And Moses took the breast, and waved it for a wave offering before the LORD: for of the ram of consecration it was Moses' part; as the LORD commanded Moses.

LEVITICUS 8:29KJV
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Leviticus 8:29 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 8:29 mean?

Leviticus 8:29 describes Moses taking the breast portion of the ram used in the ordination ceremony and presenting it as a special "wave offering" before God, following God’s instructions. This breast portion was set aside as Moses’ share from the ram of consecration, just as God had commanded him.

In this scene, Moses is carrying out the ritual to dedicate Aaron and his sons as priests, following detailed instructions from God. The "wave offering" involved moving the offering back and forth before God as a symbolic gesture of presenting it to Him. The verse highlights Moses’ obedience and the special role of the offering in the ordination process, showing how each part of the ceremony had a specific meaning and purpose.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 8:29

  • "Wave offering" is תְּנוּפָה (tenufah), which refers to an offering lifted or moved back and forth before God. This action set the offering apart and symbolized giving it to God, even though part of it was kept for the priest.
  • "Breast" is חָזֶה (chazeh), the specific part of the animal designated for this ritual. This detail shows that not just any portion, but a particular, meaningful piece was used.
  • "Consecration" is מִלֻּאִים (milluim), which means "filling" or "ordination," referring to the ceremony that "fills the hands" of the new priests, symbolizing their new duties and authority.

Why Leviticus 8:29 matters

  • This verse clarifies that every part of the ordination ceremony had a set purpose, and Moses followed God’s instructions exactly, showing the importance of obedience in worship.
  • The mention of the "wave offering" and Moses’ share highlights how some offerings were both dedicated to God and provided for the priests, connecting worship with the practical needs of those serving.
  • Understanding the ritual details helps make sense of the larger process of setting apart Aaron and his sons as priests, showing how their role was established through specific, meaningful actions.

Where else these words appear

“breast” Hebrew H2373 · used in 12 verses

  • 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.
  • Leviticus 7:31 And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar: but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'.
  • Leviticus 10:14 And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place; thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: for they be thy due, and thy sons' due, which are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.

“part” Hebrew H4490 · used in 14 verses

  • 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.
  • 1 Samuel 9:23 And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.
  • Esther 2:9 And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.

“consecration” Hebrew H4394 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 25:7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.
  • Exodus 29:31 And thou shalt take the ram of the consecration, and seethe his flesh in the holy place.
  • Leviticus 8:22 And he brought the other ram, the ram of consecration: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.

“offering” Hebrew H8573 · used in 28 verses

  • 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.
  • Leviticus 9:21 And the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved for a wave offering before the LORD; as Moses commanded.
  • Numbers 6:20 And the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the LORD: this is holy for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder: and after that the Nazarite may drink wine.