Leviticus 16:4
Leviticus 16:4 in Multiple Translations
He is to wear the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments. He must tie a linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are holy garments, and he must bathe himself with water before he wears them.
He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.
He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with the linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: they are the holy garments; and he shall bathe his flesh in water, and put them on.
Let him put on the holy linen coat, and the linen trousers on his body, and the linen band round him, and the linen head-dress on his head; for this is holy clothing, and before he puts them on his body is to be washed with water.
He is to be wearing the holy linen tunic, with linen underwear. He has to tie a linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are holy clothes. He must wash himself with water before he puts them on.
He shall put on the holy linnen coate, and shall haue linnen breeches vpon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linnen girdle, and shall couer his head with a linnen miter: these are the holy garments: therefore shall hee wash his flesh in water, when he doeth put them on.
a holy linen coat he putteth on, and linen trousers are on his flesh, and with a linen girdle he girdeth himself, and with a linen mitre he wrappeth himself up; they [are] holy garments; and he hath bathed with water his flesh, and hath put them on.
He shall put on the holy linen tunic. He shall have the linen trousers on his body, and shall put on the linen sash, and he shall be clothed with the linen turban. They are the holy garments. He shall bathe his body in water, and put them on.
He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with the linen girdle, and with the linen miter shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.
He shall be vested with a linen tunick, he shall cover his nakedness with linen breeches: he shall be girded with a linen girdle, and he shall put a linen mitre upon his head: for these are holy vestments: all which he shall put on, after he is washed.
Then he must bathe his whole body, and put on the linen underwear/undershorts and the linen gown. He must tie the linen sash/waistbands around his waist and wrap the turban around his head. Those are his sacred garments.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 16:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 16:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כְּתֹֽנֶת
בַּ֨ד
קֹ֜דֶשׁ
יִלְבָּ֗שׁ
וּ/מִֽכְנְסֵי
בַד֮
יִהְי֣וּ
עַל
בְּשָׂר/וֹ֒
וּ/בְ/אַבְנֵ֥ט
בַּד֙
יַחְגֹּ֔ר
וּ/בְ/מִצְנֶ֥פֶת
בַּ֖ד
יִצְנֹ֑ף
בִּגְדֵי
קֹ֣דֶשׁ
הֵ֔ם
וְ/רָחַ֥ץ
בַּ/מַּ֛יִם
אֶת
בְּשָׂר֖/וֹ
וּ/לְבֵשָֽׁ/ם
כְּתֹֽנֶת
kᵉthôneth
H3801
tunic
N-fs
בַּ֨ד
bad
H906
linen
N-ms
קֹ֜דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
N-ms
יִלְבָּ֗שׁ
lâbash
H3847
to clothe
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וּ/מִֽכְנְסֵי
miknâç
H4370
undergarment
Conj | N-mp
בַד֮
bad
H906
linen
N-ms
יִהְי֣וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
בְּשָׂר/וֹ֒
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms | Suff
וּ/בְ/אַבְנֵ֥ט
ʼabnêṭ
H73
girdle
Conj | Prep | N-ms
בַּד֙
bad
H906
linen
N-ms
יַחְגֹּ֔ר
châgar
H2296
to gird
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וּ/בְ/מִצְנֶ֥פֶת
mitsnepheth
H4701
turban
Conj | Prep | N-fs
בַּ֖ד
bad
H906
linen
N-ms
יִצְנֹ֑ף
tsânaph
H6801
to wrap
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בִּגְדֵי
beged
H899
treachery
N-mp
קֹ֣דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
N-ms
הֵ֔ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
וְ/רָחַ֥ץ
râchats
H7364
to wash
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בַּ/מַּ֛יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Prep | N-mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּשָׂר֖/וֹ
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms | Suff
וּ/לְבֵשָֽׁ/ם
lâbash
H3847
to clothe
Conj | V-Qal-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 16:4
כְּתֹֽנֶת
kᵉthôneth
H3801
"tunic"
N-fs
A tunic was a long, shirt-like garment, often made of linen, worn by people like Joseph in Genesis 37:3.
Definition: 1) tunic, under-garment 1a) a long shirt-like garment usually of linen
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: coat, garment, robe. See also: Genesis 3:21; Leviticus 8:7; Isaiah 22:21.
בַּ֨ד
bad
H906
"linen"
N-ms
The Hebrew word 'bad' can also refer to linen, a type of fabric made from flax, or a garment made from it, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of priestly clothing.
