Exodus 28:38

KJV

And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be upon Aaron's {H175} forehead {H4696}, that Aaron {H175} may bear {H5375} the iniquity {H5771} of the holy things {H6944}, which the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} shall hallow {H6942} in all their holy {H6944} gifts {H4979}; and it shall be always {H8548} upon his forehead {H4696}, that they may be accepted {H7522} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

over Aharon's forehead. Because Aharon bears the guilt for any errors committed by the people of Isra'el in consecrating their holy gifts, this ornament is always to be on his forehead, so that the gifts for ADONAI will be accepted by him.

Berean Standard Bible

And it will be worn on Aaron’s forehead, so that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrate with regard to all their holy gifts. It shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be acceptable before the LORD.

American Standard Version

And it shall be upon Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 28:38 delineates the profound purpose of the golden plate, inscribed "HOLINESS TO THE LORD," affixed to the high priest Aaron's turban. This verse reveals its essential function: to enable Aaron to "bear the iniquity of the holy things," thereby ensuring that the consecrated offerings and gifts presented by the Israelites, despite any inherent human imperfections, would be graciously accepted by the LORD. It powerfully underscores the high priest's critical mediatorial role in bridging the chasm between a perfectly holy God and an imperfect people, making their worship and sacrifices efficacious and pleasing in divine sight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 28 is entirely dedicated to the meticulous divine instructions for the sacred garments of Aaron and his sons, who were consecrated to serve as priests. This chapter systematically outlines each piece of the high priestly attire, from the intricate ephod and breastpiece ([Exodus 28:6-30](/exodus/28-6-30 "Exodus 28:6-30 - The Ephod and Breastpiece")) to the ornate robe ([Exodus 28:31-35](/exodus/28-31-35 "Exodus 28:31-35 - The Robe of the Ephod")), culminating in the golden plate on the turban, which is the immediate focus of this verse. The preceding verses, [Exodus 28:36-37](/exodus/28-36-37 "Exodus 28:36-37 - The Golden Plate and Turban"), specify the plate's material, its crucial inscription ("HOLINESS TO THE LORD"), and its precise placement. Verse 38, therefore, provides the profound theological rationale and functional significance of this particular adornment, explaining *why* its constant presence was indispensable for Aaron's mediatorial service. The subsequent verses, [Exodus 28:39-43](/exodus/28-39-43 "Exodus 28:39-43 - Garments for Aaron's Sons"), then shift to describe the simpler, yet equally consecrated, garments for Aaron's sons, completing the divine blueprint for the priestly vestments essential for their sacred duties in the Tabernacle.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, priestly figures commonly wore distinctive garments to signify their office, their connection to the divine, and often their social status. However, the Israelite priestly garments, as meticulously detailed in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments"), were unique in their divine prescription and profound symbolic meaning. Unlike the attire of pagan priesthoods, which might emphasize magical power or human authority, the garments for Aaron and his sons primarily emphasized holiness, purity, and the mediatorial function required for approaching the holy God of Israel. The concept of "bearing iniquity" was not foreign to the Israelite understanding of responsibility for sacred things, as seen in other passages like [Numbers 18:1](/numbers/18-1 "Numbers 18:1 - Bearing the Iniquity of the Sanctuary"), where the Levites were charged with bearing the iniquity of the sanctuary. This verse highlights a foundational theological truth: even the most sincere and consecrated human efforts at worship, when presented by imperfect people, carry an inherent "iniquity" or imperfection that necessitates divine covering or mediation to be truly acceptable to a perfectly holy God.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 28:38 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and His demand for holiness from His people and in their worship. The inscription "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" on the plate itself serves as a constant declaration of this divine attribute. Closely related is the theme of **Mediation**, as Aaron, through his office and specific vestments, acts as the divinely appointed intermediary between a holy God and a sinful people. He bears their imperfections, making their offerings acceptable. This highlights the pervasive theme of **Human Imperfection and Sin**, acknowledging that even the most dedicated acts of worship by fallen humanity carry a blemish requiring divine provision. Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Divine Acceptance**, revealing God's gracious provision to receive the worship of His people, not based on their inherent perfection, but on the perfect covering provided through the high priestly office. This foreshadows the ultimate acceptance found in Christ, as seen throughout the New Testament, particularly in [Hebrews](/hebrews "The Book of Hebrews").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Aaron (Hebrew, _ʼAhărôwn'_):** This refers to Moses' older brother, the first high priest of Israel. His name, of uncertain derivation, comes to signify the divinely appointed mediator for the people, embodying the office through which God's presence could be approached and the people's offerings could be accepted. His person and office are central to the function described in this verse.
* **Forehead (Hebrew, _mêtsach'_):** This term refers to the frontal part of the head, specifically the brow, which is open and prominent. Its selection here emphasizes the public, visible, and constant nature of the golden plate's placement. The plate's inscription was not hidden but conspicuously displayed, signifying a perpetual declaration and function before both God and the people.
* **Bear (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** This primitive root means "to lift," "to carry," or "to take away." In this context, it signifies Aaron's responsibility to "carry" or "remove" the iniquity. It implies a vicarious action, where the high priest takes upon himself the burden of the imperfections associated with the holy things, effectively covering them so they do not hinder divine acceptance. This action is crucial for the efficacy of the offerings.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** This term denotes perversity, moral evil, or sin, and often the punishment for it. In Exodus 28:38, it refers not to intentional transgression by the people in their offerings, but rather to the inherent imperfection, defilement, or blemish that clings to even the most sacred gifts and acts of worship when offered by fallen humanity. It signifies the need for a covering or atonement for the unintended flaws or shortcomings that would otherwise render the offerings unacceptable to a holy God.
* **Holy things (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** This refers to a sacred place or thing, often abstractly denoting sanctity. Here, it specifically designates the consecrated offerings, sacrifices, tithes, firstfruits, and other gifts that the Israelites dedicated to the LORD. These items were set apart for God's exclusive use and therefore required a high degree of purity. The juxtaposition of "iniquity" with "holy things" highlights the paradox of imperfect people attempting to offer perfect worship to a perfect God.
* **Accepted (Hebrew, _râtsôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to delight," this term signifies delight, pleasure, or favorable acceptance. The ultimate goal of the high priest's role in "bearing the iniquity" was to ensure that the offerings, despite their human imperfections, would be received with divine favor and delight by the LORD, thereby validating the people's worship and maintaining their covenant relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead":** This clause refers to the golden plate (Hebrew: _tzitz_), inscribed with "HOLINESS TO THE LORD," which was fastened to the front of Aaron's turban. Its prominent placement on the forehead signifies its constant visibility, serving as a perpetual reminder of the high priest's embodiment of holiness and his crucial mediatorial purpose. This visual emphasis ensures that the significance of his role is always apparent.
* **"that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things":** This is the core purpose of the golden plate. Aaron, acting as the divinely appointed representative of the entire Israelite community, symbolically "carries" or "takes away" the imperfections, defilements, or shortcomings associated with the consecrated offerings and gifts presented by the Israelites. This does not imply that the offerings themselves were inherently sinful, but rather that the act of offering them by imperfect people introduced a potential blemish or flaw that needed to be covered or atoned for to ensure divine acceptance. It highlights the pervasive nature of human sin, even in acts of devotion.
* **"which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts":** This clarifies the source and nature of the "holy things." They are the various consecrated offerings, dedications, and sacrifices that the Israelites, as God's covenant people, set apart ("hallow") for His exclusive use. Even their best efforts to dedicate and present these gifts, despite their sincerity, required this mediatorial covering due to the inherent sinfulness and imperfection of the human offerors.
* **"and it shall be always upon his forehead":** This clause reiterates and emphasizes the continuous and perpetual nature of this mediatorial function. The need for a covering for human imperfection was not an occasional requirement but a constant necessity, reflecting the ongoing nature of Israel's worship, their relationship with a perfectly holy God, and the persistent reality of human fallibility.
* **"that they may be accepted before the LORD":** This states the ultimate desired outcome and the profound theological goal of the golden plate and Aaron's mediatorial role. The entire purpose of this specific priestly adornment and its function was to ensure that the Israelites' offerings, despite their inherent flaws, would be received with divine favor, pleasure, and delight by the LORD. This acceptance was crucial for maintaining the integrity of their worship, validating their covenant relationship, and securing God's blessing upon His people.

