Exodus 28:4

KJV

And these [are] the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

KJV (with Strong's)

And these are the garments {H899} which they shall make {H6213}; a breastplate {H2833}, and an ephod {H646}, and a robe {H4598}, and a broidered {H8665} coat {H3801}, a mitre {H4701}, and a girdle {H73}: and they shall make {H6213} holy {H6944} garments {H899} for Aaron {H175} thy brother {H251}, and his sons {H1121}, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office {H3547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"The garments they are to make are these: a breastplate, a ritual vest, a robe, a checkered tunic, a turban and a sash. They are to make holy garments for your brother Aharon and his sons, so that he can serve me in the office of cohen.

Berean Standard Bible

These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so that they may serve Me as priests.

American Standard Version

And these are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a coat of checker work, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 28:4 meticulously outlines the initial list of six distinct components of the sacred priestly vestments: the breastplate, ephod, robe, broidered coat, mitre, and girdle. These garments were divinely commanded to be crafted for Aaron and his sons, not merely for ceremonial adornment, but as "holy garments" specifically designed to enable them to fulfill their consecrated role of ministering before the Lord in the priest's office. This verse establishes the foundational elements of the high priestly attire, setting the stage for their detailed description and symbolic significance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a comprehensive block of divine directives concerning the Tabernacle and its associated worship system, spanning from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - The Call of Bezalel and Oholiab"). Specifically, [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - The Priestly Garments") is entirely dedicated to the intricate design and purpose of the priestly garments. Verse 4 serves as a pivotal introductory enumeration, following the general command in [Exodus 28:2](/exodus/28-2 "Exodus 28:2 - Holy Garments for Glory and Beauty") to make "holy garments for Aaron for glory and for beauty." It precedes the elaborate, verse-by-verse descriptions of each individual piece of clothing, detailing their materials, construction, and specific symbolic functions, such as the ephod in [Exodus 28:6-14](/exodus/28-6-14 "Exodus 28:6-14 - The Ephod") and the breastplate in [Exodus 28:15-30](/exodus/28-15-30 "Exodus 28:15-30 - The Breastplate of Judgment"). This precise listing establishes the foundational components before their intricate design and spiritual significance are unveiled.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this divine revelation, the Israelites were encamped at the base of Mount Sinai, having recently experienced a miraculous deliverance from centuries of Egyptian bondage. They had just entered into a unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, who was now establishing His presence among them through the Tabernacle. This period marked the formal institution of Israel's national identity as a people set apart for God, necessitating a structured system of worship and mediation. Unlike the polytheistic and often idolatrous religious practices of surrounding nations, the Israelite priesthood and its attire were divinely ordained, emphasizing purity, distinction, and the sacred nature of approaching a holy God. The garments were not merely aesthetic but served to visually set apart the priests from the common people, underscore their unique role as mediators between God and humanity, and reflect the holiness required to approach the divine presence within the [Tabernacle](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - Detailed Tabernacle Construction").
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 28:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. The primary theme is **Holiness and Consecration**, as evidenced by the repeated emphasis on "holy garments" and the specific purpose of "ministering unto me in the priest's office." This highlights God's absolute purity and the necessity for His chosen representatives to be set apart for sacred service. Another key theme is **Divine Order and Meticulous Design**, seen in the precise enumeration of each garment, foreshadowing the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle itself (e.g., [Exodus 26](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - The Tabernacle Construction")). The verse also introduces the theme of **Mediation and Representation**, as Aaron and his sons are designated to wear these garments to minister on behalf of the people, a role further elaborated with the breastplate carrying the names of the tribes ([Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "Exodus 28:29 - The Breastplate of Judgment")). Finally, the concept of **Glory and Beauty** is implicitly present, as these garments were designed not only for function but also to reflect the majesty of God whom the priests served, as mentioned in [Exodus 28:2](/exodus/28-2 "Exodus 28:2 - Holy Garments for Glory and Beauty").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Garments (Hebrew, _beged'_):** From H899 (בָּגַד), meaning "a covering, i.e. clothing." While _beged_ is a general term for any clothing, in this specific context, it refers exclusively to the sacred vestments of the priesthood. The subsequent listing clarifies that these are not ordinary clothes but specially designed and consecrated articles of attire, distinct in their purpose, material, and symbolic significance from everyday wear, emphasizing their unique role in sacred service.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** From H6944 (קֹדֶשׁ), meaning "a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity; consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness." This term is central to understanding the nature of these garments and the priestly office itself. _Qodesh_ signifies being "set apart," "consecrated," or "sanctified" for a divine purpose. The garments were not merely beautiful; they were sacred, belonging exclusively to God's service and embodying the purity and reverence required to approach Him. This holiness was not inherent in the fabric but derived from their divine designation and purpose.
