King James Version

What Does Leviticus 8:9 Mean?

Leviticus 8:9 in the King James Version says “And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront , did he put the golden plate, the holy...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 8:9 · KJV

Context

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.

10

And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein, and sanctified them.

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.

Read Leviticus 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 central theme of Leviticus is God's holiness and the call for His people to be holy. The Hebrew word qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) means 'set apart' or 'sacred,' emphasizing both separation from sin and consecration to God's purposes.
The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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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 texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  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 · 21 words
וַיָּ֨שֶׂם1 of 21

“And he put”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אֶת2 of 21
H853

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

הַמִּצְנֶ֜פֶת3 of 21

“also upon the mitre”

H4701

a tiara, i.e., official turban (of a king or high priest)

עַל4 of 21
H5921

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

רֹאשׁ֑וֹ5 of 21

“upon his head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וַיָּ֨שֶׂם6 of 21

“And he put”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

עַֽל7 of 21
H5921

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

הַמִּצְנֶ֜פֶת8 of 21

“also upon the mitre”

H4701

a tiara, i.e., official turban (of a king or high priest)

אֶל9 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מ֣וּל10 of 21
H4136

properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite

פָּנָ֗יו11 of 21

“even upon his forefront”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֵ֣ת12 of 21
H853

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

צִ֤יץ13 of 21

“plate”

H6731

properly, glistening, i.e., a burnished plate; a wing (as gleaming in the air)

הַזָּהָב֙14 of 21

“the golden”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

נֵ֣זֶר15 of 21

“crown”

H5145

properly, something set apart, i.e., (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chapl

הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ16 of 21

“the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר17 of 21
H834

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

צִוָּ֥ה18 of 21

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֖ה19 of 21

“as the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶת20 of 21
H853

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

מֹשֶֽׁה׃21 of 21

“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 8:9 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 8:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 2:9-11Zechariah 3:5Zechariah 6:11-14Exodus 29:6Exodus 28:4Exodus 28:36-38

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