Leviticus 8:30

KJV

And Moses took of the anointing oil, and of the blood which [was] upon the altar, and sprinkled [it] upon Aaron, [and] upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon his sons' garments with him; and sanctified Aaron, [and] his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} took {H3947} of the anointing {H4888} oil {H8081}, and of the blood {H1818} which was upon the altar {H4196}, and sprinkled {H5137} it upon Aaron {H175}, and upon his garments {H899}, and upon his sons {H1121}, and upon his sons {H1121}' garments {H899} with him; and sanctified {H6942} Aaron {H175}, and his garments {H899}, and his sons {H1121}, and his sons {H1121}' garments {H899} with him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe took some of the anointing oil and some of the blood which was on the altar and sprinkled it on Aharon and his clothing, and on his sons with him and their clothing, and consecrated Aharon and his clothing together with his sons and their clothing.

Berean Standard Bible

Next, Moses took some of the anointing oil and some of the blood that was on the altar and sprinkled them on Aaron and his garments, and on his sons and their garments. So he consecrated Aaron and his garments, as well as Aaron’s sons and their garments.

American Standard Version

And Moses took of the anointing oil, and of the blood which was upon the altar, and sprinkled it upon Aaron, upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon his sons’ garments with him, and sanctified Aaron, his garments, and his sons, and his sons’ garments with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 8:30 marks the climactic moment in the seven-day ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons, where Moses, acting under divine instruction, applies a unique mixture of holy anointing oil and sacrificial blood to them and their priestly garments. This precise act of sprinkling served as the ultimate ritual of purification, consecration, and empowerment, definitively setting them apart as holy to the Lord for their sacred duties in the Tabernacle. The verse underscores the absolute necessity of divine cleansing and spiritual endowment for all who are called to serve God in a priestly capacity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 8 meticulously details the elaborate ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons, fulfilling the divine commands given in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Ordination of Priests"). Prior to this verse, the foundational steps of their consecration have been completed: they were ritually washed ([Leviticus 8:6](/leviticus/8-6 "Leviticus 8:6 - Washing of the Priests")), clothed in their sacred priestly vestments ([Leviticus 8:7-9](/leviticus/8-7-9 "Leviticus 8:7-9 - Robing of Aaron")), and Aaron himself was anointed with the holy oil, consecrating the Tabernacle and its furnishings along with him ([Leviticus 8:10-12](/leviticus/8-10-12 "Leviticus 8:10-12 - Anointing of Aaron and the Tabernacle")). Following these preparations, a series of sacrifices were offered: a sin offering for atonement ([Leviticus 8:14-17](/leviticus/8-14-17 "Leviticus 8:14-17 - Sin Offering for Priests")), a burnt offering for dedication ([Leviticus 8:18-21](/leviticus/8-18-21 "Leviticus 8:18-21 - Burnt Offering for Priests")), and crucially, the ram of consecration ([Leviticus 8:22-29](/leviticus/8-22-29 "Leviticus 8:22-29 - Ram of Consecration")). The blood used in [Leviticus 8:30](/leviticus/8-30 "Leviticus 8:30 - Sprinkling of Oil and Blood") is specifically from this ram, portions of which had already been applied to their right ear, thumb, and big toe, symbolizing the dedication of their faculties and actions to God. This final sprinkling of oil and blood on their persons and garments represents the comprehensive, culminating act of purification and sanctification, making them fully consecrated and ready for their sacred office.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ordination of the Aaronic priesthood was a pivotal event in Israel's history, establishing the divinely appointed mediators between a holy God and His covenant people. This elaborate ceremony took place at the newly constructed Tabernacle, which served as the central locus of God's presence and worship during Israel's wilderness journey. The meticulous nature of the ritual, particularly the specific application of oil and blood, underscored the profound holiness of God and the absolute necessity for purity in those who would draw near to Him in service. While various ancient Near Eastern cultures practiced anointing and blood rituals for setting apart individuals or objects, Israel's rituals were unique in their divine origin, ethical demands, and deep theological significance, emphasizing atonement and divine empowerment. The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its priestly service, found in [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-40 - Tabernacle Construction and Dedication") and [Leviticus 1-10](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1-10 - Laws of Sacrifice and Priesthood"), highlight God's desire for a holy people and a structured, holy means for them to approach Him. The priests were not mere functionaries but living symbols of Israel's relationship with a holy God, requiring a level of consecration that transcended mere human appointment or cultural custom.