Exodus 29:36

KJV

And thou shalt offer every day a bullock [for] a sin offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atonement for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt offer {H6213} every day {H3117} a bullock {H6499} for a sin offering {H2403} for atonement {H3725}: and thou shalt cleanse {H2398} the altar {H4196}, when thou hast made an atonement {H3722} for it, and thou shalt anoint {H4886} it, to sanctify {H6942} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Each day, offer a young bull as a sin offering, besides the other offerings of atonement; offer the sin offering on the altar as your atonement for it; then anoint it to consecrate it.

Berean Standard Bible

Sacrifice a bull as a sin offering each day for atonement. Purify the altar by making atonement for it, and anoint it to consecrate it.

American Standard Version

And every day shalt thou offer the bullock of sin-offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou makest atonement for it; and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 29:36 meticulously outlines a critical daily ritual during the seven-day consecration of the Tabernacle altar. It mandates the offering of a bullock as a sin offering to achieve atonement, followed by the cleansing and anointing of the altar, thereby sanctifying it. This rigorous, repetitive process underscores the profound necessity of purification and reconciliation for any sacred object intended for divine service, ensuring the altar's absolute fitness to mediate between God and His people and to host His holy presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests and Altar"), a chapter dedicated to the elaborate seven-day ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons as priests, and the consecration of the Tabernacle and its associated furnishings. These instructions are part of a larger, divinely revealed blueprint for the construction and operation of the Tabernacle, detailed from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") onwards. The daily sin offering for the altar, as prescribed in [Exodus 29:36](/exodus/29-36 "Exodus 29:36 - Daily Altar Consecration"), serves as a foundational act of purification, preceding the establishment of the regular daily burnt offerings (Exodus 29:38-42). It powerfully emphasizes that even the instruments of worship, particularly the central altar where sacrifices would be made, required profound and sustained purification to be deemed acceptable and holy for divine service. This meticulous ritual establishes the sacred space essential for God's dwelling among His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, altars were ubiquitous in religious practices, serving as focal points for offerings and communication with various deities. However, Israel's altar, unlike those of surrounding pagan nations, was dedicated exclusively to Yahweh, the one true God, who is uniquely holy and transcendent. The concept of ritual purity was paramount in Israelite worship, reflecting God's absolute holiness and His demand for separation from anything defiling. The daily cleansing and anointing of the altar, as commanded in [Exodus 29:36](/exodus/29-36 "Exodus 29:36 - Daily Altar Consecration"), was not merely a symbolic act; it was a practical necessity to maintain the altar's sacred status in a world prone to impurity. It ensured that the space where God's presence was manifested and where atonement for sin occurred remained unblemished and set apart. This meticulous attention to detail distinguished Israel's worship, emphasizing that access to God was strictly on His terms, mediated through prescribed rituals and consecrated objects, thereby reinforcing His unique character among the nations.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 29:36 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **God's Holiness and Purity**, demanding that all who approach Him, and all objects used in His worship, be set apart and cleansed from defilement. This verse also highlights the theme of **Atonement and Reconciliation**, demonstrating that sin and impurity create a barrier that only divinely prescribed means can overcome, even for inanimate objects that facilitate worship. The repeated, daily nature of the ritual underscores the theme of **Ongoing Consecration and Maintenance**, implying that holiness is not a static state but a dynamic process requiring continuous effort and divine provision. Furthermore, it foreshadows the concept of **Mediation**, as the altar serves as the central point through which God's people can interact with Him, a role that finds its ultimate fulfillment later in redemptive history. These themes are foundational to understanding the covenant relationship established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Mount Sinai") and the subsequent instructions for life in God's presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cleanse (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** From H2398, this primitive root properly means "to miss," but figuratively and generally "to sin." Crucially, in its causative or intensive stems (like the Piel stem used here), it means "to purify from sin," "to de-sin," or "to purge." In this context, it refers to the ceremonial purification of the altar, treating it as if it were contaminated by ritual impurity, removing any taint that would violate God's holiness and render it unfit for sacred use.
* **Atonement (Hebrew, _kippur'_):** From H3725, this noun is derived from the verb _kâphar_ (H3722, "to cover, expiate"). It denotes "expiation" or "atonement." Here, it refers to the ritual act of making amends for impurity or defilement, thereby restoring a right relationship or condition. The bullock's sacrifice provides the means by which the altar's imperfections are "covered" or purged, making it acceptable for God's presence.
* **Sanctify (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** From H6942, this primitive root means "to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)." It signifies the act of setting something apart, making it holy, or consecrating it. The anointing of the altar formally dedicates it exclusively to God's purposes, transforming it from a common object into a sacred one, fit for communion with a holy God and for the reception of offerings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement":** This opening clause establishes the core command: a bullock must be offered daily. The purpose of this specific sacrifice is explicitly stated as a "sin offering" (chaṭṭâʼâh, H2403) for "atonement" (kippur, H3725). This highlights the continuous need for expiation and purification, even for an inanimate object, emphasizing the pervasive nature of impurity in a fallen world and the meticulous requirements for approaching a holy God. The "every day" aspect underscores the ongoing nature of this ritual during the seven-day consecration period.
* **"and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atonement for it":** This segment clarifies the direct effect and timing of the ritual. The act of "cleansing" (châṭâʼ, H2398, in its purifying sense) the altar is directly consequent upon the atonement achieved through the bullock's sacrifice. This demonstrates the foundational principle that ritual purity and acceptability before God are achieved through a divinely prescribed process of covering or purging impurity, making the altar ceremonially clean and fit for its sacred function.
* **"and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it":** This final clause describes the culminating act of consecration. Following the cleansing and atonement, the altar is to be "anointed" (mâshach, H4886). Anointing with oil, a recurring motif in Exodus for priests and Tabernacle elements, symbolized dedication, consecration, and the impartation of divine presence or authority. This act formally "sanctifies" (qâdash, H6942) the altar, setting it apart as holy and exclusively dedicated to God's service, thereby preparing it for its central role in mediating worship and sacrifice.