* **Minister in the priest's office (Hebrew, _kâhan'_):** From H3547 (כָּהַן), a primitive root meaning "to officiate as a priest; figuratively, to put on regalia." This verb describes the act of serving or attending, specifically in a sacred or official capacity as a priest. In the context of the priesthood, it refers to the performance of sacred duties within the Tabernacle, such as offering sacrifices, burning incense, and interceding for the people. The garments were essential for the proper execution of this sacred "ministry" or "service" to God, enabling the priests to perform their duties in a manner acceptable to the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these [are] the garments which they shall make;":** This opening clause functions as a direct introductory statement, signaling the commencement of a precise enumeration of the priestly attire. The phrase "which they shall make" is a passive construction implying a divine imperative, indicating that the construction of these garments is not optional but a direct, non-negotiable instruction from God Himself. It sets the stage for the detailed specifications that follow.
* **"a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle:":** This is the core of the verse, providing a precise and exhaustive list of the six principal components of the high priestly attire. Each item—the breastplate, ephod, robe, broidered coat, mitre, and girdle—had a distinct design, specific materials, and profound symbolic functions, which would be elaborated upon in subsequent verses of [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - The Priestly Garments"). This enumeration establishes the complete set of vestments required for Aaron and, by extension, for the priestly office.
* **"and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons,":** This clause explicitly identifies the recipients of these divinely prescribed garments: Aaron, who was designated as the High Priest, and his sons, who would serve as priests under him. The reiteration of "holy garments" emphatically underscores their consecrated nature, setting them apart exclusively for sacred use and distinguishing the priests from the general populace. This highlights the unique and sacred status conferred upon the priestly lineage.
* **"that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.":** This final clause articulates the ultimate, teleological purpose of these garments and, by extension, the priestly office itself: to facilitate "ministry" or "service" directly to God. The garments were not for personal adornment, status, or mere aesthetics, but were functional and symbolic tools enabling the priests to perform their sacred duties—such as offering sacrifices, burning incense, and interceding for the people—in a manner acceptable and pleasing to the Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 28:4 prominently employs **Enumeration**, systematically listing the six primary articles of priestly clothing: breastplate, ephod, robe, broidered coat, mitre, and girdle. This precise listing provides absolute clarity and ensures that no essential component of the divinely ordained attire is overlooked, emphasizing God's meticulous attention to detail in matters of worship. The verse also utilizes a **Purpose Clause** ("that he may minister unto me in the priest's office"), which clearly articulates the divine intent and functional necessity behind the creation of these garments. This teleological statement underscores that the vestments were not arbitrary but served a specific, sacred function in facilitating the priests' service to God. Furthermore, the implicit **Repetition** of the concept of "holy garments" (echoing the command in [Exodus 28:2](/exodus/28-2 "Exodus 28:2 - Holy Garments for Glory and Beauty")) reinforces the central theological theme of consecration and the profound sacredness of the priestly office.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 28:4 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous attention to detail in establishing worship, underscoring His absolute holiness and the reverence required to approach Him. The "holy garments" symbolize the purity, distinction, and divine appointment necessary for mediation between a holy God and sinful humanity. They represent the immense weight and inherent glory of the priestly office, a role specifically designed to represent the people before God and God to the people. This divine blueprint for the Old Testament priesthood serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies holiness and mediates a new and living way to God. Moreover, it points to the New Testament believer's identity as a "royal priesthood," called to spiritual service and clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

* [Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Our Holy, Blameless High Priest")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")
* [Revelation 1:6](/revelation/1-6 "Revelation 1:6 - Kings and Priests to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed instructions for the priestly garments in Exodus 28:4 serve as a timeless reminder that our approach to God is never casual but demands intentionality, profound reverence, and a deep recognition of His transcendent holiness. While the physical garments of the Old Covenant are no longer required under the New Covenant, the spiritual principles they represent remain profoundly relevant for believers today. As followers of Christ, we are called to be a "royal priesthood," not by wearing specific external attire, but by "putting on Christ" and clothing ourselves with spiritual virtues. This means living lives marked by righteousness, compassion, humility, gentleness, patience, and above all, love, which are our true "holy garments" in service to God. Our ministry is not confined to a physical Tabernacle or temple but extends to every area of life, as we represent Christ to the world and offer spiritual sacrifices of praise, service, and obedience. This verse challenges us to prayerfully consider how we "dress" ourselves spiritually each day to minister effectively to the Lord and to others, reflecting His character in all we do.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the meticulous detail of the priestly garments teach us about God's character and His expectations for worship and service?**
* **How does the concept of "holy garments" for the Old Testament priest translate into our "spiritual garments" as New Testament believers, and what do these spiritual garments entail?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as a "royal priesthood," minister to God today with intentionality, reverence, and a life that reflects His holiness?**

### FAQ
**Why were these specific garments necessary for Aaron and his sons?**

Answer: These specific garments were necessary for several crucial reasons, all stemming from God's divine command and the nature of His holiness. First, they were explicitly commanded by God, underscoring His absolute authority and the precise nature of His worship. Second, they served to visually distinguish Aaron and his sons, setting them apart from the rest of the community as consecrated individuals designated for sacred service. This visual distinction emphasized their unique mediatorial role. Third, each garment carried profound symbolic meaning, representing aspects of holiness, purity, and the immense weight of their mediatorial responsibility. For instance, the breastplate with the names of the tribes symbolized the priest carrying the people before God into His presence ([Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "Exodus 28:29 - The Breastplate of Judgment")). Finally, they were essential for the proper performance of their duties in the [Tabernacle](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - The Tabernacle Construction"), enabling them to "minister unto me in the priest's office" in a manner that honored God's holiness and maintained the ritual purity required for divine interaction.

**What is the significance of the term "holy garments" in this context?**

Answer: The term "holy garments" (Hebrew: _bigdei qodesh_) is profoundly significant because it emphasizes that these garments were not ordinary clothing but were "set apart" or "consecrated" exclusively for sacred use in the Tabernacle. Their holiness derived not from any inherent quality of the materials themselves, but from their divine designation and purpose. This designation underscored the sacredness of the priestly office itself and the absolute purity and reverence required to approach a holy God. The garments served as a constant visual and tangible reminder that the priests were mediators between a holy God and His people, and thus, they themselves had to be ritually clean and specially prepared for their solemn duties. They were a physical representation of the separation and consecration necessary for divine service, reflecting God's demand for holiness in all who draw near to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 28:4, with its detailed description of the "holy garments" for the Old Testament priesthood, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The elaborate vestments, designed for "glory and beauty" and signifying the priest's set-apart status and mediatorial role, all point to our Lord. Unlike the Levitical priests who wore symbolic garments and offered repeated sacrifices, Jesus is our true and eternal High Priest, who required no external garments to signify His holiness, for He is inherently holy, blameless, undefiled, and separated from sinners ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Our Holy, Blameless High Priest")). He perfectly fulfilled the priestly office not through ritual attire or animal sacrifices, but through His perfect life of obedience, His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross which cleanses from all sin ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")), and His ongoing intercession for us at the right hand of God in the heavenly sanctuary ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Intercessor")). Through His perfect priesthood, Jesus has opened a new and living way into the very presence of God, granting all believers bold access to the Father, no longer through the mediation of earthly priests or symbolic garments, but through His own shed blood ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Bold Access to God")). He is the substance to which the shadows of the Old Testament priesthood and their holy garments pointed, embodying the ultimate glory, beauty, and holiness required to stand before God.

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

Ephesians 6:14

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Revelation 9:17

And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses [were] as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.

1 Thessalonians 5:8

But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

Exodus 28:39

And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre [of] fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle [of] needlework.

Exodus 28:40

¶ And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.

Isaiah 59:17

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance [for] clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

1 Samuel 23:6

And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, [that] he came down [with] an ephod in his hand.