King James Version

What Does Exodus 29:5 Mean?

Exodus 29:5 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastp...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the curious girdle of the ephod:”

Exodus 29:5 · KJV

Context

3

And thou shalt put them into one basket, and bring them in the basket, with the bullock and the two rams.

4

And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.

5

And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the curious girdle of the ephod:

6

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

7

Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him.

Read Exodus 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse continues the consecration ceremony, detailing how Aaron receives priestly garments and anointing. Each element points to Christ's perfect qualification as our High Priest—clothed in divine righteousness and anointed by the Spirit without measure. The ceremony's precision shows that approaching God requires exact obedience to His prescribed pattern, ultimately fulfilled in Christ who perfectly accomplished all righteousness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The seven-day consecration ceremony was elaborate and detailed, demonstrating that priestly service required comprehensive preparation. Each step built upon the previous, creating complete qualification for ministry before God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's perfect consecration as High Priest give you confidence in His intercession?
  2. What does the ceremony's precision teach about God's standards for approaching Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֣1 of 19

“And thou shalt take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת2 of 19
H853

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

הַבְּגָדִ֗ים3 of 19

“the garments”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וְהִלְבַּשְׁתָּ֤4 of 19

“and put”

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

אֶֽת5 of 19
H853

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

אַהֲרֹן֙6 of 19

“upon Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אֶת7 of 19
H853

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

הַכֻּתֹּ֔נֶת8 of 19

“the coat”

H3801

a shirt

וְאֵת֙9 of 19
H853

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

מְעִ֣יל10 of 19

“and the robe”

H4598

a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)

הָֽאֵפֹֽד׃11 of 19

“and the ephod”

H646

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

וְאֶת12 of 19
H853

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

הָֽאֵפֹֽד׃13 of 19

“and the ephod”

H646

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

וְאֶת14 of 19
H853

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

הַחֹ֑שֶׁן15 of 19

“and the breastplate”

H2833

perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest

וְאָֽפַדְתָּ֣16 of 19

“and gird”

H640

to gird on (the ephod)

ל֔וֹ17 of 19
H0
בְּחֵ֖שֶׁב18 of 19

“him with the curious girdle”

H2805

a belt or strap (as being interlaced)

הָֽאֵפֹֽד׃19 of 19

“and the ephod”

H646

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

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 29:5 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 29:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 28:2-8Leviticus 8:7-8

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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