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 8:30 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and His demand for holiness from those who serve Him and draw near to Him. The elaborate rituals underscore that access to God is not casual but requires meticulous preparation and divine enablement. Closely related is the theme of **Mediation**, as the priests are consecrated to serve as intermediaries between God and Israel, facilitating atonement and worship. The verse highlights the **Divine Appointment and Consecration** of those called to sacred service, demonstrating that such roles are not self-chosen but divinely instituted and empowered. Finally, the combined use of blood and oil powerfully illustrates the dual nature of **Atonement and Empowerment**: blood for cleansing from sin and oil for spiritual anointing and enablement. These themes are foundational to understanding Israel's worship and foreshadow greater spiritual realities in the New Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sprinkled (Hebrew, _nâzâh'_):** This verb (H5137) signifies a ritual act of purification or consecration by scattering or dashing liquid, often blood or oil. It implies a deliberate, controlled application rather than a mere pouring. Throughout the Old Testament, "sprinkling" is crucial for purification from defilement (e.g., [Leviticus 14:7](/leviticus/14-7 "Leviticus 14:7 - Cleansing from Leprosy")) and for covenant ratification (e.g., [Exodus 24:8](/exodus/24-8 "Exodus 24:8 - Blood of the Covenant")). Here, it symbolizes the comprehensive cleansing and setting apart of the priests for their holy office, permeating their very being and their representative garments.
* **Sanctified (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** This verb (H6942) means "to make holy," "to set apart," "to consecrate," or "to dedicate." It implies a transition from a common or profane state to a sacred one, exclusively reserved for God's purposes. The repetition of "sanctified Aaron, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments" emphasizes the thoroughness and totality of this divine act of setting apart. It is not merely a ceremonial act but a declaration of their new status and purpose in God's service, enabling them to mediate between a holy God and His people without incurring divine wrath.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** This noun (H1818) refers to the life fluid, which, when shed, signifies death and atonement. In the Mosaic covenant, blood was central to purification and expiation, as "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins" ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Purification by Blood")). In Leviticus 8:30, the blood taken from the altar—specifically from the ram of consecration—symbolizes the atoning sacrifice that cleanses from impurity and makes the priests acceptable to God. Its application signifies that their fitness for service is rooted in a life offered in sacrifice, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses took of the anointing oil, and of the blood which [was] upon the altar":** This clause highlights Moses' indispensable role as the divinely appointed mediator, faithfully executing God's precise instructions. The "anointing oil" (Hebrew: _shemen mishchâh_) represents divine presence, empowerment by the Holy Spirit, and the setting apart for a specific, sacred task. The "blood which was upon the altar" signifies atonement, purification, and the life offered in sacrifice. The combination of these two potent elements underscores that the priests' sanctification was a dual process involving both cleansing from sin and empowerment for sacred service.
* **"and sprinkled [it] upon Aaron, [and] upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon his sons' garments with him":** This describes the precise and comprehensive application of the mixture. The sprinkling "upon Aaron" and "upon his sons" indicates their personal purification and consecration, affecting their very being. The simultaneous sprinkling "upon his garments" and "upon his sons' garments" signifies that their official representation, their authority, and every aspect of their priestly function were also made holy and set apart. This meticulous, comprehensive application ensured that their entire person and public ministry were consecrated to God, leaving no part untouched by the sacred act.
* **"and sanctified Aaron, [and] his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him":** This concluding clause states the divine outcome and purpose of the sprinkling: the priests and their official attire were officially made holy. The repetition of "sanctified" for both the individuals and their garments emphasizes the thoroughness and totality of the consecration. This act officially declared them holy, clean, and fit for service, enabling them to approach God, minister in the Tabernacle, and mediate on behalf of the people without incurring divine judgment or defilement. It was a declaration of their new, sacred status.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "anointing oil" representing divine presence, empowerment by the Holy Spirit, and the setting apart for a sacred task, while the "blood" symbolizes atonement, purification, and the life offered in sacrifice. Their combined application underscores a holistic consecration involving both cleansing from impurity and divine enablement for service. **Repetition** is also a key device, evident in the phrase "upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon his sons' garments with him," which is echoed in the concluding statement, "and sanctified Aaron, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him." This repetition emphasizes the comprehensive and thorough nature of the consecration, ensuring that every aspect of the priests' persons and their official roles was set apart for God. The meticulous detail in the description of the ritual also highlights the **precision** and **sacredness** required in approaching a holy God, reinforcing the gravity of their office and the divine origin of the ritual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 8:30 powerfully illustrates the theological principles of divine appointment, the absolute necessity of purification for holy service, and the dual nature of consecration—involving both cleansing from sin and empowerment by God's Spirit. The combination of blood and oil signifies that access to God and fitness for His service are not based on human merit or effort but on a divinely ordained process of atonement and spiritual endowment. This act sets a foundational precedent for all who would draw near to God, emphasizing that holiness is an indispensable prerequisite for communion and ministry. The meticulousness of the ritual underscores God's absolute holiness and His unwavering demand for purity in those who represent Him and minister in His presence.

* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Purification by Blood")
* [Exodus 40:13](/exodus/40-13 "Exodus 40:13 - Anointing of Aaron")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 8:30, though describing an ancient ritual, offers profound and enduring spiritual lessons for believers today. It reminds us that true service to God is not a human initiative but a divine calling, requiring a radical setting apart from the common and profane. Just as the Aaronic priests needed both the cleansing blood and the empowering oil, so too do we, as New Testament believers, rely entirely on the finished work of Christ's atoning blood for our purification from sin and the indwelling Holy Spirit for our empowerment and enablement for service. Our "garments"—our character, our actions, our words, and our public witness—must also reflect this ongoing consecration, demonstrating that our entire lives are set apart for God's glory. This verse challenges us to consider the seriousness of our calling as a "royal priesthood" and to live lives that are continually cleansed by Christ's sacrifice and empowered by the Spirit, reflecting the holiness of the God whom we serve in every sphere of influence. It calls us to a deeper commitment to purity and a greater reliance on divine enablement in all our spiritual endeavors.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I recognize and respond to God's divine appointment and calling in my life?**
* **How does the powerful symbolism of blood and oil in this verse deepen my appreciation for Christ's atoning work and the Holy Spirit's empowering presence in my sanctification?**
* **What "garments" (areas of my life, habits, or public persona) need to be more fully consecrated and brought under the purifying and empowering influence of God?**
* **How can I more intentionally live a "sanctified" life daily, reflecting God's holiness and relying on His Spirit in all my interactions and responsibilities?**

### FAQ

**Why were both oil and blood used in the consecration ceremony?**

Answer: The use of both oil and blood was absolutely crucial for a comprehensive and effective consecration of the priests. The blood, specifically from the ram of consecration and applied from the altar, symbolized atonement, purification, and the life given in sacrifice. Its application cleansed the priests from sin and made them ceremonially acceptable to a holy God. The anointing oil, on the other hand, symbolized divine empowerment, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the setting apart for a sacred purpose. Together, they signified that the priests were both purified from defilement and divinely equipped and empowered to fulfill their holy duties. This dual application highlighted that holiness for service requires both cleansing from sin and spiritual enablement, a principle reiterated in passages like [Leviticus 8:23-24](/leviticus/8-23-24 "Leviticus 8:23-24 - Application of Blood to Priests").

**What does it mean that Aaron and his sons were "sanctified"?**

Answer: To be "sanctified" (Hebrew: _qâdash_, H6942) means to be made holy, set apart, or consecrated for a sacred purpose. In the context of [Leviticus 8:30](/leviticus/8-30 "Leviticus 8:30 - Sprinkling of Oil and Blood"), it signifies that Aaron and his sons, through this elaborate ritual, transitioned from being ordinary men to being divinely appointed and dedicated priests. They were ceremonially purified and spiritually endowed, making them fit to serve in the Tabernacle and mediate between God and the Israelites. This act of sanctification was not merely an external cleansing but a profound declaration of their new, holy status before God, enabling them to perform their priestly functions without incurring divine judgment and to facilitate the worship of a holy God by His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 8:30, with its vivid imagery of blood and oil, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Aaronic priests, consecrated by the blood of animals and anointing oil, served as temporary types pointing to the one true High Priest, Jesus. Unlike the Levitical priests who required repeated purification and consecration for themselves and whose service was limited by death, Christ, as the perfect sacrifice and eternal High Priest, offered Himself "through the eternal Spirit" ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice"))—a profound fulfillment of the anointing oil's symbolism, signifying His divine empowerment and perfect anointing for His priestly office. His own precious blood, shed once for all on the cross, perfectly cleanses not only from ceremonial impurity but from all sin, making those who believe truly holy and eternally acceptable to God ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through His finished work, believers are no longer merely purified but are made part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), consecrated by the blood of the Lamb and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to draw near to God with confidence and offer spiritual sacrifices ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")). Thus, the meticulous ritual of Leviticus 8:30 powerfully foreshadows the comprehensive, eternal, and all-sufficient consecration achieved through Christ, who is both our perfect sacrifice and our perpetually anointed High Priest, granting us direct access to God.

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

Exodus 30:30

And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that [they] may minister unto me in the priest's office.

Numbers 3:3

These [are] the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office.

Exodus 29:21

And thou shalt take of the blood that [is] upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle [it] upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.

Leviticus 10:3

¶ Then Moses said unto Aaron, This [is it] that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

Hebrews 2:11

For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified [are] all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

Isaiah 61:3

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

1 John 2:27

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.