Definition: linen, white linen
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: linen. See also: Exodus 28:42; 1 Chronicles 15:27; Daniel 12:7.
קֹ֜דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
N-ms
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
יִלְבָּ֗שׁ
lâbash
H3847
"to clothe"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To clothe means to wrap something around or put on a garment. In the Bible, it can be used literally or figuratively, as in putting on clothes or being clothed with a certain attitude.
Definition: 1) to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear 1a2) to put on, be clothed with (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed 1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress Aramaic equivalent: le.vash (לְבֵשׁ "to clothe" H3848)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: (in) apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on, upon), wear. See also: Genesis 3:21; Job 27:17; Psalms 35:26.
וּ/מִֽכְנְסֵי
miknâç
H4370
"undergarment"
Conj | N-mp
A 'miknas' was a type of undergarment, including priestly linen underwear, designed to conceal private parts for modesty.
Definition: 1) underwear, drawers, trousers 1a) a priestly undergarment of linen
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: breeches. See also: Exodus 28:42; Leviticus 6:3; Ezekiel 44:18.
בַד֮
bad
H906
"linen"
N-ms
The Hebrew word 'bad' can also refer to linen, a type of fabric made from flax, or a garment made from it, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of priestly clothing.
Definition: linen, white linen
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: linen. See also: Exodus 28:42; 1 Chronicles 15:27; Daniel 12:7.
יִהְי֣וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בְּשָׂר/וֹ֒
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
וּ/בְ/אַבְנֵ֥ט
ʼabnêṭ
H73
"girdle"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
A girdle or belt, often worn by priests and high officials in the Bible, like the high priest in Exodus 28. It was a symbol of their office and authority. The girdle was also a practical way to carry tools or weapons.
Definition: 1) girdle, sash, waistband 1a) of high priest 1b) of other priests 1c) of high official
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: girdle. See also: Exodus 28:4; Exodus 39:29; Isaiah 22:21.
בַּד֙
bad
H906
"linen"
N-ms
The Hebrew word 'bad' can also refer to linen, a type of fabric made from flax, or a garment made from it, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of priestly clothing.
Definition: linen, white linen
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: linen. See also: Exodus 28:42; 1 Chronicles 15:27; Daniel 12:7.
יַחְגֹּ֔ר
châgar
H2296
"to gird"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word chagar means to gird or put on a belt, and is used to describe preparing for battle or work, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to gird, gird on, gird oneself, put on a belt 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to gird 1a2) to gird on, bind on 1a3) to gird oneself
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: be able to put on, be afraid, appointed, gird, restrain, [idiom] on every side. See also: Exodus 12:11; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 45:4.
וּ/בְ/מִצְנֶ֥פֶת
mitsnepheth
H4701
"turban"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
Mitsnepheth is a turban or diadem worn by high priests and kings, symbolizing their official status.
Definition: turban (of the high priest)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: diadem, mitre. See also: Exodus 28:4; Exodus 39:28; Ezekiel 21:31.
בַּ֖ד
bad
H906
"linen"
N-ms
The Hebrew word 'bad' can also refer to linen, a type of fabric made from flax, or a garment made from it, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of priestly clothing.
Definition: linen, white linen
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: linen. See also: Exodus 28:42; 1 Chronicles 15:27; Daniel 12:7.
יִצְנֹ֑ף
tsânaph
H6801
"to wrap"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to wrap or dress something, like rolling or winding it up. It appears in the Bible to describe dressing or turning something violently. In the KJV, it is translated as 'be attired' or 'violently turn'.
Definition: (Qal) to wrap, wrap or wind up together, wind around
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: be attired, [idiom] surely, violently turn. See also: Leviticus 16:4; Isaiah 22:18.
בִּגְדֵי
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
קֹ֣דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
N-ms
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
הֵ֔ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
וְ/רָחַ֥ץ
râchats
H7364
"to wash"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for washing or bathing, used in Exodus 30:19 where priests had to wash their hands and feet before entering the temple. It means to clean or purify oneself, as seen in 2 Kings 5:10 where Elisha tells Naaman to wash in the Jordan River.
Definition: : wash 1) to wash, wash off, wash away, bathe 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wash, wash off, wash away 1a2) to wash, bathe (oneself) 1b) (Pual) to be washed 1c) (Hithpael) to wash oneself 2a) (Hithpael Passive) to be regarded clean, trustworthy
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: bathe (self), wash (self). See also: Genesis 18:4; Leviticus 16:4; Psalms 26:6.
