And you shall consecrate the breast of the wave offering that is waved and the thigh of the priests’ portion that is contributed from the ram of ordination, from what was Aaron’s and his sons’.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights a crucial, often overlooked detail: the consecration itself is the act that sets apart these specific parts of the ram as holy. It's not just about the act of waving or heaving, but about the divine decree that imbues them with sacred status for Aaron and his sons, establishing their permanent portion.
And you shall consecrate the breast of the wave offering that is waved and the thigh of the priests’ portion that is contributed from the ram of ordination, from what was Aaron’s and his sons’.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage describes specific instructions for the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests. Following the ritualistic killing of a ram and its consecration, portions of it were set aside as a permanent priestly entitlement: the breast from the wave offering and the thigh from the heave offering. These parts, symbolically presented to God, were then designated for Aaron and his descendants to eat, signifying their sacred role and portion in God's service.
Why were specific parts of the sacrifice given to the priests as their portion?
The consecration ram was a crucial part of setting apart Aaron and his sons for their holy duties. The text highlights the 'breast of the wave offering' and the 'thigh of the heave offering' as the priests' permanent portion.
What did the 'waving' and 'heaving' of the sacrifice truly signify for the priests?
The descriptive terms 'wave offering' and 'heave offering' refer to specific ritualistic movements. These actions weren't arbitrary; they communicated profound spiritual truths about the priests' new role.
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Understand the original words
terumah · Hebrew Noun
A material or symbolic object brought to the Lord to acknowledge His sovereignty, seek His favor, or express devotion; in this context, it refers to the portion of the peace offering designated for the priests.
This passage further clarifies that the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the heave offering were the designated portions for the priests, solidifying the perpetual right established in Exodus 29:27.
Hebrews 7:26-27This New Testament passage draws a parallel between the Old Testament priests' consecrated portions and the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is Himself holy, blameless, and set apart for us.
1 Corinthians 10:16-17Paul uses the concept of sharing in offerings to illustrate the believers' participation in Christ's sacrifice and the fellowship it brings, echoing the idea of a sacred portion set apart for those in service.
Exodus 29:22-25This immediately preceding section details the specific parts of the ram, including the shoulder and breast, that were part of the consecration ritual and then offered to the Lord, providing the context for the priests' portion.
clarkeExodus 29:27: "And thou shalt sanctify the breast of the wave offering, and the shoulder of the heave offering, which is waved, and which is heaved up, of the ram of the consecration, even of that which is for Aaron, and of that which is for his sons:"
The breast of the wave-offering, and the shoulder of the heave-offering - As the wave-offering was agitated to and fro, and the heave-offering up and down, some have conceived that this twofold action represented the figure of the cross, on which…
calvinExodus 29:1-35: "And this is the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,"
And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons.
Cingesque illos baltheo: Aharon et flios ejus, et aptabis eis pileos, et erit eis sacerdotium in statutum perp…
This verse highlights a crucial, often overlooked detail: the consecration itself is the act that sets apart these specific parts of the ram as holy. It's not just about the act of waving or heaving, but about the divine decree that imbues them with sacred status for Aaron and his sons, establishing their permanent portion.
This passage describes specific instructions for the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests. Following the ritualistic killing of a ram and its consecration, portions of it were set aside as a permanent priestly entitlement: the breast from the wave offering and the thigh from the heave offering. These parts, symbolically presented to God, were then designated for Aaron and his descendants to eat, signifying their sacred role and portion in God's service.
This passage describes specific instructions for the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests. Following the ritualistic killing of a ram and its consecration, portions of it were set aside as a permanent priestly entitlement: the breast from the wave offering and the thigh from the heave offering. These parts, symbolically presented to God, were then designated for Aaron and his descendants to eat, signifying their sacred role and portion in God's service.
"And you shall consecrate the breast of the wave offering that is waved and the thigh of the priests’ portion that is contributed from the ram of ordination, from what was Aaron’s and his sons’." — This verse highlights a crucial, often overlooked detail: the consecration itself is the act that sets apart these specific parts of the ram as holy. It's not just about the act of waving or heavin…
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Last reviewed October 2026