Bible Strands
Exodus 29:33
They must eat those things by which atonement was made for their ordination and consecration. But no outsider may eat them, because these things are sacred.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — God instructs Moses during the priestly ordination ceremony at the Tent of Meeting. He commands Aaron and his sons to consume the sacrificial portions designated for their consecration.
The words — כֻּפַּ֣ר (kippur) denotes the atonement accomplished through the sacrificial rites, while לְ/קַדֵּ֣שׁ (leqadesh) specifies the act of setting the priests apart for sacred service.
The thread — This restriction on sacred food recurs in Leviticus 10:13 and Leviticus 22:10, which forbid non-priests and outsiders from consuming priestly portions, and aligns with Numbers 18:4 regarding the exclusive duties and privileges of the priestly line.
Why it lands — The text establishes a strict boundary between consecrated priests and laypersons regarding sacred provisions. It demands recognition that access to holy things is governed by divine appointment, not personal claim.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Numbers 18:4 They are to join you and attend to the duties of the Tent of Meeting, doing all the work at the Tent; but no outsider may come near you.
- Leviticus 10:13 You shall eat it in a holy place, because it is your share and your sons’ share of the food offerings to the LORD; for this is what I have been commanded.
- Leviticus 22:10 No one outside a priest’s family may eat the sacred offering, nor may the guest of a priest or his hired hand eat it.
- Numbers 1:51 Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever it is to be pitched, the Levites are to set it up. Any outsider who goes near it must be put to death.
- Numbers 3:10 So you shall appoint Aaron and his sons to carry out the duties of the priesthood; but any outsider who approaches the tabernacle must be put to death.”
- Numbers 3:38 Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, before the Tent of Meeting. They were to perform the duties of the sanctuary as a service on behalf of the Israelites; but any outsider who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death.
- Numbers 16:5 Then he said to Korah and all his followers, “Tomorrow morning the LORD will reveal who belongs to Him and who is holy, and He will bring that person near to Himself. The one He chooses He will bring near to Himself.
- Numbers 16:40 just as the LORD commanded him through Moses. This was to be a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider who is not a descendant of Aaron should approach to offer incense before the LORD, lest he become like Korah and his followers.
- Numbers 18:7 But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.”
- Psalms 22:26 The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise Him. May your hearts live forever!