Leviticus 9:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And the breasts {H2373} and the right {H3225} shoulder {H7785} Aaron {H175} waved {H5130} for a wave offering {H8573} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}; as Moses {H4872} commanded {H6680}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The breasts and right thigh Aharon waved as a wave offering before ADONAI, as Moshe had ordered.

Berean Standard Bible

but he waved the breasts and the right thigh as a wave offering before the LORD, as Moses had commanded.

American Standard Version

and the breasts and the right thigh Aaron waved for a wave-offering before Jehovah; as Moses commanded.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 9:21 meticulously details a pivotal moment in Aaron's inaugural priestly service: the performance of the wave offering. This verse describes Aaron's precise execution of the ritual, presenting the designated portions—the breasts and the right shoulder—of the peace offering before the LORD, in strict conformity to the divine instructions mediated by Moses. It underscores the foundational principles of obedience to God's revealed will, the sanctity of worship, and the divine provision for the newly established priesthood, marking the culmination of the priestly consecration and the commencement of active Tabernacle ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 9 initiates the active ministry of Aaron and his sons, following their seven-day consecration detailed in [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"). This chapter describes the "eighth day," which signifies not merely a new day but the completion of a sacred cycle and the inauguration of a new covenantal reality—the official commencement of the Aaronic priesthood. Moses instructs Aaron and the elders on the specific sacrifices required for this momentous occasion, including a sin offering, a burnt offering, and a peace offering for both the priests and the community ([Leviticus 9:1-7](/leviticus/9-1-7 "Leviticus 9:1-7 - Instructions for the Inaugural Sacrifices")). The performance of these offerings culminates in the dramatic descent of divine fire upon the altar, consuming the sacrifices and signifying God's acceptance and the manifestation of His glory before all the people ([Leviticus 9:22-24](/leviticus/9-22-24 "Leviticus 9:22-24 - Divine Fire and God's Glory Appears")). Within this profound narrative, verse 21 specifically highlights the meticulous execution of the wave offering, a crucial component of the peace offering, emphasizing the precision required in approaching a holy God and the establishment of a covenant relationship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Leviticus 9 unfold at the base of Mount Sinai, a period marked by the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant and the construction of the Tabernacle, which served as the portable sanctuary for God's presence among His people. The elaborate sacrificial system, including the distinctive wave offering, was integral to Israel's identity as a holy nation set apart by Yahweh. The "wave offering" (Hebrew: _tĕnûphāh_) was a unique ritual gesture, involving the priest moving specific portions of the offering back and forth or up and down before the altar. This action symbolized the presentation of the offering to the LORD, acknowledging His ownership and sovereignty over all things, and often, the subsequent return of these portions to the priests as their designated sustenance. This practice, elaborated in passages such as [Leviticus 7:30-34](/leviticus/7-30-34 "Leviticus 7:30-34 - The Priests' Portion of the Peace Offering") and [Exodus 29:24-28](/exodus/29-24-28 "Exodus 29:24-28 - Wave Offering in Priestly Consecration"), ensured that the priests, who dedicated themselves entirely to Tabernacle service, were sustained by God's provision through the offerings of the people. The concluding phrase, "as Moses commanded," profoundly underscores the theocratic nature of Israelite society, where divine instruction, mediated through Moses, constituted the ultimate and unquestionable authority for all religious and communal life.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 9:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Authority and Human Obedience**. The repeated emphasis on "as Moses commanded" throughout the chapter highlights that acceptable worship and service to God must align precisely with His revealed will, not human invention. Another crucial theme is **Holiness and Atonement**. The meticulous performance of these rituals, including the wave offering, was essential for maintaining ritual purity and facilitating atonement, enabling a holy God to dwell among an unholy people. The chapter also strongly emphasizes **God's Provision for His Servants**. The specific portions of the peace offering designated as the priests' share, presented through the wave offering, illustrate God's faithfulness in sustaining those consecrated to His service ([Numbers 18:11](/numbers/18-11 "Numbers 18:11 - Priests' Share of Wave Offerings")). Finally, the entire sequence of sacrifices and the manifestation of God's glory foreshadow the **Covenant Relationship** between God and Israel, where God draws near to His people when they approach Him in the prescribed manner.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Waved (Hebrew, נוּף, _nûwph_):** This primitive root describes a dynamic, physical action of causing something to quiver, vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro. In the context of sacrificial offerings, _nûwph_ signifies a ceremonial presentation or dedication to the LORD. It is a visual and tactile act that formally brings the offering into God's presence, acknowledging His ownership and sanctifying the item. The action of waving conveyed a sense of bringing the offering from the offerer to God and, in some cases, from God back to the priest, symbolizing a transaction or an act of consecration.
* **Wave Offering (Hebrew, תְּנוּפָה, _tᵉnûwphâh_):** Derived directly from the verb _nûwph_, this noun refers to the specific offering that is presented through the act of waving. The _tᵉnûwphâh_ was a distinct category of offering, often associated with peace offerings and consecration rituals. Unlike burnt offerings, which were entirely consumed by fire, or sin offerings, which were partially consumed and partially eaten by priests, the wave offering had a unique disposition: after being presented to God through the waving motion, specific portions (like the breast and right shoulder) were then designated as the priests' sustenance. This practice underscored both the dedication of the offering to God and His gracious provision for His consecrated ministers.
* **Commanded (Hebrew, צָוָה, _tsâvâh_):** This verb means "to constitute, enjoin, or appoint." In the biblical context, particularly when God or His chosen mediator (like Moses) is the subject, it signifies a divine imperative, a direct and authoritative instruction or decree. The use of _tsâvâh_ here emphasizes that Aaron's actions were not arbitrary or self-initiated but were performed in strict obedience to a divinely ordained protocol. This highlights the absolute authority of God's word and the necessity of precise adherence to His revealed will for acceptable worship and service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the breasts and the right shoulder":** These specific anatomical portions were meticulously designated from the peace offering for the wave offering ritual. The breast (Hebrew: _châzeh_, H2373), often associated with the vital organs and the seat of emotion or life, and the right shoulder (Hebrew: _shôwq_, H7785), representing strength, power, and the primary limb for action, were considered prime cuts. Their selection for this sacred ritual underscored the principle of offering the best and most vital parts to God, symbolizing a complete dedication of life and strength.
* **"Aaron waved [for] a wave offering before the LORD;":** This clause describes the central action of the verse, performed by Aaron, the newly consecrated High Priest. The act of waving was a profound ritual, symbolizing the formal presentation of these choice portions to God in His holy presence within the Tabernacle. It was an act of worship, dedication, and an acknowledgment of God's supreme sovereignty over the sacrifice and the people. The phrase "before the LORD" (Hebrew: _pânîym_ H6440, _Yᵉhôvâh_ H3068) emphasizes the sacred space and the direct, personal nature of this offering to the covenant God of Israel, Yahweh.
* **"as Moses commanded.":** This concluding phrase is critically important, serving as an authoritative seal on the entire ritual. It affirms the divine origin and absolute authority behind the sacrificial system. Aaron's strict adherence to Moses' instructions (Hebrew: _Môsheh_ H4872, _tsâvâh_ H6680) signifies his obedience not merely to Moses, but to God Himself, who communicated His will through His chosen mediator. This obedience was paramount for the acceptance and efficacy of the offering, reinforcing the theological principle that true worship must align precisely with God's revealed will, rather than human innovation or preference.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 9:21, like much of the Pentateuchal law, is rich in **Ritual Language**, characterized by precise, prescriptive instructions for religious ceremonies. This meticulous detail emphasizes the absolute necessity of exact adherence to divine commands, leaving no room for human improvisation or deviation in worship. The recurring phrase "as Moses commanded" throughout Leviticus 9 and other legal texts functions as a powerful form of **Emphasis**, reinforcing the theme of divine authority and the paramount importance of obedience to God's revealed will. Furthermore, the specific animal parts—the breasts and the right shoulder—are imbued with profound **Symbolism**. The breast can symbolize the heart, life, or inner being, while the right shoulder represents strength, power, and active service. Their presentation in the wave offering thus symbolizes the offering of one's very core and capabilities to God. The entire sacrificial system itself, including the wave offering, operates as an elaborate **Typology**, foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the New Covenant realities of His atoning work and the spiritual sustenance He provides.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 9:21 powerfully encapsulates several enduring theological and thematic principles central to the Old Covenant and relevant for all believers. The meticulous performance of the wave offering, explicitly stated as being "as Moses commanded," underscores the foundational truth that acceptable worship and service to God are predicated on faithful obedience to His revealed will, not on human ingenuity or preference. This act also highlights God's gracious design for the sustenance of His consecrated servants, as the priests received specific portions of the offerings for their livelihood. The dynamic movement of the wave offering—presented to God and then returned to the priests—visually represented a profound spiritual transaction, symbolizing dedication to God and His reciprocal provision for those who minister in His name. It teaches that God both demands our best and generously provides for our needs.

