Exodus 29:33

KJV

And they shall eat those things wherewith the atonement was made, to consecrate [and] to sanctify them: but a stranger shall not eat [thereof], because they [are] holy.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall eat {H398} those things wherewith the atonement was made {H3722}, to consecrate {H4390}{H3027} and to sanctify {H6942} them: but a stranger {H2114} shall not eat {H398} thereof, because they are holy {H6944}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They are to eat the things with which atonement was made for them, to inaugurate and consecrate them; no one else may eat this food, because it is holy.

Berean Standard Bible

They must eat those things by which atonement was made for their ordination and consecration. But no outsider may eat them, because these things are sacred.

American Standard Version

And they shall eat those things wherewith atonement was made, to consecrate and to sanctify them: but a stranger shall not eat thereof, because they are holy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 29:33 delineates a critical component of the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons as priests, stipulating that only they were permitted to consume specific portions of the consecrated sacrifices used for their atonement and consecration. This act of eating transcended a mere physical meal; it was a profound, sacred participation in the ritual, symbolizing their acceptance of and identification with the atoning work performed, and affirming their unique, divinely appointed status as holy mediators set apart for God's service. The strict prohibition against "strangers" partaking underscored the exclusive nature of the priesthood and the profound holiness of the offerings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the meticulous instructions for the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests, detailed in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - The Ordination of Aaron and His Sons"). The preceding verses ([Exodus 29:1-32](/exodus/29-1-32 "Exodus 29:1-32 - Instructions for Priestly Ordination")) meticulously outline the elaborate sequence of sacrifices—a bull for a sin offering and two rams for a burnt offering and an ordination offering. These rituals, encompassing washing, anointing, dressing, and the application of blood, progressively set Aaron and his sons apart for divine service. The consumption of the holy portions of these sacrifices, particularly the ram of ordination, served as the climactic act of this consecration process, sealing their new identity and role. Following this verse, [Exodus 29:34-46](/exodus/29-34-46 "Exodus 29:34-46 - Daily Sacrifices and God's Dwelling") continues with instructions for daily offerings and reiterates God's promise to dwell among His people, underscoring the ongoing nature of the priestly ministry established by this pivotal ordination.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, sacred meals were a common and deeply significant practice, often signifying the sealing of covenants, establishing fellowship with a deity, or participating in a sacred act. For ancient Israel, the act of eating a portion of a sacrifice in the presence of God was a profound expression of communion and covenant relationship. The concept of "holiness" (Hebrew: _qodesh_) was foundational to Israelite religion, denoting that which is set apart for God and thus distinct, pure, and awe-inspiring. Access to that which was holy was meticulously regulated, reflecting God's absolute purity and transcendent nature. Only those ritually purified and divinely appointed could approach God in His sanctuary. The strict exclusion of a "stranger" (Hebrew: _zar_), meaning anyone not authorized or not belonging to the priestly lineage, reinforced the unique and exclusive nature of the Aaronic priesthood. This distinction was vital for maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle and the integrity of the sacrificial system, as tragically illustrated by the fate of [Nadab and Abihu](/leviticus/10-1-3 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire") who disregarded these boundaries.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 29:33 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. The most prominent theme is **Holiness and Separation**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and the necessity for His people, especially His priests, to be set apart for Him. This verse highlights the **Exclusive Nature of Priestly Mediation**, showing that only those divinely chosen and consecrated could perform sacred duties and partake in holy offerings, thereby mediating between God and Israel. It also underscores the theme of **Atonement and Consecration**, demonstrating how the sacrificial system provided a means for sin to be covered and individuals to be made ritually pure and dedicated for divine service. The act of eating the consecrated portions, as outlined in this verse, is a tangible expression of **Covenant Participation and Communion**, symbolizing the priests' acceptance into God's service and their unique relationship with Yahweh, a theme echoed throughout the instructions for the Tabernacle and its rituals, as seen in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Dwelling Among His People").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Atonement (Hebrew, _kâphar'_):** The Hebrew verb `H3722 (kâphar)` fundamentally means "to cover," "to purge," or "to make propitiation." In the context of the sacrificial system, it refers to the ritual act by which sin is covered, cleansed, and reconciliation with God is achieved. Here, "wherewith the atonement was made" refers to the specific sacrifices (the bull and rams) whose blood and fat were offered to effect purification and reconciliation for Aaron and his sons, making them acceptable to God for priestly service. Their eating of the remaining consecrated portions signified their full identification with and reception of the benefits of this atoning work.
* **Consecrate / Sanctify (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** Both "consecrate" (derived from `H4390 (mâlêʼ)` and `H3027 (yâd)`, meaning "to fill the hand" in a priestly sense) and "sanctify" (from `H6942 (qâdash)`) are used here. The underlying concept for both, particularly for "sanctify," is `H6942 (qâdash)`, which means "to be set apart," "to be holy," or "to make holy." The dual emphasis on "consecrate" and "sanctify" underscores the thoroughness and divine nature of the process of making Aaron and his sons exclusively God's own. This was not merely a ceremonial act but a transformative one, setting them apart from the common and dedicating them entirely for sacred service, enabling them to approach a holy God on behalf of the people. This highlights both the act of setting apart and the resulting state of holiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall eat those things wherewith the atonement was made":** This clause specifies the consecrated portions of the sacrifices, particularly the ram of ordination, which were set apart for the priests. The act of eating these portions was not just a physical intake of food but a symbolic and spiritual participation in the atoning work that had just been performed. By consuming the elements that facilitated their reconciliation with God, the priests affirmed their acceptance of the atonement and their unique position as recipients and administrators of God's grace, now made ritually pure and fit for divine service.
* **"to consecrate [and] to sanctify them":** This phrase clarifies the profound purpose and effect of the priests' eating. The act of partaking in the holy sacrifices was integral to their consecration (being formally appointed and having their hands "filled" for service) and their sanctification (being made holy and set apart) for their priestly office. It was a physical manifestation of their spiritual transformation and dedication, solidifying their unique status as God's chosen servants, distinct from the rest of the community and uniquely qualified to mediate between God and Israel.
* **"but a stranger shall not eat [thereof], because they [are] holy":** This strict prohibition underscores the profound sacredness of the offerings and the exclusive nature of the priesthood. A "stranger" (Hebrew: `H2114 (zûwr)`) refers to anyone not authorized or not belonging to the priestly lineage—anyone outside the consecrated family of Aaron. The reason for this exclusion is explicitly stated: "because they are holy." The holiness of the offerings meant they were exclusively God's property, and only those whom God had set apart and made holy for Himself could partake without incurring divine wrath, reinforcing the idea that access to God's presence and sacred rituals was carefully regulated under the Old Covenant to maintain reverence and order.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Exclusion** is prominently featured, clearly delineating who can and cannot partake in the holy meal. This creates a stark **contrast** between the consecrated priests and the "stranger," emphatically highlighting the unique and set-apart status of the Aaronic priesthood and the sacred boundaries God established for worship. **Symbolism** is central, as the act of eating is not merely sustenance but a profound participation in the atonement and an affirmation of the priests' consecrated state. The food itself symbolizes the holy covenant and the divine acceptance of the priests into their sacred office. Furthermore, the repetition of the concept of "holiness" through the terms "consecrate," "sanctify," and "holy" (all derived from the same Hebrew root, `qâdash`, or related concepts of setting apart) serves as a powerful form of **emphasis**, underscoring the absolute purity and divine separation required for those who serve God and for the offerings presented to Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 29:33 powerfully illustrates the Old Covenant principles of holiness, atonement, and the exclusive nature of priestly mediation. The priests' eating of the consecrated sacrifices was a tangible sign of their identification with the atoning work and their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. It underscored that access to God's presence and the benefits of His atonement were mediated through a specially appointed, consecrated class. This act of sacred communion symbolized their acceptance into God's service and their role in maintaining the spiritual purity of the community. The exclusion of the "stranger" reinforced the profound reverence due to God's holiness and the strict boundaries He established for approaching Him, emphasizing that only those divinely authorized could participate in the sacred.

