share torah logo

Exodus 29:21 - Blood and oil sanctify priests.

Exodus 29:21 - שמות 29:21

Hebrew Text

וְלָקַחְתָּ מִן־הַדָּם אֲשֶׁר עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּחַ וּמִשֶּׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה וְהִזֵּיתָ עַל־אַהֲרֹן וְעַל־בְּגָדָיו וְעַל־בָּנָיו וְעַל־בִּגְדֵי בָנָיו אִתּוֹ וְקָדַשׁ הוּא וּבְגָדָיו וּבָנָיו וּבִגְדֵי בָנָיו אִתּוֹ׃

English Translation

And thou shalt take of the blood that is upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it upon Aharon, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons’ garments with him.

Transliteration

Velakachta min-hadam asher al-hamizbe'ach umishemen hamishchah vehizeita al-aharon ve'al-begadav ve'al-banav ve'al-bigdei vanav ito vekadash hu uvegadav uvanav uvigdei vanav ito.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלָקַחְתָּ֞ מִן־הַדָּ֨ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר עַֽל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֘חַ֮ וּמִשֶּׁ֣מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה֒ וְהִזֵּיתָ֤ עַֽל־אַהֲרֹן֙ וְעַל־בְּגָדָ֔יו וְעַל־בָּנָ֛יו וְעַל־בִּגְדֵ֥י בָנָ֖יו אִתּ֑וֹ וְקָדַ֥שׁ הוּא֙ וּבְגָדָ֔יו וּבָנָ֛יו וּבִגְדֵ֥י בָנָ֖יו אִתּֽוֹ׃
וְלָקַחְתָּ֞ מִן־הַדָּ֨ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר עַֽל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֘חַ֮ וּמִשֶּׁ֣מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה֒ וְהִזֵּיתָ֤ עַֽל־אַהֲרֹן֙ וְעַל־בְּגָדָ֔יו וְעַל־בָּנָ֛יו וְעַל־בִּגְדֵ֥י בָנָ֖יו אִתּ֑וֹ וְקָדַ֥שׁ הוּא֙ וּבְגָדָ֔יו וּבָנָ֛יו וּבִגְדֵ֥י בָנָ֖יו אִתּֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 29:21) is part of the detailed instructions for the consecration of Aharon and his sons as Kohanim (priests) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The process involves the use of sacrificial blood and anointing oil to sanctify them and their garments, marking their transition into sacred service.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (on Shemot 29:21) explains that the blood mentioned here is from the ram of consecration (איל המילואים), which was offered earlier in the ceremony. The mixture of blood and anointing oil symbolizes the complete dedication of the Kohanim to their divine service. Rashi emphasizes that the sprinkling on Aharon, his sons, and their garments serves to unify them in holiness, as the verse concludes: "וְקָדַשׁ הוּא וּבְגָדָיו" ("he shall be hallowed, and his garments").

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Klei HaMikdash (9:7), the Rambam (Maimonides) discusses the sanctity of the priestly garments. He notes that the sprinkling of blood and oil on the garments imbues them with a unique kedushah (holiness), making them fit for avodah (Temple service). This act parallels the sanctification of the Kohanim themselves, as both the individuals and their vestments must be ritually prepared.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 10) elaborates that the anointing oil represents wisdom and divine favor, while the blood signifies atonement and life force. By combining these elements, the Kohanim are spiritually elevated to serve as intermediaries between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem. The Midrash also highlights that the sanctification of the garments teaches that external appearances (the dignified priestly attire) must align with internal purity.

Symbolism of the Garments

  • Kohanim's Vestments: The Talmud (Zevachim 17b) states that the Bigdei Kehunah (priestly garments) atone for specific sins when worn during service. For example, the Me'il (robe) atones for lashon hara (evil speech).
  • Unity of Priesthood: The sprinkling on both Aharon and his sons' garments underscores the hereditary nature of the Kehunah and their collective responsibility in the Mishkan.

Practical Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 99) derives from this verse that the sanctity of the Kohanim and their garments is eternal, even when the Beit HaMikdash is not standing. This principle informs halachic discussions about the preservation of priestly sanctity and the future restoration of the Temple service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 19b
The verse is discussed in the context of the sanctification process of Aaron and his sons, particularly regarding the sprinkling of blood and oil as part of their consecration as priests.
📖 Keritot 5b
Referenced in a discussion about the requirements for the sanctification of priests and their garments, emphasizing the importance of the blood and anointing oil in the consecration process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of sprinkling blood and oil on Aaron and his garments in Exodus 29:21?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Zevachim 19a), the sprinkling of blood and anointing oil on Aaron and his garments was part of the consecration process for the Kohanim (priests). This act symbolized their purification and sanctification for serving in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The blood represented atonement, while the oil represented divine appointment and holiness.
Q: Why were Aaron's sons and their garments also sanctified in this verse?
A: The Rambam explains in Hilchot Klei HaMikdash (9:7) that Aaron's sons were included because the priesthood was hereditary. By sanctifying both Aaron and his sons together with their garments, the Torah establishes that future generations of Kohanim would inherit this holy status and responsibility to serve in the Mishkan and later the Temple.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn today from Exodus 29:21 about holiness?
A: The Midrash Tanchuma teaches that just as the Kohanim needed special sanctification for their service, we too must prepare ourselves properly before engaging in holy matters. Today, this teaches us the importance of proper preparation before prayer or Torah study - whether through washing hands, wearing appropriate clothing, or mental focus - to approach holiness with reverence.
Q: Why were the garments specifically mentioned in the sanctification process?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 17b) explains that the priestly garments themselves had sanctity and were essential for the service. Rashi notes that just as the Kohanim needed purification, so too did their special garments which they wore while performing sacred duties. This teaches that even the tools we use for holy purposes require proper care and respect.
Q: How does the anointing oil mentioned in this verse connect to Jewish tradition today?
A: While we no longer have the original anointing oil (as described in Exodus 30:22-33), the concept remains important. The Rambam writes that this oil represented the divine wisdom and spirit required for leadership. Today, we see echoes of this in how we honor Torah scholars and community leaders who carry forward spiritual wisdom.