King James Version

What Does Exodus 40:15 Mean?

Exodus 40:15 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: fo... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.

Exodus 40:15 · KJV


Context

13

And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

14

And thou shalt bring his sons, and clothe them with coats:

15

And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.

16

Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.

17

And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Anointing Aaron's sons establishes their priesthood 'throughout their generations' (לְדֹרֹתָם, ledorotam). The phrase 'everlasting priesthood' (כְּהֻנַּת עוֹלָם, kehunnat olam, perpetual priesthood) teaches covenant continuity—God's priesthood endures across generations until fulfilled in Christ's eternal priesthood (Hebrews 7:24, ἀπαράβατος, permanent/unchangeable). The anointing's efficacy 'for ever' doesn't mean Aaronic priesthood never ends but that its purpose—mediation—continues until accomplished perfectly in Christ. Believers' priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) participates in Christ's eternal ministry.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Aaronic priesthood continued approximately 1,500 years (Moses to Christ), spanning multiple generations. The 'everlasting' language indicated permanence until fulfilled, not absolute endlessness. Christ's priesthood after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:15-17) superseded Aaron's line when the true High Priest came.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Aaronic priesthood's 'everlasting' yet temporary nature illustrate Old Testament shadows fulfilled in Christ?
  2. What does Christ's permanent priesthood replacing Aaron's line teach about the New Covenant's superiority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
מָשַׁ֙חְתָּ֙1 of 15

And thou shalt anoint

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

אֹתָ֗ם2 of 15
H853

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר3 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מָשַׁ֙חְתָּ֙4 of 15

And thou shalt anoint

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

אֶת5 of 15
H853

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

אֲבִיהֶ֔ם6 of 15

their father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְכִֽהֲנ֖וּ7 of 15

that they may minister unto me in the priest's office

H3547

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

לִ֑י8 of 15
H0
וְ֠הָֽיְתָה9 of 15
H1961

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

לִֽהְיֹ֨ת10 of 15
H1961

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

לָהֶ֧ם11 of 15
H0
מָשְׁחָתָ֛ם12 of 15

for their anointing

H4888

unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift

לִכְהֻנַּ֥ת13 of 15

priesthood

H3550

priesthood

עוֹלָ֖ם14 of 15

shall surely be an everlasting

H5769

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

לְדֹֽרֹתָֽם׃15 of 15

throughout their generations

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling


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 40:15 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 40:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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