King James Version

What Does Exodus 35:19 Mean?

Exodus 35:19 in the King James Version says “The cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office.”

Exodus 35:19 · KJV

Context

17

The hangings of the court, his pillars, and their sockets, and the hanging for the door of the court,

18

The pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords,

19

The cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office.

20

And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.

21

And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD'S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.

Read Exodus 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Cloths of service (בִּגְדֵי־הַשְּׂרָד, bigdei-haserad) and holy garments for Aaron distinguish between practical vestments for ministry and sacred garments signifying the high priest's mediatorial role. The high priest's attire—including ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash—communicated holiness, glory, and beauty (28:2). These garments enabled Aaron to 'minister in the priest's office' (לְכַהֵן, le-kahen), literally 'to act as priest,' prefiguring Christ's high priestly ministry clothed in perfect righteousness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The high priest's garments were extraordinarily elaborate, incorporating gold, blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, precious stones, and bells. They differed markedly from the simpler garments of ordinary priests, visually representing the high priest's unique mediatorial position between God and people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the high priest's elaborate garments communicate theological truths about mediation and holiness?
  2. In what ways does Aaron's priestly clothing prefigure Christ's perfect righteousness and mediatorial work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
אֶת1 of 14
H853

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

בִּגְדֵ֥י2 of 14

“The cloths”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

הַשְּׂרָ֖ד3 of 14

“of service”

H8278

stitching (as pierced with a needle)

לְשָׁרֵ֣ת4 of 14

“to do service”

H8334

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

הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙5 of 14

“in the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

אֶת6 of 14
H853

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

בִּגְדֵ֥י7 of 14

“The cloths”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙8 of 14

“in the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לְאַֽהֲרֹ֣ן9 of 14

“for Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן10 of 14

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְאֶת11 of 14
H853

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

בִּגְדֵ֥י12 of 14

“The cloths”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

בָנָ֖יו13 of 14

“of 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

לְכַהֵֽן׃14 of 14

“to minister in the priest's office”

H3547

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

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 35:19 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 35:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 31:10Numbers 4:5-15Exodus 39:41Exodus 39:1-31Exodus 28:1-43

Places in This Verse

Holy Place 1Special Place24 verses across 4 books
View all places in Exodus 35 →

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 35 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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