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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shalt thou kill {H7819} the ram {H352}, and take {H3947} of his blood {H1818}, and put {H5414} it upon the tip {H8571} of the right ear {H241} of Aaron {H175}, and upon the tip {H8571} of the right {H3233} ear {H241} of his sons {H1121}, and upon the thumb {H931} of their right {H3233} hand {H3027}, and upon the great toe {H931} of their right {H3233} foot {H7272}, and sprinkle {H2236} the blood {H1818} upon the altar {H4196} round about {H5439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and you are to slaughter the ram, take some of its blood, and put it on the lobe of Aharon's right ear, on the lobes of his sons' right ears, on the thumbs of their right hands and on the big toes of their right feet. Take the rest of the blood and splash it on all sides of the altar.

Berean Standard Bible

Slaughter the ram, take some of its blood, and put it on the right earlobes of Aaron and his sons, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Sprinkle the remaining blood on all sides of the altar.

American Standard Version

Then shalt thou kill the ram, and take of its 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 29:20 meticulously details a crucial phase in the consecration ceremony of Aaron and his sons, prescribing the application of blood from the "ram of consecration" to the tip of their right ear, thumb of their right hand, and great toe of their right foot, followed by the sprinkling of the remaining blood upon the altar. This precise ritual underscores the profound sacredness and meticulous requirements of the priestly office, symbolizing a complete and comprehensive dedication of their faculties—their hearing, actions, and walk—to God's service, thereby purifying and setting them apart for holy ministry in the Tabernacle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 29:20 is deeply embedded within a comprehensive set of divine instructions for the ordination of Aaron and his sons, meticulously outlined in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - The Consecration of Priests"). This chapter details the ceremonial steps necessary to prepare the priests for their sacred duties in the Tabernacle, following the instructions for its construction. Preceding this verse, the text describes the sin offering and the burnt offering, which address the priests' need for purification from sin and their complete dedication to God. The "ram of consecration" (also known as the ram of ordination or "ram of filling the hand," referring to the act of placing parts of the sacrifice into the priests' hands) is distinct from these earlier sacrifices, specifically designated to set apart the priests for their unique mediatorial role. The application of its blood to specific body parts, as detailed in this verse, is immediately followed by the anointing of the priests and their garments with blood and oil, further emphasizing their sanctification and the sacredness of their office. The chapter concludes with instructions for the daily sacrifices, establishing the ongoing rhythm of Tabernacle worship and the perpetual nature of the priestly ministry.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, consistent with many ancient Near Eastern cultures, blood held immense symbolic significance, primarily representing life itself and serving as a central element in rituals of purification, atonement, and covenant ratification. The meticulous instructions for the priestly consecration, including the precise application of blood in [Exodus 29:20](/exodus/29-20 "Exodus 29:20 - Application of Blood in Priestly Consecration"), highlight the absolute holiness of Yahweh and the necessity of ritual purity for anyone approaching Him in service. The priestly office was not merely a ceremonial role; it was foundational to Israel's covenant relationship with God, serving as the divinely appointed mediators between God and His people. The detailed nature of these rites ensured that the priests understood the gravity of their calling and the high standards of holiness required to minister in the presence of a holy God within the newly constructed [Tabernacle](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"), which represented God's dwelling among His people. This ritual would have deeply impressed upon the priests and the people the solemnity and divine origin of their ministry.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 29:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's absolute separation from sin and the meticulous purity required for anyone to approach Him. The blood ritual underscores the necessity of divine provision for cleansing, as human beings cannot achieve such purity on their own. This verse also highlights the theme of **Divine Appointment and Consecration**, demonstrating God's sovereign choice and setting apart of individuals for sacred service, establishing the Levitical priesthood as His designated mediators. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Covenant Relationship**, as the establishment of the priesthood is integral to Israel's identity as God's chosen people and their ability to maintain communion with Him. The detailed instructions showcase God's **Sovereignty and Authority**, demanding precise obedience in worship and service, a principle echoed throughout the Mosaic Law, such as in the warnings against unauthorized worship in [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire"). The entire ceremony, culminating in the daily sacrifices (as outlined in [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38-42 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Daily Burnt Offering")), establishes the **System of Sacrifice and Atonement** as central to Israel's worship and their ongoing relationship with a holy God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** (H1818) This word, derived from a root meaning "to be silent" or "to cease," signifies life (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal. In Old Testament sacrificial theology, blood is the primary agent for purification, atonement, and consecration, representing the life given in exchange for sin. In [Exodus 29:20](/exodus/29-20 "Exodus 29:20 - Application of Blood in Priestly Consecration"), its application signifies the setting apart of Aaron and his sons for sacred service, cleansing them and dedicating their faculties to God's exclusive use.

* **Right (Hebrew, _yᵉmânîy'_):** (H3233) Meaning "at the right hand" or "on the right hand," the consistent emphasis on the "right" side (ear, hand, foot) is highly significant. In biblical thought, the right side often denotes strength, prominence, favor, authority, and capability. Applying the blood to the right ear, hand, and foot emphasizes the full, active, and empowered dedication of the priests' most capable and prominent faculties to God's service, ensuring their ministry was performed with their utmost ability and divine enablement.