#### Literary Devices
The text of Exodus 28:38 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological weight and underscore the gravity of Aaron's role. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the golden plate itself, inscribed with "HOLINESS TO THE LORD," serves as a potent symbol of the perfect holiness required to approach God—a holiness that Aaron, in his representative capacity, embodies and mediates. Its placement on the forehead ensures its constant visibility, acting as a perpetual reminder of God's demand for purity and the high priest's indispensable role in achieving divine acceptance. **Repetition** is also utilized for emphasis, with the phrase "it shall be upon Aaron's forehead" appearing twice, underscoring the permanent and indispensable nature of this specific adornment and its function. Furthermore, there is an element of **metonymy** or **synecdoche**, where "Aaron's forehead" stands in for Aaron himself and, by extension, his entire mediatorial office. The plate on his forehead represents his full responsibility to bear the imperfections of the people's sacred offerings, ensuring their acceptance by the LORD. The verse also implicitly uses **contrast** by juxtaposing human "iniquity" with divine "holiness," highlighting the vast chasm that only a divinely appointed mediator can bridge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 28:38 powerfully articulates the profound theological truth that a perfectly holy God cannot tolerate imperfection, even in the most sacred acts of worship from His covenant people. It highlights humanity's inherent inability to approach God flawlessly and the absolute necessity of divine provision for mediation and atonement. The high priest's role in "bearing the iniquity of the holy things" underscores the constant need for a covering for human sin and imperfection, not just for overt transgressions but even for the subtle blemishes that cling to our best intentions and most consecrated efforts. This theme resonates throughout the Old Testament, pointing to the ongoing requirement for a spotless mediator to bridge the chasm between divine holiness and human fallenness, and foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect High Priest.

* [Leviticus 10:17](/leviticus/10-17 "Leviticus 10:17 - Bearing the Iniquity of the Congregation")
* [Numbers 18:1](/numbers/18-1 "Numbers 18:1 - Bearing the Iniquity of the Sanctuary")
* [Isaiah 53:11](/isaiah/53-11 "Isaiah 53:11 - Bearing Their Iniquities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 28:38 offers a profound mirror for self-reflection, revealing the deep-seated truth that even our most sincere and consecrated acts of devotion are tainted by human imperfection and sin. It challenges us to recognize that our efforts to "hallow" or dedicate things to God, whether our time, talents, resources, or even our worship, inherently carry a "blemish" that requires divine covering. This verse cultivates a profound humility that acknowledges our utter dependence on God's grace and provision for acceptance. It reminds us that true acceptance before the LORD is never based on the flawless perfection of our offerings, but on the perfect mediation provided by His chosen representative. For believers today, this should lead to a deeper appreciation for the finished work of Christ, who perfectly bears our iniquities, making our imperfect lives and worship acceptable to God. It calls us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that our approach to God is marked by genuine humility and a reliance on His perfect provision, rather than on any perceived merit of our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might my "holy gifts" or acts of worship still carry "iniquity" or imperfection before God?**
* **How does the concept of needing a mediator for my worship deepen my understanding of God's holiness and my own sinfulness?**
* **What does "acceptance before the LORD" truly mean in my daily life and spiritual practices, and how does Christ's work secure this for me?**

### FAQ
**What exactly does "bear the iniquity of the holy things" mean?**

Answer: It does not mean that the physical offerings themselves were inherently sinful. Rather, it refers to the high priest Aaron's unique role in taking responsibility for, or covering, the imperfections, defilements, or shortcomings that inevitably clung to the consecrated gifts and acts of worship presented by the Israelites. Even when the people brought their best and most holy offerings, they were still brought by imperfect, sinful human beings. These inherent human flaws, oversights, or even unconscious sins could potentially render the offerings unacceptable to a perfectly holy God. Aaron, by wearing the golden plate inscribed "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" on his forehead, symbolically bore these imperfections, acting as a mediator to ensure that the offerings, despite their blemishes, would be received with divine favor and delight by the LORD. This concept is similar to how the priests bore the iniquity of the sanctuary in [Numbers 18:1](/numbers/18-1 "Numbers 18:1 - Bearing the Iniquity of the Sanctuary"), highlighting the pervasive need for atonement and mediation in the presence of a holy God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 28:38 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. Aaron's constant bearing of the iniquity of Israel's holy things was a powerful foreshadowing of the once-for-all, perfect sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Unlike Aaron, who himself was a sinful man requiring atonement for his own imperfections, Jesus is the [spotless Lamb](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Redemption through Christ's Blood") and the [perfect High Priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ Our Perfect High Priest"). He did not just bear the iniquity of their *offerings*, but [He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins"), becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Through His finished work on the cross, our "spiritual sacrifices" of worship and service ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices")) are made perfectly acceptable to God, not because of our merit, but because we are [accepted in the Beloved](/ephesians/1-6 "Ephesians 1:6 - Accepted in the Beloved"). His ongoing intercession at the right hand of God ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession"); [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")) ensures that our imperfect lives and worship are continually presented before God, perfectly covered by His righteousness, securing our eternal acceptance and access to the Father.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 2:24

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Numbers 18:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.

Leviticus 10:17

Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering in the holy place, seeing it [is] most holy, and [God] hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD?

John 1:29

¶ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Hebrews 9:28

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Leviticus 22:9

They shall therefore keep mine ordinance, lest they bear sin for it, and die therefore, if they profane it: I the LORD do sanctify them.

1 Peter 2:5

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.