King James Version

What Does Exodus 28:1 Mean?

Exodus 28:1 in the King James Version says “And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may ministe... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.

Exodus 28:1 · KJV


Context

1

And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.

2

And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.

3

And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Aaron and his sons are consecrated 'to minister unto me in the priest's office.' God chooses and calls His priests; they don't self-appoint. Aaron represents Christ our High Priest (Hebrews 5:4-5), while Aaron's sons represent believers as a kingdom of priests (1 Peter 2:9). The specific naming (Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, Ithamar) shows that priestly service involves particular callings, not generic spirituality. God knows His servants by name.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

From Aaron's line alone could legitimate priests descend, establishing clear succession that would continue until Christ, the ultimate High Priest. This Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel for over a thousand years, until Christ's once-for-all mediation superseded it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's specific calling of priests encourage you about His particular calling on your life?
  2. In what ways does Christ fulfill everything Aaron's priesthood foreshadowed?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְאַתָּ֡ה1 of 21
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הַקְרֵ֣ב2 of 21

And take

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֵלֶיךָ֩3 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶת4 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַֽהֲרֹֽן׃5 of 21

Aaron's

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אָחִ֜יךָ6 of 21

thy brother

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וְאֶת7 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנֵ֥י8 of 21

and his sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אִתּ֔וֹ9 of 21
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

מִתּ֛וֹךְ10 of 21

with him from among

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

בְּנֵ֥י11 of 21

and his sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל12 of 21

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לְכַֽהֲנוֹ13 of 21

that he may minister unto me in the priest's office

H3547

to officiate as a priest; figuratively, to put on regalia

לִ֑י14 of 21
H0
אַֽהֲרֹֽן׃15 of 21

Aaron's

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

נָדָ֧ב16 of 21

Nadab

H5070

nadab, the name of four israelites

וַֽאֲבִיה֛וּא17 of 21

and Abihu

H30

abihu, a son of aaron

אֶלְעָזָ֥ר18 of 21

Eleazar

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

וְאִֽיתָמָ֖ר19 of 21

and Ithamar

H385

ithamar, a son of aaron

בְּנֵ֥י20 of 21

and his sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אַֽהֲרֹֽן׃21 of 21

Aaron's

H175

aharon, the brother of moses


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 28:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 28:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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