King James Version
What Does Leviticus 8:6 Mean?
“And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water.”
Context
4
And Moses did as the LORD commanded him; and the assembly was gathered together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
5
And Moses said unto the congregation, This is the thing which the LORD commanded to be done.
6
And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water.
7
And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound it unto him therewith.
8
And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(6) **And washed them with water.**—As the first initiatory rite of the consecration, Moses caused Aaron and his sons to bathe (see Leviticus 16:4), thus symbolising their purification from sin. Where the phrase “to wash with water” is used without specifying any particular part or parts of the body, as in Genesis 19:2; Genesis 24:32, Exodus 30:19; Exodus 30:21, Deuteronomy 21:6, it denotes the washing or bathing of the entire body. This was not done in the presence of the people, but in a baptistry, behind a curtain. During the second Temple the sacerdotal immersion could not be effected in a vessel, but had to take place in a hollow made in the ground, containing at least twenty-four cubic feet of water. The installation of the priest, which is here conducted by Moses, as the giver and representative of the Divine law, was during the second Temple performed by the Sanhedrin, who “sat in Moses’ seat.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 8:6 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 8:6
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge