Exodus 29:6 kjv

And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.

Exodus 29:6 nkjv

You shall put the turban on his head, and put the holy crown on the turban.

Exodus 29:6 niv

Put the turban on his head and attach the sacred emblem to the turban.

Exodus 29:6 esv

And you shall set the turban on his head and put the holy crown on the turban.

Exodus 29:6 nlt

Place the turban on his head, and fasten the sacred medallion to the turban.

Exodus 29 verses

Exodus 29 6 Meaning

Exodus 29:6 describes a crucial step in the consecration of Aaron as Israel's High Priest. It details the placement of two significant items on his head: first, the turban, also known as the mitre, and second, the holy crown upon that turban. This act visually signified Aaron's set-apart status and his unique function as a mediator between God and His people, marked by distinct sacred garments.

Exodus 29 6 Context

Exodus chapter 29 outlines the specific divine instructions for the ordination ceremony of Aaron and his sons, establishing them as priests to minister before the Lord. This chapter initiates the institution of the Aaronic priesthood, crucial for Israel's worship and covenant relationship with God. Verse 6 is part of the investiture ritual where Aaron is clothed with his holy garments before being anointed. Historically and culturally, such vestments were critical in ancient Near Eastern religions to distinguish priests and signify their roles. For Israel, these garments were divinely specified, contrasting sharply with pagan priestly attire, and emphasizing the unique holiness and specific demands of Yahweh upon His designated servants, rather than human traditions or idolatrous practices.

Exodus 29 6 Word analysis

• And thou shalt put (וְשַׂמְתָּ֣ ve·sam·ta): This phrase indicates a direct divine command from God to Moses regarding the action Moses is to perform. It signifies an imperative act of placement, establishing the high priest in his role according to God's precise instruction.
• the mitre (הַמִּצְנֶ֗פֶת ha·mitz·ne·fet): This refers to the distinct head covering worn by the High Priest, often described as a turban. It was made of fine linen, likely folded or wound, symbolizing authority, purity, and his unique office that set him apart from common priests and the congregation. Its clean linen underscored purity required for ministry before a holy God.
• upon his head (עַל־רֹאשׁוֹ֙ al-ro·sho): This simple phrase signifies the placement on the most prominent part of the body, indicating the public designation of authority and identity. The head is often associated with authority and leadership in biblical symbolism.
• and put (וְנָתַתָּ֤ ve·na·ta·ta): Another divine command, a continuation of the investiture. While ve·sam·ta often means "to set" or "to place firmly," ve·na·ta·ta means "to give" or "to set down," here used similarly as "to place," perhaps emphasizing the imparting of a sacred item.
• the holy crown (אֶת־נֵ֙זֶר֙ הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ et-ne·zer ha·qo·desh): This is not a typical royal crown, but specifically the "plate of the holy crown" (Ex 28:36). Nezer (נֵזֶר) denotes something set apart or consecrated, like a diadem or Nazirite's hair, here a golden plate inscribed with "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" (Ex 28:36). Ha·qo·desh (הַקֹּדֶשׁ) emphasizes its sacredness, marking the High Priest as totally dedicated and consecrated to God's service. It embodied the High Priest's essential representation of God's holiness to the people and bore the iniquity of the people's holy things (Ex 28:38).
• upon the mitre (עַל־הַמִּצְנָֽפֶת al-ha·mitz·na·fet): This indicates the hierarchical layering of the sacred attire, where the most profoundly holy item, the golden plate signifying "Holiness to the Lord," rests atop the already symbolic mitre. It shows its supreme position and direct connection to the High Priest's forehead, making it prominently visible.

• The mitre upon his head and the holy crown upon the mitre: This specific sequence and placement emphasize the ordered, hierarchical, and divinely mandated nature of the high priest's consecration. The holy crown, being the ultimate symbol of holiness and representation of Yahweh, is the crowning piece. It establishes a visual link between the high priest's person, his unique office, and the supreme holiness of God, whom he represents. This setup signifies that the priest, veiled by the mitre and sealed by the divine inscription, bears the burden of holy things before God.

Exodus 29 6 Bonus section

The mitre was made of fine linen, likely referring to pure, white linen, a color repeatedly associated with purity and righteousness throughout scripture (e.g., Rev 19:8 for the bride of Christ). The "holy crown" was fastened by a blue cord (Ex 28:37), emphasizing a heavenly or divine connection, as blue often symbolized the heavens. This "crown" was uniquely a "diadem" (Ex 29:6 literal translation in some versions), a distinguishing mark of royalty or, in this case, supreme consecration, rather than a full, encircling crown. The placement on the forehead meant the inscription was always visible as Aaron stood before the Lord and ministered to the people, symbolizing a constant awareness of God's holiness.

Exodus 29 6 Commentary

Exodus 29:6 details the penultimate step in adorning Aaron for his sacred office, following the detailed specifications of the high priestly garments. The placement of the mitznefet (mitre or turban) established Aaron's distinction, embodying purity and the authority invested in him. More profoundly, the nezer ha-qodesh (holy crown) atop the mitre—a golden plate inscribed "HOLINESS TO THE LORD"—served as the pinnacle of his attire. This inscription declared that Aaron was set apart exclusively for God's service and bore the weight of Israel's collective consecration and any deficiencies in their offerings (Ex 28:38). It constantly reminded both the priest and the people of God's absolute holiness and the sacred standards required for fellowship with Him. The entire investiture process, exemplified by this verse, demonstrates God's precise and non-negotiable requirements for divine access. Ultimately, this intricately designed Aaronic priesthood foreshadowed Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, who perfectly embodied "Holiness to the Lord" through His sinless life and bore the iniquity of all believers, offering perfect access to God.