* [Leviticus 7:30-34](/leviticus/7-30-34 "Leviticus 7:30-34 - The Priests' Portion of the Peace Offering")
* [Exodus 29:24-28](/exodus/29-24-28 "Exodus 29:24-28 - Wave Offering in Priestly Consecration")
* [Numbers 18:11](/numbers/18-11 "Numbers 18:11 - Priests' Share of Wave Offerings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 9:21, though describing an ancient ritual, offers profound and timeless insights for contemporary believers. It challenges us to examine the nature of our own obedience to God's Word. Just as Aaron's meticulous adherence to divine command was crucial for the acceptance of the offering and the manifestation of God's glory, so too is our faithful obedience central to our relationship with God and the efficacy of our spiritual worship. This is not about rigid legalism, but about recognizing God's supreme wisdom, authority, and love as expressed in His commands, whether in personal ethics, relational dynamics, or corporate expressions of faith. The provision for the priests through the wave offering also serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness to sustain those who serve Him, whether in vocational ministry or through their daily callings in the marketplace and family. Our worship today, transformed by the finished work of Christ, should still be marked by profound reverence, intentionality, and a deep recognition of God's holiness, knowing that He has provided the perfect and final sacrifice for our access to Him. We are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is our spiritual act of worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I called to demonstrate meticulous obedience to God's commands, even when the reasons or outcomes are not immediately apparent to me?**
* **How does the principle of God's faithful provision for His servants, as illustrated by the wave offering, encourage me to trust Him more fully in my own service and daily needs?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence, intentionality, and wholeheartedness in my personal and corporate worship, recognizing the holiness of God and the perfection of Christ's sacrifice?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the "wave offering" in ancient Israelite worship?**

