King James Version

What Does Leviticus 8:13 Mean?

Leviticus 8:13 in the King James Version says “And Moses brought Aaron's sons, and put coats upon them, and girded them with girdles, and put bonnets upon them; as the...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Moses brought Aaron's sons, and put coats upon them, and girded them with girdles, and put bonnets upon them; as the LORD commanded Moses. put bonnets: Heb. bound bonnets”

Leviticus 8:13 · KJV

Context

11

And he sprinkled thereof upon the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all his vessels, both the laver and his foot, to sanctify them.

12

And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.

13

And Moses brought Aaron's sons, and put coats upon them, and girded them with girdles, and put bonnets upon them; as the LORD commanded Moses. put bonnets: Heb. bound bonnets

14

And he brought the bullock for the sin offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the bullock for the sin offering.

15

And he slew it; and Moses took the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation upon it.

Read Leviticus 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Moses brought Aaron's sons, and put coats upon them, and girded them with girdles, and put bonnets upon them; as the LORD commanded Moses.

This verse falls within the section on Consecration of Aaron and Sons. The ordination ceremony established the Aaronic priesthood, involving washing, anointing, and sacrifice—prefiguring Christ's priesthood.

The Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The ordination ceremony established the Aaronic priesthood, involving washing, anointing, and sacrifice—prefiguring Christ's priesthood. Chapters 8-10 describe the priesthood's consecration and early ministry. Aaron and his sons received special anointing for their mediatorial role between God and Israel. The tragic account of Nadab and Abihu (ch. 10) demonstrates that approaching God requires reverence and obedience. Ancient Near Eastern cultures had various sacrificial systems, but Israel's sacrificial worship was unique in its ethical foundation, monotheistic framework, and emphasis on atonement rather than appeasement. Unlike pagan rituals focused on manipulating deities, Israel's sacrifices acknowledged God's sovereignty and sought reconciliation based on His gracious provision. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיַּקְרֵ֨ב1 of 18

“brought”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

מֹשֶֽׁה׃2 of 18

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶת3 of 18
H853

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

בְּנֵ֣י4 of 18

“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

אַֽהֲרֹ֗ן5 of 18

“Aaron's”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וַיַּלְבִּשֵׁ֤ם6 of 18

“and put”

H3847

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

כֻּתֳּנֹת֙7 of 18

“coats”

H3801

a shirt

וַיַּחְגֹּ֤ר8 of 18

“upon them and girded”

H2296

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

אֹתָם֙9 of 18
H853

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

אַבְנֵ֔ט10 of 18

“them with girdles”

H73

a belt

וַיַּֽחֲבֹ֥שׁ11 of 18

“and put”

H2280

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

לָהֶ֖ם12 of 18
H0
מִגְבָּע֑וֹת13 of 18

“bonnets”

H4021

a cap (as hemispherical)

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר14 of 18
H834

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

צִוָּ֥ה15 of 18

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֖ה16 of 18

“upon them as the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת17 of 18
H853

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

מֹשֶֽׁה׃18 of 18

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 8:13 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 Leviticus 8:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 29:8-9Revelation 1:6Isaiah 61:10Exodus 40:14-151 Peter 2:5Isaiah 61:6

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