Exodus 29:8 kjv

And thou shalt bring his sons, and put coats upon them.

Exodus 29:8 nkjv

Then you shall bring his sons and put tunics on them.

Exodus 29:8 niv

Bring his sons and dress them in tunics

Exodus 29:8 esv

Then you shall bring his sons and put coats on them,

Exodus 29:8 nlt

Next present his sons, and dress them in their tunics.

Exodus 29 verses

Exodus 29 8 Meaning

This verse commands Moses to present Aaron's sons and clothe them with sacred tunics, as a vital part of their ordination for priestly service. It signifies their consecration and appointment to function as ministers before the Most High, emphasizing that their service begins with the visible sign of specially appointed, pure attire. This action establishes them as assistants to the high priest and sets the stage for their sacred duties within the Tabernacle, in accordance with God's divine instructions.

Exodus 29 8 Context

Exodus chapter 29 outlines the meticulous instructions given by God to Moses for the seven-day consecration ceremony of Aaron and his sons as priests. This elaborate ritual establishes the divine pattern for the Old Covenant priesthood. Preceding verse 8, Aaron has already been brought forward, washed, and arrayed in his high priestly garments, and anointed. Verse 8 marks the progression of the ceremony to involve his sons, highlighting the succession and expansion of the priestly office beyond just the High Priest. Historically, this institution was crucial for mediating between a holy God and the sinful Israelites, providing a divinely appointed system for worship, atonement, and instruction. This precise ceremonial detail also serves as a polemic against pagan priestly practices, which often involved self-appointed or politically chosen priests, emphasizing Yahweh's exclusive right to designate His ministers and define the manner of worship.

Exodus 29 8 Word Analysis

• You (וְהִקְרַבְתָּ - v'hiqravta): The subject is Moses, the divinely appointed agent to carry out these instructions. The Hebrew verb וְהִקְרַבְתָּ (v'hiqravta) is in the Hiphil stem, indicating a causative action – Moses is causing them to "be brought near" or "presented." This highlights his delegated authority from God.

• shall bring (וְהִקְרַבְתָּ - v'hiqravta): This verb קָרַב (qarab), "to come near," in the causative (Hiphil), signifies bringing someone into proximity, especially to a sacred place or for a sacred purpose. It implies a formal, commanded presentation for initiation into a sacred role, underlining that access to God's service is by divine call and command, not human initiative.

• his sons (אֶת-בָּנָיו - et-banav): Refers to Aaron's four sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar (Exo 6:23). Their inclusion signifies the establishment of a hereditary priesthood, ensuring the continuation of priestly service through the lineage of Aaron. This divine ordinance underscores the perpetual nature of God's covenant with this specific line of ministry.

• and clothe them (וְהִלְבַּשְׁתָּ אֹתָם - v'hilbashta otam): The Hebrew וְהִלְבַּשְׁתָּ (v'hilbashta) from לָבַשׁ (lavash), "to clothe," again in the Hiphil stem, means Moses is to "cause them to be clothed" or "dress them." This action by Moses, representing God, signifies the investiture of divine authority and responsibility onto Aaron's sons. The clothing is not mere apparel but symbolic attire indicating their set-apart status and their qualification to perform sacred service.

• with tunics (כֻּתֳּנֹת - kuttonot): The כֻּתֹּנֶת (kutonet) was a basic, inner garment. For the priests, it was made of fine linen (Exo 28:39), typically white, symbolizing purity and righteousness essential for ministering to a holy God. This was the fundamental piece of their priestly uniform, signifying their underlying state of purity and separation for sacred duty.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "You shall bring his sons and clothe them": This sequence of commands delivered to Moses demonstrates a two-fold act of formal initiation for the priests. First, their ceremonial presentation signifies divine approval and calling, bringing them near for sacred service. Second, the act of clothing visibly sets them apart, physically marking their new status and function as ministers within the Tabernacle, ready to perform sacred duties. It emphasizes that entrance into sacred service is divinely ordained, enacted by an appointed human mediator (Moses), and outwardly manifested.
  • "clothe them with tunics": The specific instruction to don the "tunics" (singular kutonet, plural kuttonot) is crucial. These were not just any garments but divinely prescribed white linen tunics. This highlights the required purity and foundational cleanliness of those who draw near to God in service. The tunic represents the initial layer of holiness and dedication necessary for all who would minister, symbolizing an inner state of righteousness appropriate for divine presence and tasks.

Exodus 29 8 Bonus Section

• The meticulous detail of priestly garments throughout Exodus chapters 28 and 39, including the simple tunic, demonstrates God's ultimate ownership and control over the standards of worship and service, leaving no room for human preference or innovation. Every detail had a divine purpose and symbolic meaning.
• The kutonet was a humble, basic garment, representing not opulence but service and purity. It covered the priests from the waist down, ensuring modesty as they served, preventing any unseemly exposure before a holy God (Exo 28:42-43). This showcases God's concern for holiness extending to practical aspects of behavior during worship.
• The ceremonial clothing of priests points to the concept of being "clothed" by God for a specific purpose or with a new identity. In the New Testament, believers are spiritually "clothed with Christ" in baptism (Gal 3:27), signifying their union with Him and the imputed righteousness that enables them to approach God as a "royal priesthood" (1 Pet 2:9). This spiritual parallel highlights a continuity of theme: God's people require appropriate spiritual attire to enter His presence and serve Him.

Exodus 29 8 Commentary

Exodus 29:8 meticulously details God's command to Moses regarding the consecration of Aaron's sons into the priesthood. Following Aaron's own investiture, his sons are to be presented and clothed with their fundamental priestly tunics. This act is profoundly significant. Firstly, it establishes the divine authority for the priesthood's existence; it is not a humanly conceived role but divinely initiated and ordered. Secondly, the physical act of "bringing them near" and "clothing them" visually and ritually sets them apart, demonstrating their transition from common individuals to consecrated servants. The tunic itself, made of fine linen, signifies the purity and righteousness required to serve a holy God. This step ensures the continuation of the priestly line and its proper ceremonial readiness, emphasizing God's orderly plan for worship. This precise detail also underlines a core biblical principle: service to God must be according to His prescribed methods and requires spiritual purity and divine authorization, foreshadowing the need for the spiritual clothing of Christ's righteousness for all who would approach God in the New Covenant.