#### Literary Devices
The language of Exodus 29:36 is profoundly **prescriptive** and **ritualistic**, characteristic of the legal and cultic sections within the Pentateuch. It employs **repetition** of key concepts, particularly "atonement" (appearing twice), to underscore its absolute centrality to the consecration process and the continuous need for expiation. The phrase "every day" emphasizes the **daily necessity** and ongoing nature of purity and dedication, highlighting the persistent reality of impurity in the presence of God's holiness. **Symbolism** permeates the verse: the "bullock" represents a costly and significant sacrifice, its blood (implied by "sin offering" and "atonement") signifies life given for purification, and the "anointing" oil symbolizes divine setting apart, consecration, and empowerment for sacred service. The meticulous detail reflects the **divine precision** required for approaching God, underscoring His transcendent holiness and the serious, weighty nature of worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 29:36 profoundly illustrates the Old Testament's emphasis on God's absolute holiness and the pervasive nature of sin and impurity, necessitating divine provision for atonement. The daily purification of the altar, an inanimate object, underscores that even the *instruments* of worship must be ritually cleansed and consecrated to be fit for God's presence. This points to a deep theological understanding of sin's defiling nature and the constant need for God's gracious provision to maintain a sacred space for communion. The meticulous process of cleansing and sanctifying the altar, though temporary and repetitive, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect means by which God would definitively address sin and establish true, eternal holiness for His people. It lays the groundwork for understanding the once-for-all sacrifice to come.

* [Leviticus 16:30](/leviticus/16-30 "Leviticus 16:30 - Day of Atonement Ritual")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Call to Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The daily cleansing and sanctification of the altar in Exodus 29:36 offers a powerful spiritual lesson for believers today, even though the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ. The underlying principles of God's unyielding holiness, the defiling nature of sin, and the continuous need for purification and dedication remain profoundly relevant for the Christian life. Our hearts and lives are now the "altars" upon which we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices, presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")). This verse reminds us that spiritual purity is not a one-time event at conversion but an ongoing, dynamic process. Just as the physical altar needed daily cleansing to remain fit for God's presence, so too do we need to continually confess our sins, repent, and allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse and sanctify us. Our "anointing" comes from the indwelling Spirit of God, setting us apart for His divine purposes. This calls us to a life of intentional holiness, where our thoughts, words, and actions are continually yielded to God, ensuring our lives remain consecrated vessels for His glory and service, reflecting the purity He demands and provides.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the daily nature of the altar's cleansing challenge our understanding of ongoing spiritual purity in our own lives?**
* **In what ways do we, as believers, need to be "cleansed" and "sanctified" daily in our walk with God?**
* **What does it mean for our "altar" (our heart, our life) to be set apart exclusively for God's purposes, and how can we live this out practically?**

### FAQ

**Why was a "sin offering" needed for an inanimate object like the altar?**

Answer: The sin offering for the altar, as described in [Exodus 29:36](/exodus/29-36 "Exodus 29:36 - Daily Altar Consecration"), was not because the altar itself possessed moral sin. Rather, it was due to its integral role within a sacred system that interacted with sinful humanity. In the Israelite cultic understanding, sacred objects and spaces could become ritually defiled through contact with impurity or transgression, even inadvertently. The bullock as a sin offering served to ceremonially "de-sin" or purify the altar, purging it from any ritual contamination that might accrue, ensuring its absolute fitness for mediating between a holy God and His people. This concept is further elaborated in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - Day of Atonement Rituals"), where the high priest performs rituals to cleanse the sanctuary and its furnishings from the impurities and transgressions of the Israelites. It highlights God's demand for absolute purity in His dwelling place and in all that serves Him.

**What is the significance of the "daily" aspect of this ritual?**

Answer: The command to offer a sin offering "every day" for the altar underscores the pervasive and continuous nature of sin and impurity in the world, and consequently, the constant need for God's provision for atonement and purification. It signifies that holiness is not a static state achieved once, but a dynamic, ongoing process that requires continuous maintenance. For the Tabernacle, this daily ritual ensured that the sacred space remained consecrated and acceptable for God's presence and for the worship of His people. It also served as a constant reminder to the priests and the people of God's sustained grace and the ever-present reality of human fallibility, necessitating a continuous reliance on His prescribed means of cleansing. This daily rhythm ingrained in the people the profound truth that access to God was always by His grace and through His appointed means of purification.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 29:36, with its profound emphasis on the daily sin offering for the altar's atonement and sanctification, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The bullock offered "every day" as a temporary covering for sin powerfully foreshadows the "once for all" sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Unlike the Old Testament priests who had to repeatedly offer sacrifices that could only cover, not permanently remove, sin, Jesus, our great High Priest, offered Himself as the perfect and final sin offering, appearing "once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself" ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). His precious blood truly "cleanses us from all sin and unrighteousness" ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")), performing a complete and eternal atonement that the daily rituals could only anticipate. Through His single, perfect act of obedience and sacrifice, Christ "sanctified" us, setting us apart as holy and consecrated to God forever, by "the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctification Through Christ's Will")). He is not only the perfect sacrifice but also, metaphorically, the ultimate "altar" upon which God and humanity are eternally reconciled, and through Him, we are now invited to "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" into the very presence of God ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")).

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

Hebrews 10:11

And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

Hebrews 9:22

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

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.

Exodus 30:28

And the altar of burnt offering with all his vessels, and the laver and his foot.

Exodus 30:29

And thou shalt sanctify them, that they may be most holy: whatsoever toucheth them shall be holy.

Ezekiel 48:18

And the residue in length over against the oblation of the holy [portion shall be] ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward: and it shall be over against the oblation of the holy [portion]; and the increase thereof shall be for food unto them that serve the city.

Ezekiel 48:20

All the oblation [shall be] five and twenty thousand by five and twenty thousand: ye shall offer the holy oblation foursquare, with the possession of the city.