* **Tip (Hebrew, _tᵉnûwk'_):** (H8571) This word refers to a "pinnacle" or "extremity." The precision of applying the blood to the "tip" or "extremity" of the body parts highlights the thoroughness and exactitude of the consecration. It suggests that every part, even the outermost reaches and most minute details of their being, was to be touched by the sanctifying blood and brought under divine authority for holy service, leaving no part unconsecrated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shalt thou kill the ram":** This clause initiates the sacrificial act, providing the necessary blood for the consecration ritual. The ram is specifically designated as the "ram of consecration," indicating its unique purpose in setting apart the priests for their sacred office, distinct from other offerings. The act of killing underscores the gravity of the sacrifice and the life-for-life principle inherent in atonement.
* **"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":** The application of blood to the ear symbolizes the priests' dedication to hearing and obeying God's voice. Their ears were to be consecrated to receive divine instruction, listen attentively to the Law, discern God's will for the people, and be quick to respond in obedience, ensuring their ministry was always aligned with divine mandates.
* **"and upon the thumb of their right hand":** This application signifies the consecration of the priests' actions, work, and service. Their hands, which would perform sacrifices, handle sacred objects, offer blessings, and carry out the intricate duties of the Tabernacle, were to be purified and set apart for righteous and holy work, ensuring their ministry was acceptable to God and performed with integrity and skill.
* **"and upon the great toe of their right foot":** The blood on the toe symbolizes the consecration of their walk, path, and conduct. Their steps were to be guided by God's commandments, leading them in paths of righteousness, holiness, and integrity. This ensured that their entire life's journey, their public and private conduct, was dedicated to God and exemplified the holiness required of His servants.
* **"and sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about":** This final action connects the priests' personal consecration to the sacred space of worship and the broader sacrificial system. The altar, as the central place of atonement and communion with God, is also sanctified by the blood. This signifies that the priests' ministry is inextricably linked to the atoning work performed at the altar, and their service is acceptable only within the context of God's provision for sin and His established means of access. It also reinforces the idea that the entire sphere of their ministry is encompassed by the sanctifying power of the blood.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 29:20 employs significant **Symbolism** to convey profound theological truths. The **blood** itself is a potent symbol of life, purification, and atonement, serving as the agent of consecration and highlighting the sanctity required for divine service. The specific body parts—the ear, thumb, and great toe—symbolize the totality and specific faculties of the priests' being: their **hearing** (for divine instruction and obedience), their **actions** (for righteous service and ministry), and their **walk** (for holy conduct and lifestyle). The consistent emphasis on the **"right"** side further amplifies this symbolism, denoting strength, prominence, and the full, active dedication of their most capable parts. The verse also functions as a **Prescription**, providing precise, ritualistic instructions that highlight the meticulousness required in approaching a holy God. The detailed nature of these commands underscores the gravity and sacredness of the priestly office, leaving no room for human improvisation or casualness in divine worship, thereby establishing a rigid framework for sacred service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 29:20 profoundly illustrates the biblical themes of consecration, purification, and the meticulous demands of God's holiness. The application of blood to specific body parts of the priests signifies that their entire being—their ability to hear, to act, and to walk—was to be set apart for God's exclusive service. This ritual underscores that access to God and effective ministry in His presence require a comprehensive cleansing and dedication, emphasizing that human efforts alone are insufficient to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. It highlights God's absolute purity and His unwavering standard for those who would mediate on behalf of His people, establishing a foundational principle that all service to God must flow from a sanctified life and be empowered by His divine provision for purification.

* [Leviticus 8:23-24](/leviticus/8-23 "Moses' Application of Blood to Aaron and His Sons") - This passage provides a parallel, descriptive account of Moses performing this very ritual during the actual consecration of Aaron and his sons, affirming its importance and precise execution as commanded by God.
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "The Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness") - This New Testament verse states, "Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins," demonstrating the enduring theological principle of blood's necessity for purification and atonement, which Exodus 29:20 powerfully exemplifies in the context of priestly consecration.
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "A Royal Priesthood and Holy Nation") - This verse declares believers to be a "royal priesthood," drawing a spiritual parallel between the Old Testament priests and New Testament Christians, who are now consecrated not by animal blood, but by Christ's perfect sacrifice to offer spiritual sacrifices and proclaim God's excellencies.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 29:20, though a specific ritual for Old Testament priests, offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. As those who have been made a "royal priesthood" through Christ, we are called to a similar, though spiritual, consecration of our entire lives to God. The meticulous application of blood to the ear, hand, and foot serves as a powerful reminder that every faculty of our being—our hearing, our actions, and our walk—is to be set apart for God's glory. Our ears should be attuned to His voice, quick to obey His Word and discern His will, guarding against unholy influences. Our hands should be consecrated for righteous deeds, serving others, working diligently, and doing the work of the Kingdom with integrity and purity. Our feet should walk in paths of holiness, following Christ's example, fleeing from sin, and leading lives that honor Him in every step. This verse challenges us to consider if we are holding anything back from God, urging us towards a wholehearted dedication where every aspect of our existence is yielded to His sanctifying purpose, empowered by the Holy Spirit and purified by the finished work of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulousness of this ancient ritual challenge my modern approach to holiness and service in my daily life?**
* **In what practical ways can I actively consecrate my "ears" (my listening habits), "hands" (my work and service), and "feet" (my daily walk and choices) to God's will today?**
* **How does the understanding of Christ's blood as the ultimate and perfect consecration impact my daily life and ministry as a believer, freeing me to serve God wholeheartedly?**

### FAQ
**Why were these specific body parts chosen for the application of blood?**

Answer: The choice of the right ear, thumb of the right hand, and great toe of the right foot was deeply symbolic, representing the complete consecration of the priests' faculties for service. The ear signifies hearing and obedience to God's commands, emphasizing that priests must be attentive to divine instruction. The hand (specifically the thumb, indicating strength, skill, and action) represents work, service, and the performance of sacred duties. The foot (great toe, for stability and direction) denotes one's walk, path, and conduct, symbolizing a life lived in accordance with God's will. The "right" side in biblical culture often indicated strength, prominence, and favor, emphasizing that the most capable and active parts of their being were dedicated to God. This ritual ensured that their entire person—what they heard, what they did, and where they went—was set apart for holy purposes, enabling them to minister acceptably before a holy God. This comprehensive dedication is crucial for understanding the gravity of their role as mediators between God and His people, as seen in the broader instructions for priestly conduct in [Leviticus 21](/leviticus/21 "Leviticus 21 - Laws for Priests").

**What is the significance of "sprinkling the blood upon the altar round about" in this context?**

Answer: Sprinkling the blood upon the altar round about signifies the encompassing nature of the consecration and its intrinsic connection to the very heart of Israelite worship. The altar was the central place of sacrifice, atonement, and communion with God, where the life of the offering was presented to cover sin. By applying blood to the altar, it was also sanctified, ensuring that the priests' ministry was performed within a consecrated space and was acceptable in God's sight. This act underscored that their personal dedication was inextricably linked to the atoning work of the sacrificial system and that their service was to be offered in a manner that honored God's holiness, making their actions effective and pure before Him. It highlighted that the priests' ability to minister was entirely dependent on God's provision for cleansing and His acceptance of the blood sacrifice, a principle foundational to all Tabernacle worship as described in [Exodus 40:10](/exodus/40-10 "Exodus 40:10 - Consecration of the Altar").

**Does this ritual apply to Christians today?**

Answer: The ritual of [Exodus 29:20](/exodus/29-20 "Exodus 29:20 - Application of Blood in Priestly Consecration") does not apply to Christians today in a literal or ceremonial sense, as the Mosaic Law's ceremonial requirements were fulfilled in Christ. Jesus Christ is the ultimate High Priest and the perfect sacrifice, rendering the Old Testament sacrificial system obsolete ([Hebrews 10:1-18](/hebrews/10-1-18 "Hebrews 10:1-18 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). However, the spiritual principles it embodies are profoundly applicable. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are considered a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), consecrated by Christ's perfect sacrifice to serve God. This means that we are spiritually set apart for God's purposes. The symbolism of the ear, hand, and foot reminds us that our entire lives—our listening to God's Word, our actions in service, and our daily walk—should be fully dedicated and consecrated to Him, empowered by the Holy Spirit and purified by the blood of Christ. We are called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and good deeds ([Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15-16 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Deeds")), living lives that honor our High Priest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 29:20, with its vivid imagery of blood applied to the priests' ear, hand, and foot, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Old Testament priests required consecration through the blood of animals, Jesus, our great High Priest, needed no such purification for Himself, being without sin and perfectly holy ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ's Sinless Priesthood")). His own precious blood, shed once for all on the cross, serves as the perfect and eternal means of consecration, not just for a select priesthood, but for all who believe and are brought near to God ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). The blood applied to the Old Testament priests symbolized their dedication to hear, act, and walk in God's ways; Christ's blood, however, actually purifies our consciences from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Purifies Conscience")), enabling true spiritual service. Through His finished work, we, as believers, are made a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), consecrated not by the blood of rams, but by the Spirit and the infinitely more precious blood of the Lamb of God ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). Our "ears" are opened to hear His voice, our "hands" are empowered for righteous service, and our "feet" are guided to walk in His holy paths, all by virtue of His perfect sacrifice and the indwelling Holy Spirit, enabling us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")).

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

Isaiah 50:5

The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.

1 Peter 1:2

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Hebrews 9:19

For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,

Hebrews 9:23

¶ [It was] therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

Leviticus 14:7

And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field.

Leviticus 14:16

And the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that [is] in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD:

Hebrews 12:24

And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel.