King James Version

What Does Exodus 28:40 Mean?

“And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.”

Context

And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.

And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework .

And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.

And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office. consecrate: Heb. fill their hand

And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness ; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach: their: Heb. flesh of their nakedness reach: Heb. be

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

7. THE MINISTERIAL ATTIRE OF THE PRIESTS. (40) **For Aaron’s sons thou shalt make coats**—*i.e., *linen tunics like that of the high priest already described (see the last Note on Exodus 28:39), but not woven in any peculiar fashion. **Girdles.**—Perhaps similar to the inner girdle of the high priest, but nowhere described particularly. **Bonnets.**—Rather, *caps. *Plain, close-fitting caps, like those so commonly worn in Egypt, seem to be intended. The word used, *migbâ’ah, *is derived from *gâbia*’, “a cup” or “basin.” **For glory and for beauty.**—It is certainly remarkable that so plain a dress as that of the ordinary priests—a white tunic, a girdle, which may or may not have been embroidered, and a plain white close-fitting cap—should be regarded as sufficing “for glory and for beauty.” White robes, however, are in Scripture constantly represented as eminently glorious (Daniel 7:9; Mark 9:3; John 20:12; Acts 1:10; Revelation 4:4; Revelation 6:11; Revelation 7:9-14; Revelation 15:6, &c.).

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 28:40 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.