Exodus 29:17
And thou shalt cut the ram in pieces, and wash the inwards of him, and his legs, and put them unto his pieces, and unto his head.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶ֨ת
H853
וְאֶ֨ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָאַ֔יִל
the ram
H352
הָאַ֔יִל
the ram
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
קִרְבּוֹ֙
the inwards
H7130
קִרְבּוֹ֙
the inwards
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
וּכְרָעָ֔יו
of him and his legs
H3767
וּכְרָעָ֔יו
of him and his legs
Strong's:
H3767
Word #:
7 of 12
the leg (from the knee to the ankle) of men or locusts (only in the dual)
וְנָֽתַתָּ֥
and put
H5414
וְנָֽתַתָּ֥
and put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
The burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah, 'that which ascends') was one of Israel's primary sacrifices, representing voluntary dedication to God. Unlike sin offerings (which addressed guilt), burnt offerings expressed worshipful consecration.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Christ give Himself 'completely' (burnt offering) rather than partially?
- What does it mean that your worship ascends to God 'through Christ'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The burnt offering represents complete dedication to God—the entire animal consumed by fire, ascending as sweet savor to the LORD. This prefigures Christ's total self-offering, holding nothing back, His life completely devoted to God's glory. The fire consuming the offering pictures divine acceptance—God receives Christ's sacrifice with pleasure. Our worship, offered through Christ, also ascends as fragrant offering acceptable to God.