King James Version

What Does Exodus 29:9 Mean?

Exodus 29:9 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons. put: Heb. bind consecrate: Heb. fill the hand of

Exodus 29:9 · KJV


Context

7

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

8

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

9

And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons. put: Heb. bind consecrate: Heb. fill the hand of

10

And thou shalt cause a bullock to be brought before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the bullock.

11

And thou shalt kill the bullock before the LORD, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.


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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 18 words
וְחָֽגַרְתָּ֩1 of 18

And thou shalt gird

H2296

to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)

אֹתָ֨ם2 of 18
H853

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

אַבְנֵ֜ט3 of 18

them with girdles

H73

a belt

אַהֲרֹ֖ן4 of 18

Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

בָּנָֽיו׃5 of 18

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

וְחָֽבַשְׁתָּ֤6 of 18

and put

H2280

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

לָהֶם֙7 of 18
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מִגְבָּעֹ֔ת8 of 18

the bonnets

H4021

a cap (as hemispherical)

וְהָֽיְתָ֥ה9 of 18
H1961

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

לָהֶ֛ם10 of 18
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כְּהֻנָּ֖ה11 of 18

on them and the priest's office

H3550

priesthood

לְחֻקַּ֣ת12 of 18

statute

H2708

a statute

עוֹלָ֑ם13 of 18

shall be theirs for a perpetual

H5769

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

וּמִלֵּאתָ֥14 of 18

and thou shalt consecrate

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

יַֽד15 of 18
H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אַהֲרֹ֖ן16 of 18

Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וְיַד17 of 18
H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בָּנָֽיו׃18 of 18

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


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 29:9 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 29:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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