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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt sanctify {H6942} the breast {H2373} of the wave offering {H8573}, and the shoulder {H7785} of the heave offering {H8641}, which is waved {H5130}, and which is heaved up {H7311}, of the ram {H352} of the consecration {H4394}, even of that which {H834} is for Aaron {H175}, and of that which is for his sons {H1121}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Consecrate the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of any contribution that has been waved and raised up, whether from the ram of consecration, or from anything else meant for Aharon or his sons;

Berean Standard Bible

Consecrate for Aaron and his sons the breast of the wave offering that is waved and the thigh of the heave offering that is lifted up from the ram of ordination.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 29:27 outlines God's specific command for Moses to sanctify the breast of the wave offering and the shoulder of the heave offering from the ram of consecration. These particular portions were divinely designated for Aaron and his sons, serving as a perpetual ordinance for their sustenance and symbolizing their complete dedication and God's faithful provision during their seven-day ordination ceremony and for their ongoing priestly ministry in Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial component within [Exodus chapter 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - The Ordination of Priests"), which meticulously details the elaborate seven-day consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons. The preceding verses ([Exodus 29:1-26](/exodus/29-1-26 "Exodus 29:1-26 - Preparations for Priestly Consecration")) describe the preparation of various offerings, including the ram of consecration, and the anointing rituals that set Aaron and his sons apart for sacred service. The ram of consecration, distinct from other general sin or burnt offerings, was central to establishing a unique covenant relationship between God and His chosen priests. The ritualistic actions of waving and heaving these specific portions, as commanded in this verse, are not merely ceremonial but deeply symbolic gestures of presenting to God and receiving from Him. This act immediately precedes the consumption of these holy portions by the priests themselves, as further detailed in [Exodus 29:31-34](/exodus/29-31-34 "Exodus 29:31-34 - Eating the Ram of Consecration"). Thus, Exodus 29:27 serves as a vital bridge, connecting the ritual acts of offering with the practical provision for the priests, ensuring they are both consecrated for service and sustained in their holy office.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, priesthoods were common, often serving as mediators between deities and people, typically supported by temple offerings. However, Israel's priesthood, established by divine decree, was unique in its meticulous regulations and its foundation in a covenant relationship with Yahweh. The concept of "sanctification" (making holy) was paramount, as the priests were to handle sacred objects and mediate in the presence of a holy God. The "wave offering" and "heave offering" were established elements in Israelite sacrificial worship, signifying God's ownership of all things and His gracious return of a portion to His servants. The breast and shoulder were considered prime cuts, underscoring the honor and provision bestowed upon the priests. This system ensured that the priests, who had no tribal land inheritance (as detailed in [Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20-24 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Priests' Inheritance")), would be sustained directly by the offerings of the people, thereby emphasizing their complete reliance on God's provision through the community's worship. This ritual was not merely a formality but a foundational act establishing the Levitical priesthood's legitimacy and divine support before they began their service in the newly constructed Tabernacle.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 29:27 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and the necessity for those who serve Him to be set apart from the common. The command to "sanctify" these portions underscores this divine requirement. Another prominent theme is **Divine Provision and Sustenance**, as God meticulously outlines how His consecrated servants, the priests, will be sustained through the offerings of the people. This highlights God's faithfulness to care for those dedicated to His service, a principle echoed throughout Israel's history. The verse also reinforces the **Mediatorial Role of the Priesthood**, as Aaron and his sons are consecrated to stand between God and Israel, facilitating worship and atonement. Finally, the **Meticulous Nature of Divine Instruction** is evident, demonstrating that God's worship and service are not arbitrary but must conform precisely to His revealed will, reflecting His order and sanctity. This detailed instruction prepares for the full establishment of the Tabernacle worship system described in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Offerings and Priesthood").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sanctify (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** This verb, a primitive root, means "to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)." In the context of Exodus 29:27, it signifies the act of setting apart, hallowing, or dedicating these specific portions for sacred use. By God's command, these parts are transformed in status, becoming holy and exclusively designated for the Lord and His consecrated priests, thereby making them fit for consumption by those themselves set apart for holy service.
* **Wave Offering (Hebrew, _tᵉnûwphâh'_):** Derived from the root _nûwph_, which means "to quiver (i.e. vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro)," this term refers to a specific ritual action where the offering was moved back and forth horizontally before the Lord. This motion symbolized the presentation of the offering to God, acknowledging His ownership, and then its gracious return to the priest, signifying God's provision. The breast was typically the portion designated for the wave offering.
* **Heave Offering (Hebrew, _tᵉrûwmâh'_):** From the root _rûwm_, meaning "to be high actively, to rise or raise," this refers to the ritual action of lifting the offering vertically towards God. This gesture symbolized a portion lifted directly to God as a tribute, a dedicated gift, or an acknowledgment of His sovereignty. It represented a portion "heaved up" or "lifted off" from the whole as a sacred portion. The shoulder was typically the portion designated for the heave offering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt sanctify the breast of the wave offering, and the shoulder of the heave offering,"**: This opening clause is a direct, imperative command from God to Moses, establishing the divine authority and importance of the ritual. The "breast" and "shoulder" are precisely identified, signifying their particular value and the specific ritual actions ("wave offering" and "heave offering") associated with each. This designation highlights the meticulousness of God's instructions.
* **"which is waved, and which is heaved up,"**: This descriptive clause clarifies that these specific portions are either in the process of being, or have already been, subjected to the prescribed ritual movements. It emphasizes the completion or designation of their ritual presentation before the Lord, confirming their status as consecrated through these symbolic actions. The repetition serves to underscore the precision required.
* **"of the ram of the consecration,"**: This phrase identifies the specific source of these sanctified portions: the unique "ram of consecration" (or "ram of ordination"). This ram was central to the seven-day ceremony of setting apart Aaron and his sons for their priestly service, distinguishing it from other types of offerings and highlighting the unique nature of this ordination.
* **"[even] of [that] which [is] for Aaron, and of [that] which is for his sons:"**: This final clause clarifies the beneficiaries and ultimate recipients of these consecrated portions. They are specifically designated for the sustenance of the newly ordained high priest, Aaron, and his priestly lineage, his sons. This underscores God's direct and faithful provision for those dedicated to His sacred service, emphasizing their reliance on Him rather than on personal inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 29:27 employs several significant literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. **Repetition** is prominently featured in the parallel phrasing "wave offering... which is waved" and "heave offering... which is heaved up." This serves to emphasize the specific ritual actions and their integral role in the consecration process, highlighting both the meticulousness of God's instructions and the precision required in priestly service. **Symbolism** is central to the verse's meaning; the breast, often associated with the heart or affections, and the shoulder, representing strength or the bearing of burdens, are not arbitrary choices. By designating these prime parts, the ritual symbolically dedicates the priests' entire being—their affections, devotion, and strength—to God's service. Furthermore, the actions of waving and heaving are themselves symbolic, representing presentation to God, acknowledgment of His ownership, and reception of His gracious provision. The **prescriptive language** ("thou shalt sanctify") underscores the divine authority behind these commands, emphasizing that these are not mere suggestions but non-negotiable requirements for the establishment of a holy and divinely supported priesthood.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 29:27 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous nature in establishing holiness and His unwavering commitment to providing for those set apart for His service. The sanctification of these specific portions underscores the absolute necessity of purity and divine authorization for approaching God, reflecting His transcendent holiness. This passage reveals a deep theology of divine provision, where God not only calls individuals to sacred service but also ensures their sustenance, demonstrating His faithfulness to those who dedicate their lives to Him. It highlights the crucial mediatorial role of the priesthood, as these men were consecrated to stand between God and Israel, with the offerings providing the tangible means of their support and identity. The detailed instructions show that worship and service are not arbitrary but must conform precisely to God's revealed will, reflecting His divine order and sanctity in all matters of faith and practice.

* [Leviticus 8:29](/leviticus/8-29 "Leviticus 8:29 - Moses takes the breast and waves it")
* [Numbers 18:11](/numbers/18-11 "Numbers 18:11 - Priests' share of offerings")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-5](/deuteronomy/18-1-5 "Deuteronomy 18:1-5 - Priests' inheritance and portions")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific rituals of the Old Covenant priesthood belong to a past dispensation, the enduring principles embedded in Exodus 29:27 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to reflect deeply on the concept of sanctification in our own lives, reminding us that just as the priests were set apart for holy service, so too are all believers called to live lives consecrated to God. Our "offerings" today are not animal sacrifices but spiritual sacrifices of praise, good deeds, and dedicated lives, presented to God through Christ. The meticulousness of God's instructions for priestly provision also assures us of His faithfulness to sustain those who are obediently serving Him, whether in full-time ministry or in their daily vocations. This passage encourages us to embrace our identity as a "royal priesthood" (as declared in [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")) and to live in a manner that reflects the holiness of the God who has called us, trusting in His provision as we faithfully serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of God's instructions for the Old Covenant priesthood inform our understanding of God's character and His expectations for holiness in our lives today?**
* **In what ways do we, as New Testament believers, participate in a "royal priesthood" and offer "spiritual sacrifices" to God in our daily lives?**
* **Considering God's provision for the Levitical priests, how does this principle encourage us to trust in God's faithfulness for our own needs as we serve Him in our unique callings?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "breast" and "shoulder" in these offerings?**

Answer: The breast and shoulder were considered prime cuts of the animal, symbolizing their value and significance within the sacrificial system. The breast, often associated with the heart or affections, could symbolize devotion or the inner being. The shoulder, being a strong and robust part, could symbolize strength, burden-bearing, or the capacity to carry out tasks. By designating these specific portions, God emphasized that the priests were to be sustained by the best, reflecting His generous provision. Furthermore, it symbolically indicated that their entire being—their affections and their strength—was consecrated for His service. These portions also served as the physical sustenance for the priests, who had no land inheritance and relied entirely on the offerings for their livelihood, as seen in [Numbers 18:8-19](/numbers/18-8-19 "Numbers 18:8-19 - Priests' Share of Offerings").

**Why were these specific portions given to Aaron and his sons?**

Answer: These portions were given to Aaron and his sons as their rightful sustenance and a tangible sign of God's unique provision for their priestly service. Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levitical priests were not allotted a portion of the land as an inheritance. Instead, the Lord Himself was declared to be their inheritance, and they were to live from the offerings brought by the people to the Tabernacle. This arrangement, detailed further in [Numbers 18](/numbers/18 "Numbers 18 - Duties of Priests and Levites"), ensured that the priests could devote themselves fully to their sacred duties without needing to engage in agricultural or other labor for their livelihood. Receiving these holy portions underscored their unique, set-apart status and their complete dependence on God's faithfulness and the community's worship.

**What is the difference between a "wave offering" and a "heave offering"?**

Answer: The primary difference between a "wave offering" and a "heave offering" lies in the ritual action and their symbolic nuances. A "wave offering" (Hebrew: _tᵉnûwphâh_) involved moving the offering back and forth horizontally before the Lord. This action symbolized the presentation of the offering to God, acknowledging His ownership over all things, and then its gracious return to the priest, signifying God's provision. The breast was typically the wave offering. A "heave offering" (Hebrew: _tᵉrûwmâh_) involved lifting the offering vertically towards God. This gesture symbolized a portion lifted directly to God as a tribute or an act of dedication, acknowledging His sovereignty and receiving a blessing from Him. The shoulder was typically the heave offering. Both were acts of worship and dedication, but with distinct symbolic expressions of giving to God and receiving from Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 29:27, with its meticulous instructions for the consecration of the Old Testament priesthood and the provision of specific portions from the ram of consecration, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true and perfect "Ram of Consecration," whose singular, perfect sacrifice on the cross not only consecrates Himself as our eternal High Priest but also perfectly consecrates all who believe in Him. Unlike the Levitical priests who required repeated offerings for their own sins and for the people, Jesus offered Himself "once for all" (as seen in [Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Single Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice")), providing a perfect and perpetual sanctification that the Old Covenant rituals could only foreshadow. The breast and shoulder, portions given for the sustenance of the priests, point to Christ's body and strength given for us—His very life broken and poured out so that we might have spiritual sustenance and eternal life through Him. Through His sacrifice, Jesus has not only fulfilled the need for a mediator but has also made us, His followers, a "royal priesthood" (as declared in [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), enabling us to draw near to God with boldness, offering spiritual sacrifices of praise and good works (as encouraged in [Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15-16 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Spiritual Sacrifices")). The Old Testament ritual, therefore, beautifully foreshadows the complete and all-sufficient work of Christ, who perfectly sanctifies and eternally provides for His people.

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

Leviticus 10:15

The heave shoulder and the wave breast shall they bring with the offerings made by fire of the fat, to wave [it for] a wave offering before the LORD; and it shall be thine, and thy sons' with thee, by a statute for ever; as the LORD hath commanded.

Numbers 18:11

And this [is] thine; the heave offering of their gift, with all the wave offerings of the children of Israel: I have given them unto thee, and to thy sons and to thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: every one that is clean in thy house shall eat of it.

Deuteronomy 18:3

And this shall be the priest's due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether [it be] ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.

Hebrews 7:28

For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, [maketh] the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

Numbers 18:18

And the flesh of them shall be thine, as the wave breast and as the right shoulder are thine.

Numbers 18:19

All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it [is] a covenant of salt for ever before the LORD unto thee and to thy seed with thee.

Leviticus 9:21

And the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved [for] a wave offering before the LORD; as Moses commanded.