בַּ/מַּ֛יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Prep | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּשָׂר֖/וֹ
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
וּ/לְבֵשָֽׁ/ם
lâbash
H3847
"to clothe"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms | Suff
To clothe means to wrap something around or put on a garment. In the Bible, it can be used literally or figuratively, as in putting on clothes or being clothed with a certain attitude.
Definition: 1) to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear 1a2) to put on, be clothed with (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed 1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress Aramaic equivalent: le.vash (לְבֵשׁ "to clothe" H3848)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: (in) apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on, upon), wear. See also: Genesis 3:21; Job 27:17; Psalms 35:26.
Study Notes — Leviticus 16:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 16:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 16:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 16:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 16:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 16:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 16:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 16:4
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 16:4
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 16:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 16:4
- Sermons on Leviticus 16:4
Context — The Day of Atonement
2And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.
3This is how Aaron is to enter the Holy Place: with a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.
4He is to wear the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments. He must tie a linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are holy garments, and he must bathe himself with water before he wears them.
5And he shall take from the congregation of Israel two male goats for a sin offering and one ram for a burnt offering. 6Aaron is to present the bull for his sin offering and make atonement for himself and his household.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 28:39–43 | You are to weave the tunic with fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion an embroidered sash. Make tunics, sashes, and headbands for Aaron’s sons, to give them glory and splendor. After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them so that they may serve Me as priests. Make linen undergarments to cover their bare flesh, extending from waist to thigh. Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 44:17–18 | When they enter the gates of the inner court, they are to wear linen garments; they must not wear anything made of wool when they minister at the gates of the inner court or inside the temple. They are to wear linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments around their waists. They must not wear anything that makes them perspire. |
| 3 | Exodus 30:20 | Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister by presenting an offering made by fire to the LORD, they must wash with water so that they will not die. |
| 4 | Hebrews 7:26 | Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. |
| 5 | Leviticus 6:10 | And the priest shall put on his linen robe and linen undergarments, and he shall remove from the altar the ashes of the burnt offering that the fire has consumed and place them beside it. |
| 6 | Leviticus 8:6–7 | Then Moses presented Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him. |
| 7 | Exodus 39:27–29 | For Aaron and his sons they made tunics of fine linen, the work of a weaver, as well as the turban of fine linen, the ornate headbands and undergarments of finely spun linen, and the sash of finely spun linen, embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. |
| 8 | Hebrews 10:22 | let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. |
| 9 | Exodus 40:31–32 | and from it Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and feet. They washed whenever they entered the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. |
| 10 | Philippians 2:7 | but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. |
Leviticus 16:4 Summary
[This verse tells us that Aaron, the high priest, had to wear special clothes made of linen when he went into the Holy Place to worship God. He also had to take a bath before putting on these clothes to show that he was clean and pure. This reminds us that when we come to God in prayer or worship, we should try to be pure and humble, like Aaron. As it says in Psalm 24:3-4, we need clean hands and a pure heart to approach God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Aaron have to wear sacred linen garments when entering the Holy Place?
Aaron had to wear sacred linen garments to symbolize purity and holiness, as God is a holy God who demands purity from those who approach Him, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45 and Psalm 29:2.
What was the significance of bathing before wearing the holy garments?
Bathing before wearing the holy garments signified spiritual cleansing and preparation to come before a holy God, much like the spiritual cleansing we experience through faith in Jesus Christ, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:11 and Hebrews 10:22.
Why were the garments specifically made of linen?
The use of linen for the sacred garments may have symbolized purity and simplicity, as linen was a natural, unadorned material, and it may also have been a reminder of the humble, unassuming nature required of those who serve God, as seen in Matthew 5:5 and 1 Peter 5:5-6.
How does this verse relate to the concept of priestly ministry in the New Testament?
This verse relates to the concept of priestly ministry in the New Testament in that it foreshadows the role of Jesus Christ as our High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf and provides access to God's presence, as described in Hebrews 4:14-16 and 10:19-22.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of spiritual preparation and purity in our relationship with God?
- How can we, like Aaron, prepare ourselves to come before God in worship and prayer?
- What role does humility play in our approach to God, and how can we cultivate a humble heart like the one described in Matthew 5:3-12?
