Exodus 29:33
And they shall eat those things wherewith the atonement was made, to consecrate and to sanctify them: but a stranger shall not eat thereof, because they are holy.
Original Language Analysis
אֹתָם֙
H853
אֹתָם֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
כֻּפַּ֣ר
those things wherewith the atonement was made
H3722
כֻּפַּ֣ר
those things wherewith the atonement was made
Strong's:
H3722
Word #:
4 of 16
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
לְמַלֵּ֥א
to consecrate
H4390
לְמַלֵּ֥א
to consecrate
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
6 of 16
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יָדָ֖ם
H3027
יָדָ֖ם
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
8 of 16
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
לְקַדֵּ֣שׁ
and to sanctify
H6942
לְקַדֵּ֣שׁ
and to sanctify
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
9 of 16
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
אֹתָ֑ם
H853
אֹתָ֑ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְזָ֥ר
them but a stranger
H2114
וְזָ֥ר
them but a stranger
Strong's:
H2114
Word #:
11 of 16
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
14 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
The seven-day period required priests to remain at the tabernacle entrance day and night, repeating sacrificial rituals daily. This intensive preparation demonstrated that priestly service demanded total commitment and thorough consecration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does remaining 'at the tabernacle entrance' picture abiding in Christ?
- What does seven-day consecration teach about the completeness of preparation God requires?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The seven-day consecration period represents complete, perfect preparation (seven = completeness). Aaron and his sons must remain at the tabernacle entrance throughout, unable to leave, fully devoted to consecration. This prefigures how believers, once called to Christ, must remain in Him continually—not part-time but full devotion. The daily repetition of sacrifices emphasizes that consecration requires ongoing renewal, ultimately fulfilled in Christ's once-for-all sacrifice.