King James Version

What Does Leviticus 8:7 Mean?

Leviticus 8:7 in the King James Version says “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,...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 8:7 · KJV

Context

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.

9

And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront , did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Read Leviticus 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.


What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיִּתֵּ֥ן1 of 22

“And he put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עָלָ֜יו2 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֶת3 of 22
H853

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

הַכֻּתֹּ֗נֶת4 of 22

“upon him the coat”

H3801

a shirt

וַיַּחְגֹּ֣ר5 of 22

“and girded”

H2296

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

אֹתוֹ֙6 of 22
H853

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

בָּֽאַבְנֵ֔ט7 of 22

“him with the girdle”

H73

a belt

וַיַּלְבֵּ֤שׁ8 of 22

“and clothed”

H3847

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

אֹתוֹ֙9 of 22
H853

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

אֶֽת10 of 22
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הַמְּעִ֔יל11 of 22

“him with the robe”

H4598

a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)

וַיִּתֵּ֥ן12 of 22

“And he put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עָלָ֖יו13 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֶת14 of 22
H853

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

הָֽאֵפֹ֔ד15 of 22

“of the ephod”

H646

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

וַיַּחְגֹּ֣ר16 of 22

“and girded”

H2296

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

אֹת֗וֹ17 of 22
H853

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

בְּחֵ֙שֶׁב֙18 of 22

“him with the curious girdle”

H2805

a belt or strap (as being interlaced)

הָֽאֵפֹ֔ד19 of 22

“of the ephod”

H646

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

וַיֶּאְפֹּ֥ד20 of 22

“and bound”

H640

to gird on (the ephod)

ל֖וֹ21 of 22
H0
בּֽוֹ׃22 of 22
H0

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 8:7 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 8:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 28:4Romans 13:14Exodus 29:5Exodus 39:1-7Romans 3:22Isaiah 61:10

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