- In what ways can we apply the principles of purity and simplicity in our own lives, as reflected in the sacred linen garments worn by Aaron?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 16:4
He shall put on the holy linen coat,.... Which he wore in common with other priests: and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh; upon those parts of his body which are more secret, and less
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 16:4
Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering. Thus shall Aaron come.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 16:4
It is observable that the high priest did not now use his peculiar and glorious robes, but only his linen garments, which were common to him with the ordinary priests. The reason whereof was, either because this was not a day of feasting and rejoicing, but of mourning and humiliation, at which times people were to lay aside their ornaments, . Some conceive, that under the linen garments here named are comprehended his more glorious robes also by a synecdoche. But that doth not appear neither from hence, nor from other places alleged. Had only his holy garments been mentioned in general, all might have been understood; but when only the linen apparel is mentioned here, and after, , and when that is so particularly expressed in four several parts of it, and not a word of the other either here or in the rest of the chapter, it seems presumptuous to add them here without any ground or evidence. Or because it was fit he should not exalt, but abase himself, when he was to appear before the Divine Majesty, and therefore he was to come in the meanest of his priestly habits. Or that it might be an evidence of the imperfection of this priesthood and of the great difference between the Levitical and the true High Priest Christ Jesus, whose prerogative alone it is to go into the true holy of holies with his glorious robes, when this must carry thither the characters of his meanness. These are holy garments, because appropriated to a holy and religious use, for which reason other things are called holy. See 30:25 .
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 16:4
Leviticus 16:4 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these [are] holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and [so] put them on.Ver. 4. Therefore shall he wash.] As we must be always holy, so then most when we present ourselves to the holy eyes of our Creator. We wash our hands every day; but when we are to sit with some great person, we scour them with balls. See Leviticus 16:24.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 16:4
(4) He shall put on the holy linen coat.—Better, a holy linen tunic. The four articles of clothing here mentioned, all of which were of white linen, constituted the sacerdotal “white vestments,” in contra-distinction to “the golden garments.” Of the white garments he possessed two sets, one of Egyptian linen, and the other of Indian and less costly linen. The community allowed the high priest thirty minæ to purchase these garments, and he could add as much as he liked from his own money if he wished them to be more costly, provided the material was linen made of six double twisted threads and of flax. It was the more costly vestments of Egyptian linen which the high priest wore on this occasion. The latter he put on in the after part of the day when he entered the Holy of Holies to bring out the censer. These garments were the same as those of the ordinary priests, except the turban, which was a little taller. And he shall wash.—He had to bathe his body every time when he changed his vestments.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 16:4
Verse 4. He shall put on the holy linen coat] He was not to dress in his pontifical garments, but in the simple sacerdotal vestments, or those of the Levites, because it was a day of humiliation; and as he was to offer sacrifices for his own sins, it was necessary that he should appear in habits suited to the occasion. Hence he has neither the robe, the ephod, the breastplate, the mitre, c. these constituted his dress of dignity as the high priest of God, ministering for others and the representative of Christ: but now he appears, before God as a sinner, offering an atonement for his transgressions, and his garments are those of humiliation.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 16:4
4. The linen garments here mentioned are the garments described in Exodus 28:39-43. Cp. Leviticus 16:23-24.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 16:4
The high priest when he changed his dress on this day was required to bathe himself.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 16:4
4. The holy linen coat — This requirement, that Aaron should divest himself of his pontifical robes when he appears before the Lord as a penitent, teaches us that no worldly distinction, no
Sermons on Leviticus 16:4
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Holy Garments by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the significance of the Holy Garments worn by the high-priest, emphasizing that every detail was designed 'for glory and for beauty' to reflect the splendor o |
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No Sweat by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that true ministry should be done as a service unto the Lord, free from human striving and effort, which he equates to 'sweat.' He explains that sweat is a |
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(Exodus) Exodus 28:1-3 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing God in everything, including the instructions given in the Bible. The speaker compares the Bible to a picture book, |
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When Christ Appears in Glory by Albert Leckie | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the future manifestation of Jesus Christ in both judgment and salvation. He emphasizes that despite man's arrogance and disregard for the gos |
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Psalm 11 by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the question of what the righteous can do when the foundations of society are destroyed. He emphasizes the importance of finding escape and re |
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Holiness & Humanity by Colin Peckham | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing a scene in a backyard with two yellow peach trees. He mentions putting a clip on one of the trees and being by a stove. The speaker |
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Give Thyself Wholly by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God. He highlights the power and impact of a well-fed man who has a deep understanding of God's trut |