Exodus 29:39 (KJV)

What does Exodus 29:39 mean?

Exodus 29:39 gives instructions for offering one lamb in the morning and another in the evening as part of the daily sacrifices. This verse sets up a regular, twice-daily pattern of worship for the Israelites, showing that their relationship with God was meant to be ongoing and consistent.

In this passage, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving detailed directions for how Aaron and his sons, the priests, should carry out their duties at the tabernacle. The verse is part of a larger section about consecrating the priests and establishing regular offerings. The morning and evening sacrifices marked the rhythm of daily life and worship for Israel, emphasizing the importance of continual devotion.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 29:39

• "one" (אֶחָד, 'echad): This word means "one" or "single," highlighting that a specific, individual lamb was to be offered at each time, not just any number or group.
• "lamb" (כֶּבֶשׂ, keves): The word refers to a young sheep, which was considered a fitting and valuable offering in Israelite worship.
• "offer" (עָשָׂה, asah): While often translated as "do" or "make," here it is used in the sense of "present" or "offer" as a sacrifice, emphasizing the action of bringing the lamb to God.
• "morning" (בֹּקֶר, boqer) and "even" (עֶרֶב, erev): These words set the specific times for the sacrifices, anchoring worship in the daily cycle and making it a regular, repeated act.

Why Exodus 29:39 matters

• Exodus 29:39 clarifies that worship in ancient Israel was not just occasional or spontaneous, but structured and ongoing, with set times for offerings.
• The verse connects to the broader instructions about the priesthood and tabernacle, showing how daily sacrifices were central to Israel’s relationship with God.
• Understanding the regularity and timing of these offerings helps explain later references in the Bible to "morning and evening sacrifices," and sets a pattern that shaped Israelite worship for generations.