Answer: The wave offering (Hebrew: _tᵉnûphâh_) was a distinctive ritual gesture involving the priest moving specific portions of a sacrifice (such as the breasts and right shoulder of a peace offering) back and forth or up and down before the LORD. Its primary purpose was to symbolize the dedication, presentation, and formal consecration of these portions to God, acknowledging His supreme ownership and sovereignty over the offering and, by extension, over all of creation. Uniquely, after this symbolic presentation to God, these portions were then given back to the priests as their rightful sustenance, signifying God's gracious provision for those who served Him in the Tabernacle. This ritual is detailed in various passages, including [Leviticus 7:30-34](/leviticus/7-30-34 "The Priests' Share of the Peace Offering") and [Exodus 29:24-28](/exodus/29-24-28 "Wave Offering in Priestly Consecration").

**Why were "the breasts and the right shoulder" specifically designated for the wave offering?**

Answer: The breasts and the right shoulder were not arbitrary choices but specific, choice portions of the peace offering, imbued with symbolic significance. The breast was often associated with the heart, symbolizing life, vitality, and the inner being. The right shoulder represented strength, power, and the primary limb for action and service. By designating these particular parts, the ritual emphasized that the most significant, vital, and powerful aspects of the offering were being presented to God. Their subsequent return to the priests underscored the idea that God, in His generosity and faithfulness, provides the best for His consecrated servants, allowing them to partake of the sacred meal as a sign of communion, honor, and sustenance. This practice is consistently mentioned in the Mosaic Law, for example, in [Leviticus 7:34](/leviticus/7-34 "The Priests' Entitlement to the Wave Offering").

**What is the significance of the phrase "as Moses commanded" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "as Moses commanded" is profoundly significant and appears repeatedly throughout the accounts of the Tabernacle's construction and the inauguration of priestly service. It primarily emphasizes the divine origin and absolute authority of the entire sacrificial system and all related rituals. Moses served as God's chosen mediator, receiving direct and precise instructions from the LORD. Therefore, Aaron's strict adherence to Moses' commands signifies his obedience not merely to a human leader, but to God Himself. This highlights a foundational principle of Old Covenant worship: its efficacy, acceptance, and blessing by God depended entirely on precise conformity to His revealed will, not on human innovation, convenience, or preference. This theme of faithful obedience to divine command is paramount throughout the Pentateuch, as seen in passages like [Exodus 40:16](/exodus/40-16 "Moses' Obedience in Setting Up the Tabernacle") and [Numbers 3:16](/numbers/3-16 "Moses' Obedience in Numbering the Levites").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 9:21, with its detailed account of Aaron's obedient performance of the wave offering, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The meticulous obedience of Aaron, "as Moses commanded," serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the perfect and singular obedience of Christ, who declared that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Unlike the Levitical priests who offered repeated sacrifices that could never truly take away sins, Jesus offered Himself once for all as the perfect, unblemished, and final sacrifice ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Single, Perfect Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Christ's Sacrifice Sanctifies Us")). His body, broken on the cross, was the ultimate "wave offering," presented to God on behalf of all humanity, not just symbolically but actually taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). As our Great High Priest, Jesus did not merely wave a portion of an animal; He presented His very life, a perfect offering without blemish. Through His glorious resurrection and ascension, He was "returned" to us, not as a portion for temporary sustenance, but as the living source of eternal life and our High Priest who ever lives to intercede for us in the heavenly sanctuary ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ's Eternal Intercession")). The divine fire that consumed the offerings in [Leviticus 9:24](/leviticus/9-24 "Divine Fire Consumes the Offerings"), signifying God's acceptance and presence, is beautifully echoed in the divine acceptance of Christ's sacrifice, culminating in His glorification and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which now enables all believers to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Him ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Spiritual Sacrifices Through Christ")) as a royal priesthood.

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 7:30

His own hands shall bring the offerings of the LORD made by fire, the fat with the breast, it shall he bring, that the breast may be waved [for] a wave offering before the LORD.

Leviticus 7:34

For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons by a statute for ever from among the children of Israel.

Exodus 29:24

And thou shalt put all in the hands of Aaron, and in the hands of his sons; and shalt wave them [for] a wave offering before the LORD.

Luke 2:13

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Leviticus 7:24

And the fat of the beast that dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn with beasts, may be used in any other use: but ye shall in no wise eat of it.

Leviticus 7:26

Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood, [whether it be] of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings.

Exodus 29:26

And thou shalt take the breast of the ram of Aaron's consecration, and wave it [for] a wave offering before the LORD: and it shall be thy part.