Leviticus 8:27 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 8:27 mean?

Leviticus 8:27 describes a ceremony in which Moses places portions of food on the hands of Aaron and his sons and presents them before the LORD. The action takes place as Aaron and his sons are being appointed to serve as priests, people who handle offerings and other duties at Israel’s place of worship.

The food includes portions of a ram and bread described in verses 25–26. The men’s hands hold these items as they are presented as a “wave offering,” an offering marked by a ceremonial movement.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 8:27

• “hands” — כַּף (kaf): The word often means the palm of the hand. It helps picture Aaron and his sons holding the portions placed on them.
• “waved” — נוּף (nuf): The word carries the sense of moving something back and forth or presenting it with a movement. Here, the movement marks the food as an offering presented before the LORD.
• “before” — פָּנִים (panim): This word can mean “face” or “presence.” The phrase “before the LORD” presents the ceremony as taking place in God’s presence.

Why Leviticus 8:27 matters

• Aaron and his sons take part in their own appointment. Moses puts the portions on their hands, rather than simply holding the portions himself.
• The ceremony involves both presentation and burning. After the wave offering in verse 27, Moses takes the portions from their hands and burns them on the altar in verse 28.