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Exodus 29:27 - Priestly offerings elevate holiness

Exodus 29:27 - שמות 29:27

Hebrew Text

וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ אֵת חֲזֵה הַתְּנוּפָה וְאֵת שׁוֹק הַתְּרוּמָה אֲשֶׁר הוּנַף וַאֲשֶׁר הוּרָם מֵאֵיל הַמִּלֻּאִים מֵאֲשֶׁר לְאַהֲרֹן וּמֵאֲשֶׁר לְבָנָיו׃

English Translation

And thou shalt sanctify the breast of the wave offering, and the shoulder of the heave offering, which is waved, and which is heaved up of the ram of the consecration, of that which is for Aharon, and of that which is for his sons:

Transliteration

Vekidashta et hazeh hatnufa ve'et shok hateruma asher hunaf va'asher huram me'eil hamilu'im me'asher le'Aharon ume'asher levanav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֞ אֵ֣ת&thinsp
וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֞ אֵ֣ת&thinsp

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Sanctification of the Wave and Heave Offerings

The verse (Shemot 29:27) discusses the sanctification of the ḥazeh hatenufah (breast of the wave offering) and the shok haterumah (shoulder of the heave offering) from the ram of consecration (eil hamilluim). These portions were designated for Aharon and his sons as part of their priestly consecration.

Explanation of the Offerings

  • Ḥazeh Hatenufah (Breast of the Wave Offering): Rashi explains that this portion was "waved" (tenufah) before Hashem in a horizontal motion, symbolizing dedication to Heaven. The breast represents the seat of wisdom and emotion (Midrash Tanchuma), indicating the Kohen's role in guiding the people with wisdom and compassion.
  • Shok Haterumah (Shoulder of the Heave Offering): The shoulder was "lifted" (terumah) vertically, signifying elevation in service. Rambam (Hilchot Maaseh HaKorbanot 9:6) notes that this portion was given to the Kohanim as a perpetual due, reinforcing their role as servants of Hashem.

Significance of the Ram of Consecration

The eil hamilluim (ram of consecration) was central to the inauguration of the Kohanim (Vayikra 8:22). The Midrash (Sifra) teaches that its parts—the breast and shoulder—were sanctified to establish Aharon and his sons in their priestly duties. The wave and heave offerings symbolized their complete devotion to divine service.

Allocation to Aharon and His Sons

The verse specifies that these portions were for Aharon and his sons, emphasizing the hereditary nature of the Kehunah. Ibn Ezra highlights that this was an eternal covenant, ensuring that the Kohanim would always have a portion in the offerings, as reiterated in Bamidbar 18:19.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 37b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws pertaining to the wave offering and heave offering, specifically how these offerings are sanctified and their relevance to the priests.
📖 Menachot 61b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the procedures for wave offerings and heave offerings, emphasizing the roles of Aaron and his sons in these rituals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'wave offering' and 'heave offering' mentioned in Exodus 29:27?
A: The 'wave offering' (tenufah) and 'heave offering' (terumah) were parts of the ram sacrificed during the consecration of the Kohanim (priests). Rashi explains that the breast was waved horizontally, and the shoulder (or thigh) was lifted vertically as offerings to Hashem. These portions were later given to the Kohanim as their share.
Q: Why were these specific parts (breast and shoulder) given to Aharon and his sons?
A: The breast and shoulder were designated for the Kohanim as a perpetual portion (as explained in Leviticus 7:34). The Midrash teaches that the breast represents wisdom (near the heart) and the shoulder represents strength—symbolizing that the Kohanim should serve Hashem with both wisdom and strength in their sacred duties.
Q: How does this verse relate to the consecration of the Kohanim?
A: This verse is part of the ordination process for Aharon and his sons as Kohanim. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 4:3) explains that these offerings were part of the seven-day inauguration ceremony, sanctifying the Kohanim for their service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple).
Q: Do these offerings have any relevance today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring these offerings without the Beit HaMikdash, the Talmud (Chullin 133a) teaches that we still learn ethical lessons from them—such as honoring Torah scholars (who are compared to Kohanim) and recognizing that everything we have ultimately comes from Hashem and should be used for holiness.
Q: What does it mean to 'sanctify' these portions in this verse?
A: To 'sanctify' means to designate these portions exclusively for holy purposes—either as offerings to Hashem or as food for the Kohanim. The Sforno explains that this sanctification elevated ordinary meat into something holy, teaching that even physical acts (like eating) can become sacred when directed toward divine service.