Leviticus 8:23

Leviticus 8:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Moses slaughtered the ram and took some of its blood and put it on Aaron’s right earlobe, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot.

King James Version KJV

And he slew it; and Moses took of the blood of it, and put it upon the tip of Aaron’s right ear, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot.

American Standard Version ASV

And he slew it; and Moses took of the blood thereof, and put it upon the tip of Aaron’s right ear, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And he put it to death; and Moses took some of the blood and put it on the point of Aaron's right ear and on the thumb of his right hand and on the great toe of his right foot.

Free Bible Version FBV

Moses killed the ram and took some of its blood. He put it on Aaron's right earlobe, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Which Moses slewe, and tooke of the blood of it, and put it vpon the lappe of Aarons right eare, and vpon the thumbe of his right hand, and vpon the great toe of his right foote.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and [one] slaughtereth, and Moses taketh of its blood, and putteth on the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and on the thumb of his right hand, and on the great toe of his right foot;

World English Bible WEB

He killed it; and Moses took some of its blood, and put it on the tip of Aaron’s right ear, and on the thumb of his right hand, and on the great toe of his right foot.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he slew it ; and Moses took of its blood, and put it upon the tip of Aaron's right ear, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when Moses had immolated it, he took of the blood thereof, and touched the tip of Aaron’s right ear, and the thumb of his right hand, and in like manner also the great toe of his right foot.

Translation for Translators T4T

Moses/I slaughtered that ram, drained some of its blood in a bowl, and put some of that blood on the lobes of the right ears, the thumbs of the right hands, and the big toes of the right feet of Aaron and his sons to indicate that what they listened to and what they did and where they went should be directed by Yahweh.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 8:23

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Leviticus 8:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּשְׁחָ֓ט וַ/יִּקַּ֤ח מֹשֶׁה֙ מִ/דָּמ֔/וֹ וַ/יִּתֵּ֛ן עַל תְּנ֥וּךְ אֹֽזֶן אַהֲרֹ֖ן הַ/יְמָנִ֑ית וְ/עַל בֹּ֤הֶן יָד/וֹ֙ הַ/יְמָנִ֔ית וְ/עַל בֹּ֥הֶן רַגְל֖/וֹ הַ/יְמָנִֽית

וַ/יִּשְׁחָ֓ט shâchaṭ H7819 to slaughter Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

וַ/יִּקַּ֤ח lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

מֹשֶׁה֙ Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

מִ/דָּמ֔/וֹ dâm H1818 blood Prep | N-ms | Suff

וַ/יִּתֵּ֛ן nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

תְּנ֥וּךְ tᵉnûwk H8571 lobe N-ms

אֹֽזֶן ʼôzen H241 ear N-fs

אַהֲרֹ֖ן ʼAhărôwn H175 Aaron N-proper

הַ/יְמָנִ֑ית yᵉmânîy H3233 right Art | Adj

וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep

בֹּ֤הֶן bôhen H931 thumb/big toe N-fs

יָד/וֹ֙ yâd H3027 hand N-cs | Suff

הַ/יְמָנִ֔ית yᵉmânîy H3233 right Art | Adj

וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep

בֹּ֥הֶן bôhen H931 thumb/big toe N-fs

רַגְל֖/וֹ regel H7272 foot N-fs | Suff

הַ/יְמָנִֽית yᵉmânîy H3233 right Art | Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 8:23

וַ/יִּשְׁחָ֓ט shâchaṭ H7819 "to slaughter" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to slaughter, often used in the context of sacrifice or massacre, as seen in the KJV translations of kill, offer, or slay.

Definition: v 1) to kill, slaughter, beat 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter 1a1a) beast for food 1a1b) sacrifice 1a1c) person in human sacrifice 1a1d) beaten, hammered (of shekels) 1b) (Niphal) to be slaughtered, be slain (of food or sacrifice) Also means: sha.chat (שָׁחוּט "beaten" H7820)

Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, shoot out, slay, slaughter. See also: Genesis 22:10; Leviticus 16:15; Isaiah 22:13.

וַ/יִּקַּ֤ח lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

מֹשֶׁה֙ Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

מִ/דָּמ֔/וֹ dâm H1818 "blood" Prep | N-ms | Suff

Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.

Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.

וַ/יִּתֵּ֛ן nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

תְּנ֥וּךְ tᵉnûwk H8571 "lobe" N-ms

This term refers to the tip or extremity of something, like the lobe of an ear. It is used in descriptions of the body and architecture in the Bible, including the tip of the ear in Exodus. It signifies the outermost part of an object.

Definition: tip, lobe (of ear)

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: tip. See also: Exodus 29:20; Leviticus 14:14; Leviticus 14:28.

אֹֽזֶן ʼôzen H241 "ear" N-fs

The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.

Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation

Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.

אַהֲרֹ֖ן ʼAhărôwn H175 "Aaron" N-proper

Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest

Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.

הַ/יְמָנִ֑ית yᵉmânîy H3233 "right" Art | Adj

This Hebrew word means right or right hand, and is also used to mean south, as in the southern direction, in the Bible.

Definition: : right right, right hand Also means: ye.ma.ni (יְמָנִי ": south" H3233H)

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (on the) right (hand). See also: Exodus 29:20; 1 Kings 6:8; Ezekiel 47:2.

וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

בֹּ֤הֶן bôhen H931 "thumb/big toe" N-fs

This word means thumb or big toe, referring to the largest digit on the hand or foot. In the Bible, it is used to describe the body parts of humans. It is translated as 'thumb' or 'great toe'.

Definition: thumb, great (big) toe (always used of both together)

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: thumb, great toe. See also: Exodus 29:20; Leviticus 14:17; Judges 1:7.

יָד/וֹ֙ yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

הַ/יְמָנִ֔ית yᵉmânîy H3233 "right" Art | Adj

This Hebrew word means right or right hand, and is also used to mean south, as in the southern direction, in the Bible.

Definition: : right right, right hand Also means: ye.ma.ni (יְמָנִי ": south" H3233H)

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (on the) right (hand). See also: Exodus 29:20; 1 Kings 6:8; Ezekiel 47:2.

וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

בֹּ֥הֶן bôhen H931 "thumb/big toe" N-fs

This word means thumb or big toe, referring to the largest digit on the hand or foot. In the Bible, it is used to describe the body parts of humans. It is translated as 'thumb' or 'great toe'.

Definition: thumb, great (big) toe (always used of both together)

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: thumb, great toe. See also: Exodus 29:20; Leviticus 14:17; Judges 1:7.

רַגְל֖/וֹ regel H7272 "foot" N-fs | Suff

This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.

Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)

Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.

הַ/יְמָנִֽית yᵉmânîy H3233 "right" Art | Adj

This Hebrew word means right or right hand, and is also used to mean south, as in the southern direction, in the Bible.

Definition: : right right, right hand Also means: ye.ma.ni (יְמָנִי ": south" H3233H)

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (on the) right (hand). See also: Exodus 29:20; 1 Kings 6:8; Ezekiel 47:2.

Study Notes — Leviticus 8:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Leviticus 8:23 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 8:23
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 8:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 8:23
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 8:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 8:23
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 8:23
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 8:23
Sermons on Leviticus 8:23

Context — The Ram of Ordination

21He washed the entrails and legs with water and burned the entire ram on the altar as a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 22After that, Moses presented the other ram, the ram of ordination, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head.

23Moses slaughtered the ram and took some of its blood and put it on Aaron’s right earlobe, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot.

24Moses also presented Aaron’s sons and put some of the blood on their right earlobes, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Then he splattered the blood on all sides of the altar. 25And Moses took the fat—the fat tail, all the fat that was on the entrails, the lobe of the liver, and both kidneys with their fat—as well as the right thigh.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 29:20	Slaughter the ram, take some of its blood, and put it on the right earlobes of Aaron and his sons, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Sprinkle the remaining blood on all sides of the altar.
2	Leviticus 14:14	The priest is to take some of the blood from the guilt offering and put it on the right earlobe of the one to be cleansed, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot.
3	Romans 12:1	Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
4	Leviticus 14:17	And the priest is to put some of the oil remaining in his palm on the right earlobe of the one to be cleansed, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot, on top of the blood of the guilt offering.
5	Philippians 1:20	I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
6	Leviticus 14:28	The priest shall also put some of the oil in his palm on the right earlobe of the one to be cleansed, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot—on the same places as the blood of the guilt offering.
7	1 Corinthians 1:2	To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:
8	Romans 6:19	I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to escalating wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.
9	Romans 6:13	Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness.
10	1 Corinthians 1:30	It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.

