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.
EXODUS 29:36KJVWhat does Exodus 29:36 mean?
Exodus 29:36 commands that a bull be offered every day as a sin offering to make atonement, and that the altar itself be cleansed and anointed to set it apart as holy. This verse describes part of the instructions God gives Moses for dedicating the altar and preparing it for use in Israel’s worship.
God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving detailed instructions for the consecration of the priests and the altar. The daily offering of a bull as a sin offering is meant to deal with sin and impurity, while cleansing and anointing the altar shows that even the objects used for worship need to be made holy for God’s service.
The Hebrew behind Exodus 29:36
- "Sin offering" is חַטָּאָה (ḥaṭṭā’āh, H2403), which refers specifically to a sacrifice meant to address sin and restore a right relationship with God. This highlights that the altar itself, not just the people, needed purification.
- "Atonement" is כִּפֶּר (kippēr, H3722), meaning to cover or make reconciliation. The use of this word shows that the ritual was about more than just a symbolic act; it was understood as actually dealing with the problem of sin.
- "Cleanse" is חָטָא (ḥāṭā’, H2398), which can mean to purify or remove sin. This word emphasizes that the altar required a special process to be made fit for holy use.
- "Sanctify" is קָדַשׁ (qāḏaš, H6942), meaning to set apart as holy. The altar was not just cleaned but was dedicated for a special, sacred purpose.
Why Exodus 29:36 matters
- Exodus 29:36 clarifies that even the altar, a central object in worship, needed atonement and cleansing before it could be used, showing the seriousness of approaching God.
- The verse connects the daily sacrifice with the ongoing need for atonement, not just a one-time event, which sets the pattern for Israel’s worship practices.
- This instruction is part of a larger section about priestly consecration, helping the reader see how every part of Israel’s worship—people and objects alike—was to be made holy and distinct for God.