Exodus 29:19 (KJV)

What does Exodus 29:19 mean?

Exodus 29:19 describes how Moses is to take the second ram during the ceremony to set apart Aaron and his sons as priests, and Aaron and his sons are to place their hands on the head of this ram. This act is part of a ritual that symbolizes transferring responsibility or identification with the animal being offered.

In this verse, God is instructing Moses about the steps for ordaining Aaron and his sons for priestly service. The ceremony involves a series of sacrifices, and here, the focus is on the second ram. By placing their hands on the ram’s head, Aaron and his sons are publicly connecting themselves with the offering, which is a key part of the ordination process described in this chapter.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 29:19

• "take" (לָקַח, laqach): This word means to take, seize, or receive. Here, it shows Moses’ active role in handling the sacrificial animal, emphasizing his responsibility in carrying out God’s instructions.
• "put" (סָמַךְ, samakh): This verb means to lay or press, often used for the act of laying hands on a sacrifice. It suggests a deliberate, meaningful action, not just a light touch, highlighting the seriousness of the ritual.
• "hands" (יָד, yad): The use of the plural “hands” shows that the act involves the full participation of Aaron and his sons, not just a symbolic gesture by one person.
• "head" (רֹאשׁ, rosh): Placing hands on the head of the ram points to identification and transfer, making clear that the animal is being set apart for a specific purpose connected to those laying hands on it.

Why Exodus 29:19 matters

• This verse clarifies that the ordination of priests involved more than just words or clothing; it required specific actions that symbolized dedication and responsibility.
• The detail about Aaron and his sons placing their hands on the ram highlights the communal and representative nature of priesthood—they are acting together, not as individuals.
• Understanding this ritual helps make sense of later references to sacrifices and ordination in the Bible, showing how these practices were rooted in clear, concrete actions commanded by God.