Exodus 29:18
ESV
and burn the whole ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the Lord. It is a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the Lord.
NIV
Then burn the entire ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the Lord, a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the Lord.
NASB
And you shall offer up in smoke the whole ram on the altar; it is a burnt offering to the Lord: it is a soothing aroma, an offering by fire to the Lord.
CSB
Then burn the whole ram on the altar; it is a burnt offering to the Lord. It is a pleasing aroma, a fire offering to the Lord.
NLT
then burn the entire animal on the altar. This is a burnt offering to the Lord; it is a pleasing aroma, a special gift presented to the Lord.
KJV
And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the Lord: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the Lord.
NKJV
And you shall burn the whole ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the Lord; it is a sweet aroma, an offering made by fire to the Lord.
What does Exodus 29:18 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Exodus 29; verse-level content coming soon!Exodus 29:15–28 explains the sacrifice of two rams. This is part of the Lord's commands for Moses to consecrate Israel's first priests under the Mosaic covenant. The first ram is cut into pieces and burnt entirely on the altar (Exodus 27:1). Blood from the second ram is applied to Aaron and his sons (Exodus 40:13–15). The second ram's organs are handled in various ways.
God will establish Aaron as the first high priest. Aaron's sons will begin serving in a hereditary priesthood (Exodus 40:13–15; Numbers 3:10). In this passage, the Lord gives Moses detailed instructions about how to consecrate this new priesthood. The ritual involves several sacrificial animals and the application of blood. These physical rituals and objects remind Israel of God's loving works on their behalf.