* [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Distinguishing Between Holy and Unholy")
* [Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 29:33, while rooted in the specific rituals of the Old Covenant, offers profound principles for contemporary believers. It reminds us of the absolute holiness of God and the reverence required in approaching Him. Just as the priests were set apart through a meticulous process, believers today are called to a life of consecration, set apart for God's purposes through the work of Christ. Our participation in the "holy things" of God, such as the study of His Word, prayer, worship, and the sacraments, should be approached with awe and gratitude, recognizing the immense privilege of communion with a holy God. This verse challenges us to consider how seriously we take our own spiritual consecration and our role as a "royal priesthood" in offering spiritual sacrifices of praise and service. It prompts us to reflect on the boundaries of holiness in our lives and how we distinguish between the sacred and the common, ensuring our lives reflect the set-apart nature of those who belong to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the strictness of the Old Covenant's rules for approaching God, as seen in this verse, deepen your appreciation for the direct and gracious access we have to God through Christ today?**
* **In what specific ways can you, as a believer, practically live out your calling to be "consecrated and sanctified" for God's service in your daily life and interactions?**
* **What "holy things" in your life (e.g., your time, resources, spiritual disciplines, relationships) might you be treating too casually, and how can you cultivate greater reverence and intentionality toward them?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important that only the priests ate these specific offerings?**

Answer: It was crucial because the offerings were "holy" (`H6944 (qôdesh)`), meaning they were set apart for God's exclusive use and were instrumental in making atonement and consecrating the priests. Eating these portions was not just a meal but a sacred act of participation in the atoning work and a profound symbol of the priests' unique, divinely appointed status. Only those consecrated by God could partake without incurring divine wrath, as seen in the tragic example of [Nadab and Abihu](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire"). Their eating signified their acceptance into a covenant relationship with God and their fitness to serve as mediators for the people, ensuring the sanctity of the ritual and the divine order.

**What does "wherewith the atonement was made" mean in practical terms?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the specific sacrifices—a bull for a sin offering and two rams for burnt and ordination offerings—whose blood was sprinkled and parts were burned on the altar to purify and reconcile Aaron and his sons. The "atonement" (Hebrew: `H3722 (kâphar)`) involved covering their sins and making them acceptable to God for their priestly duties. The portions they ate were the remaining parts of these very sacrifices, symbolizing their full identification with the atoning work and their reception of its benefits, making them ritually clean and consecrated for service. It was a tangible sign of their purification and divine acceptance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 29:33, with its emphasis on priestly consecration through atoning sacrifices and exclusive participation in holy things, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament priests, by partaking of the sacrifices, were consecrated to mediate between God and humanity; yet, their atonement was temporary and had to be repeated continually. Jesus, however, is the [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") who offered Himself as the [perfect, once-for-all sacrifice](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Single Sacrifice") for sin, making a complete and eternal atonement. Through His blood, He not only consecrated Himself but also consecrated all who believe, granting them direct access to God's presence, as profoundly declared in [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Our Access to God Through Christ"). We, as believers, are now a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), spiritually partaking in Christ's atoning work through faith. Our "eating" is not of animal sacrifices, but of the spiritual nourishment found in Christ, the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), and in the sacrament of communion, where we symbolically partake of His body and blood, remembering His ultimate sacrifice that made us holy and brought us into an eternal covenant with God. The exclusion of the "stranger" in the Old Covenant highlighted the profound holiness of God and the strict boundaries for approaching Him; in the New Covenant, through Christ, all who believe are no longer strangers or foreigners but are brought near and made fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household ([Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19-20 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")), consecrated to God by His boundless grace.

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 18:4

And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you.

Numbers 3:10

And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

Leviticus 22:10

¶ There shall no stranger eat [of] the holy thing: a sojourner of the priest, or an hired servant, shall not eat [of] the holy thing.

Leviticus 22:13

But if the priest's daughter be a widow, or divorced, and have no child, and is returned unto her father's house, as in her youth, she shall eat of her father's meat: but there shall no stranger eat thereof.

1 Corinthians 11:26

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

Leviticus 10:13

And ye shall eat it in the holy place, because it [is] thy due, and thy sons' due, of the sacrifices of the LORD made by fire: for so I am commanded.

Leviticus 10:18

Behold, the blood of it was not brought in within the holy [place]: ye should indeed have eaten it in the holy [place], as I commanded.