This verse begins a new paragraph in some translations, but it seems better to interpret it as concluding the previous paragraph, since the following verses deal more with future regulations. And you shall take the breast refers to the brisket or lower chest of the ram. It is addressed to Moses. The ram of Aaron’s ordination refers to the second ram (verse 19). Literally it says “from the ram of the filling of hands which [is] for Aaron.” Another way to express this is “You shall take the breast of the second ram….”

And wave it for a wave offering is identical with verse 24, except that it refers only to the breast. And it shall be your portion, literally “and it shall be for you for a share,” means, as Good News Translation expresses it, “This part of the animal will be yours.” In this special sacrifice, therefore, the breast of the second ram, and probably the right thigh (see Lev 8.31), were the only parts that were not burned on the altar, and it was to be Moses’ share. (See the comment at verse 27.)

An alternative translation model for this verse is:

• You are to eat the breast from the second ram, but you must first lift it up to show that you are dedicating this meat to me.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .