered" into the cakes suggests an intrinsic, deep-seated consecration, where the priest's very being is permeated by divine appointment and spiritual enablement. The oil "anointed" on the wafers signifies an external mark of divine blessing, authorization, and enablement for their sacred duties. This practice foreshadows the spiritual anointing believers receive through the Holy Spirit for service in the New Covenant (e.g., [1 John 2:20](/1_john/2-20 "1 John 2:20 - Anointing from the Holy One")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 29:2, with its meticulous details for priestly offerings, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "unleavened bread" profoundly foreshadows Christ, who is the [sinless Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), utterly pure and free from the "leaven" of sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Knew No Sin")). He is the true and living "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), offered without blemish as the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sin. The "oil" that consecrates the offerings points to Christ's unique anointing by the Holy Spirit, not merely for a priestly office, but as the [Messiah, the Anointed One](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Anointed with the Holy Spirit and Power"), perfectly empowered for His redemptive mission. His entire life and ministry were "tempered with" and "anointed by" the Spirit, culminating in His self-offering on the cross, a sacrifice of the finest "wheaten flour"—His perfect, unblemished humanity and divine nature. Through His once-for-all sacrifice, Christ not only fulfilled the Old Testament sacrificial system but also inaugurated a new covenant where all believers become a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - The Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices through Him ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering Sacrifices of Praise")) as a response to His ultimate, perfect offering.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 6:15

And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings.

Exodus 12:8

And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; [and] with bitter [herbs] they shall eat it.

Numbers 6:19

And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put [them] upon the hands of the Nazarite, after [the hair of] his separation is shaven:

Leviticus 8:26

And out of the basket of unleavened bread, that [was] before the LORD, he took one unleavened cake, and a cake of oiled bread, and one wafer, and put [them] on the fat, and upon the right shoulder:

Leviticus 7:10

And every meat offering, mingled with oil, and dry, shall all the sons of Aaron have, one [as much] as another.

Leviticus 6:19

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Leviticus 6:23

For every meat offering for the priest shall be wholly burnt: it shall not be eaten.