Exodus 29:27-28
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The verse highlights that both the "breast" of the wave offering and the "thigh" of the heave offering from the ordination ram were specifically consecrated. This indicates that distinct parts of the sacrifice held special significance, not just as food for the priests, but as sacred portions set apart by God for their enduring role.
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’. It shall be for Aaron and his sons as a perpetual due from the people of Israel, for it is a contribution. It shall be a contribution from the people of Israel from their peace offerings, their contribution to the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of the detailed instructions for consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests. It describes specific portions of the "ram of ordination," namely the breast and the thigh, which were waved and heaved as offerings. These parts, after being consecrated, were designated as the priests' perpetual portion, signifying their share in the offerings presented to the Lord.
Why were specific parts of the ordination ram set aside for the priests? It wasn't just a meal, but a powerful symbol of their calling.
In Exodus 29:27, the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the heave offering from the ordination ram are consecrated. This wasn't just about assigning food; it was a tangible representation of the priests' new identity and responsibilities.
The Wave and Heave Offerings
A Priestly Inheritance
These specific portions became the priests' permanent share, a
The priests didn't just offer the sacrifice; they ate from it. What does this intimate connection reveal about their role?
Exodus 29:27 highlights that the consecrated breast and thigh were not just for God but also became the priests' portion. This points to a profound truth: service to God often involves a participatory, even intimate, relationship with Him.
Participating in the Sacred
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A Foretaste of Grace
This shared meal was a foretaste of the ongoing relationship between God and His consecrated servants. It was a sign that those who serve Him are welcomed into His presence and partake in His provision.
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.
shelem · Hebrew Noun
A sacrifice characterized by fellowship, gratitude, or the fulfillment of a vow, where the offerer, God, and the priest each received a portion, symbolizing peace and covenantal communion between God and His people.
This passage reiterates that the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the heave offering are the perpetual portions for the priests, directly linking to the specific parts mentioned in Exodus 29:27.
Hebrews 7:26This New Testament passage speaks of Jesus as a High Priest who is holy, blameless, and separate from sinners, highlighting the spiritual perfection required for priestly mediation, a concept underscored by the ceremonial purity and specific portions assigned to the Old Testament priests in Exodus 29:27.
Exodus 29:22This verse details the 'right shoulder' being part of the ram of consecration, which is then further specified as the 'shoulder of the heave offering' in Exodus 29:27, showing the specific liturgical actions associated with each part.
1 Corinthians 10:18This passage discusses Israel after the flesh eating the sacrifices, connecting the participation in sacrificial meals to fellowship. Exodus 29:27's mention of the priests' portion from the ram of consecration points to the sacred meal that set them apart for ministry and their relationship with God.
Philippians 4:18Paul describes sacrifices and offerings as a 'fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.' Exodus 29:27 is part of the consecration ritual where specific portions of the sacrifice were set apart, representing a pleasing devotion to God that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's sacrifice.
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…
The verse highlights that both the "breast" of the wave offering and the "thigh" of the heave offering from the ordination ram were specifically consecrated. This indicates that distinct parts of the sacrifice held special significance, not just as food for the priests, but as sacred portions set apart by God for their enduring role.
This passage is part of the detailed instructions for consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests. It describes specific portions of the "ram of ordination," namely the breast and the thigh, which were waved and heaved as offerings. These parts, after being consecrated, were designated as the priests' perpetual portion, signifying their share in the offerings presented to the Lord.
This passage is part of the detailed instructions for consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests. It describes specific portions of the "ram of ordination," namely the breast and the thigh, which were waved and heaved as offerings. These parts, after being consecrated, were designated as the priests' perpetual portion, signifying their share in the offerings presented to the Lord.
"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’. It shall be for Aaron and his sons as a perpe…" — The verse highlights that both the "breast" of the wave offering and the "thigh" of the heave offering from the ordination ram were specifically consecrated. This indicates that distinct parts of the…
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Last reviewed October 2026
