King James Version

What Does Exodus 28:43 Mean?

Exodus 28:43 in the King James Version says “And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.

Exodus 28:43 · KJV


Context

41

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

42

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

43

And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The garments must be worn whenever priests minister in the tabernacle or approach the altar, 'that they bear not iniquity, and die.' Proper clothing isn't optional but essential for survival in God's presence. Nakedness or improper dress results in death—sin cannot stand before holiness. This underscores Christ's righteousness as non-negotiable for approaching God. We must be clothed in Him or perish. The garments are 'a statute for ever'—the need for righteous covering is permanent, fulfilled eternally in Christ (Isaiah 61:10).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This sobering statement established that priestly service required complete obedience to God's clothing commands. Nadab and Abihu's later death (Leviticus 10) demonstrated that approaching God casually or improperly resulted in judgment. The garments protected as much as they beautified.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's seriousness about proper clothing illustrate the absolute necessity of Christ's righteousness?
  2. What does 'a statute for ever' teach about the permanent need for righteous covering before God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וְהָיוּ֩1 of 24
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עַל2 of 24
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אַֽהֲרֹ֨ן3 of 24

And they shall be upon Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וְעַל4 of 24
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בָּנָ֜יו5 of 24

and upon 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

בְּבֹאָ֣ם׀6 of 24

when they come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל7 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֹ֣הֶל8 of 24

in unto the tabernacle

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֗ד9 of 24

of the congregation

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

א֣וֹ10 of 24
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בְגִשְׁתָּ֤ם11 of 24

or when they come near

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

אֶל12 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמִּזְבֵּ֙חַ֙13 of 24

unto the altar

H4196

an altar

לְשָׁרֵ֣ת14 of 24

to minister

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

בַּקֹּ֔דֶשׁ15 of 24

in the holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וְלֹֽא16 of 24
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִשְׂא֥וּ17 of 24

place that they bear

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

עָוֹ֖ן18 of 24

not iniquity

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

וָמֵ֑תוּ19 of 24

and die

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

חֻקַּ֥ת20 of 24

it shall be a statute

H2708

a statute

עוֹלָ֛ם21 of 24

for ever

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

ל֖וֹ22 of 24
H0
וּלְזַרְע֥וֹ23 of 24

unto him and his seed

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

אַֽחֲרָֽיו׃24 of 24

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)


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 28:43 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 28:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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