Leviticus 8:23 Summary

[This verse describes a special ritual where Moses applies the blood of a ram to Aaron's earlobe, thumb, and big toe to consecrate and purify him for his role as a priest, similar to the ritual described in Exodus 29:20. This act symbolized the setting apart of Aaron for God's service, and it foreshadows the ultimate purification and consecration of believers through the blood of Jesus Christ, as described in Hebrews 10:10. Just like Aaron, we are called to be set apart for God's service, and we can apply the symbolism of this ritual to our own lives by recognizing our role as priests in God's kingdom, as described in 1 Peter 2:9. By understanding the significance of this ritual, we can deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice of Christ and our own calling to serve God.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Moses put the blood of the ram on Aaron's earlobe, thumb, and big toe?

This act symbolized the consecration and purification of Aaron for his priestly role, as seen in Exodus 29:20, where a similar ritual is described as a means of purifying and consecrating the priests.

What is the significance of using the right earlobe, thumb, and big toe?

The use of the right side may signify strength and prominence, as the right hand is often associated with strength and authority in Scripture, such as in Psalms 16:8, where the psalmist says God is at his right hand.

How does this ritual relate to the New Testament concept of purification and consecration?

This ritual foreshadows the ultimate purification and consecration of believers through the blood of Jesus Christ, as described in Hebrews 10:10 and 1 John 1:7, where Jesus' blood cleanses us from all sin.

Is this ritual still practiced today in any form?

While the specific ritual of applying blood to the earlobe, thumb, and big toe is not practiced today, the concept of consecration and purification through the blood of Christ is still central to Christian theology, as seen in 1 Peter 1:2, where believers are described as being sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ.

Reflection Questions

What areas of my life need to be consecrated and purified for God's service, just like Aaron's earlobe, thumb, and big toe were set apart?
How can I apply the symbolism of this ritual to my own life, recognizing that I am a priest in God's kingdom, as described in 1 Peter 2:9?
What role does the blood of Christ play in my own purification and consecration, and how can I deepen my understanding of this concept?
In what ways can I, like Aaron, be a vessel for God's glory and service, and what steps can I take to prepare myself for this role?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 8:23

[See comments on Leviticus 8:22].

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 8:23

And he brought the other ram, the ram of consecration: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 8:23

The lowest and softest part of the ear is called the tip or lap of the ear. See .

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 8:23

(23) And he slew it.—Better, and he killed, as the same word is rendered in the Authorised Version in Leviticus 8:19, that is, Moses killed it. And put it upon the tip of Aaron’s right ear.—To teach him that, as the mediator between God and His people, it was his bounden duty to hearken to the commandments of the Lord. And upon the thumb of his right hand.—To remind him that henceforth he is to execute God’s will, and walk in the way of His commandments.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 8:23

Verse 23. Put it upon the tip of Aaron's right ear, c.] See this significant ceremony explained in the note on Exodus 29:20. See Clarke on Exodus 29:20. Calmet remarks that the consecration of the high priest among the Romans bore a considerable resemblance to the consecration of the Jewish high priest. "The Roman priest, clothed with a garment of silk, his head covered with a crown of gold adorned with sacred ribbons, was conducted into a subterranean place, over which there was a floor of planks pierced through with many holes. On this floor they sacrificed a bullock, whose blood was freely poured out on the planks or floor, which running through the holes fell upon the priest, who stood under to receive this sacred aspersion, and who, in order to be completely covered with the blood, took care to present the whole of his body, his clothes, face, eyes, nose, lips, and even his tongue, to receive the drops of blood falling through the pierced floor above. Being completely covered with this sanguineous shower, he ascended from his subterranean place, and was acknowledged and adored by the people as Pontifex Maximus, or supreme high priest." These rites, which bear a striking allusion to those used in the consecration of Aaron, and from which they were probably borrowed, and disguised by the introduction of their own superstitions, are particularly described by Aurelius Prudentius, in his poem entitled Romani Martyris Supplicium, from which I shall select those verses, the subject of which is given above, as the passage is curious, and the work not common. "Summus sacerdos nempe sub terram scrobe Acta in profundum consecrandus mergitur, Mire infulatus, festa vittis tempora Nectens, corona tum repexus aurea, Cinctu Gabino sericam fultus togam. Tabulis superne strata texunt pulpita, Rimosa rari pegmatis compagibus, Scindunt subinde vel terebrant aream, Crebroque lignum perforant acumine, Pateat minutis ut frequens hiatibus. - Hic ut statuta est immolanda bellua, Pectus sacrata dividunt venabulo, Eructat amplum volnus undam sanguinis - c. Tum per frequentes mille rimarum vias Illapsus imber, tabidum rorem pluit, Defossus intus quem sacerdos excipit, Guttas ad omnes turpe subjectans caput, Et veste et omni putrefactus corpore: Quin os supinat, obvias offert genas Supponit aures, labra, nares objicit, Oculos et ipsos perluit liquoribus, Nec jam palato parcit, et linguam rigat, Donec cruorem totus atrum combibat. - Procedit inde pontifex vlsu horridus-&c. Omnes salutant atque adorant eminus, Vilis quod illum sanguls, et bos mortuus Foedis latentem sub cavernis laverint." Of these lines the reader will not be displeased to find the following poetical version: - "For when, with sacred pomp and solemn state, Their great high priest the Romans consecrate, His silken vest in Gabine cincture bound, A festal fillet twines his temples round: And, while aloft the gorgeous mitre shines, His awful brow a golden crown confines. In a deep dyke, for mystic ritual made, He stands, surrounded with terrific shade.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 8:23

(iii) The ram of consecration (22–36), cp. Exodus 29:19-26 The last sacrifice is that of the ram of consecration. As some portions are consumed by the offerers (Leviticus 8:31) it resembles the Peace-Offerings, but special rites are added, indicating the character and duties of the priestly office. The blood of the ram is applied to the ear, hand, and foot of Aaron and his sons. The ear attentive to the commands of God, the hand ready to do His will, the foot prepared to walk in His ways are thus signified. The blood is also thrown (as enjoined in Leviticus 3:2) against the altar round about. In Leviticus 8:23-24 the blood is put first on Aaron and afterwards on his sons; cp. Exodus 29:20, where a separate bringing near of the sons is not enjoined.

Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 8:23

23. Blood… upon the tip of Aaron’s right ear — The consecration was not only general, but specific.

Sermons on Leviticus 8:23

	Sermon	Description
	(Through the Bible) Leviticus by Zac Poonen	This sermon delves into the book of Leviticus, highlighting the importance of understanding God's heart behind the detailed instructions given. It emphasizes the themes of holiness
	One Unmortified Lust! by Thomas Brooks	Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity of relying on the grace of the Spirit to overcome sin, arguing that mere resolutions are insufficient to conquer lust. He illustrates the des
	The Ear by H.J. Vine	H.J. Vine emphasizes the importance of being mindful of what we listen to, as God is very jealous of how we use our ears. He highlights how Satan entered man's soul through Eve's e
	(The Glory of God) in Marriage by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not conforming to the ways of the world but instead being transformed by renewing the mind. He highlights that God's will
	(The Glory of God) in Ministering to the Lord by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Romans and its significance in understanding the Christian life. He emphasizes the faithfulness of God and how He fulfills all Hi
	Ten Shekels and a Shirt (High Quality) by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Micah in Judges Chapter 17. He discusses two groups of people: the liberals who embrace humanism and the believers who serve the
	Christian Life - a Battleground, the (Satan's Tactics) by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the strategy of Satan and how to defeat him. He outlines four basic tactics that Satan uses and emphasizes the importance of understanding the