King James Version

What Does Leviticus 8:6 Mean?

Leviticus 8:6 in the King James Version says “And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water. — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water.

Leviticus 8:6 · KJV


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

KJV Study Commentary
And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water.

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.
The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיַּקְרֵ֣ב1 of 9

brought

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

מֹשֶׁ֔ה2 of 9

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶֽת3 of 9
H853

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

אַהֲרֹ֖ן4 of 9

Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וְאֶת5 of 9
H853

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

בָּנָ֑יו6 of 9

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

וַיִּרְחַ֥ץ7 of 9

and washed

H7364

to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)

אֹתָ֖ם8 of 9
H853

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

בַּמָּֽיִם׃9 of 9

them with water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen


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 8:6 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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