Exodus 29:6

KJV

And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt put {H7760} the mitre {H4701} upon his head {H7218}, and put {H5414} the holy {H6944} crown {H5145} upon the mitre {H4701}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Put the turban on his head and attach the holy ornament to the turban.

Berean Standard Bible

Put the turban on his head and attach the holy diadem to the turban.

American Standard Version

and thou shalt set the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 29:6 describes the climactic moment in the vestment of Aaron as Israel's High Priest, focusing on the placement of the mitre and the holy crown. These sacred items were not merely ceremonial adornments but profound symbols of his divinely appointed office, his absolute consecration, and the profound holiness required for his unique role as mediator between a holy God and His people. This verse underscores the solemnity, divine origin, and sacred distinction of the Levitical priesthood, setting Aaron apart for exclusive and reverent service within the Tabernacle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 29 forms a crucial part of God's detailed instructions for establishing the Levitical priesthood, immediately following the meticulous blueprint for the Tabernacle's construction and its furnishings (e.g., [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle and its Furnishings")). This chapter marks a pivotal transition from the physical structure of worship to the spiritual service performed within it. The specific garments described in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments") are now being donned in a precise, divinely ordained sequence, culminating in the placement of the mitre and the holy crown upon the High Priest. This progression highlights God's orderly establishment of worship, emphasizing the necessity of proper authorization and consecration for those who would approach Him on behalf of the nation. The entire ordination ceremony, encompassing sacrifices, anointing, and vestments, profoundly underscores the sacredness of the priestly office and the divine initiative behind its institution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, various cultures had religious leaders and cultic functionaries, often distinguished by unique attire. However, the Israelite priesthood, as divinely established in Exodus, was distinct in its singular origin and the explicit, non-negotiable emphasis on holiness. Unlike pagan priests whose authority might stem from human appointment or inherited status without a moral imperative, Aaron's priesthood was directly commanded by Yahweh and marked by stringent requirements for purity, consecration, and moral integrity. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place among His people, necessitated a set-apart mediator. The elaborate garments, particularly the mitre and the holy crown, served not only to visually distinguish the High Priest but also to constantly remind him and the people of the sacredness of his role and the profound declaration of "Holiness to the LORD" inscribed on the crown (cf. [Exodus 28:36](/exodus/28-36 "Exodus 28:36 - The Holy Crown's Inscription")). This context underscores that the High Priest was not merely a ceremonial figure but a divinely appointed representative whose very attire bore deep theological significance, reflecting God's character and demands.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, as the High Priest's garments, particularly the holy crown, visually embody the concept of being "set apart" for God. The inscription "Holiness to the LORD" on the crown (cf. [Exodus 28:36](/exodus/28-36 "Exodus 28:36 - The Holy Crown's Inscription")) serves as a constant declaration of divine purity and the standard required for approaching God. Another key theme is **Divine Appointment and Authority**, as Aaron's investiture is not self-initiated but explicitly commanded by God, signifying that all legitimate spiritual authority flows from Him. The meticulous details of the vestments and the ordination ceremony reinforce the theme of **Mediatorial Priesthood**, highlighting Aaron's unique role as the designated intercessor who represents the people before God and God to the people, bearing their iniquities and ensuring their acceptance (cf. [Exodus 28:38](/exodus/28-38 "Exodus 28:38 - Bearing the Iniquity of Holy Things")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mitre (Hebrew, _mitsnepheth'_):** From the root meaning "to wrap around," this term refers to a distinctive turban or headdress made of fine linen. For the High Priest, it was more elaborate and likely conical or dome-shaped compared to the head coverings of ordinary priests. It served as a foundational and visible sign of his elevated office, distinguishing him as the supreme priestly figure upon whom the "holy crown" would be affixed. This item signified his unique distinction and the authority vested in him within the priestly order.
* **Crown (Hebrew, _nezer'_):** This word, often translated as "crown" or "diadem," properly denotes "something set apart" or "dedication." While it can refer to unshorn locks (as in the Nazirite vow), here it specifically refers to the golden plate affixed to the mitre. Its primary significance lies in its connection to consecration and royalty, underscoring the High Priest's unique dedication to God and his quasi-royal status as the spiritual head of the nation, mediating between the divine King and His people.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** Derived from the verb "to be set apart" or "to be sacred," this term denotes a state of inherent sanctity, purity, and separation for divine purposes. When applied to the "crown" (as in "holy crown"), it emphasizes that the golden plate, and by extension the High Priest himself, was utterly consecrated to Yahweh. This holiness was not merely ritualistic but pointed to the moral and spiritual purity required for approaching God, and it was essential for the High Priest's role in bearing the iniquity of the holy things, making the people's offerings acceptable before the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head":** This initial action in the verse describes the crucial step of vesting Aaron with his primary head covering. The mitre, a symbol of the High Priest's unique and elevated office, was placed directly upon his head, signifying his personal consecration and the divine authority vested in him. This act visibly marked him as set apart from all others, including the ordinary priests, for the most sacred duties of mediation and service within the Tabernacle.
* **"and put the holy crown upon the mitre":** This second, culminating action completes the High Priest's head attire, placing the most significant emblem—the golden plate inscribed "Holiness to the LORD"—onto the already donned mitre. This precise layering emphasizes the supreme importance of the "holy crown." It was the ultimate symbol of Aaron's absolute dedication to God, his role as the embodiment of Israel's holiness before Yahweh, and his crucial function in bearing the people's ritual impurities and imperfections to ensure their offerings and worship were acceptable before God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs significant **Symbolism**. The **mitre** itself symbolizes the High Priest's distinct office, authority, and separation from the general populace and even other priests. The **holy crown** is the apex of this symbolism, representing absolute holiness, complete consecration to God, and the High Priest's unique mediatorial role in bearing the iniquity of the people's offerings, thereby enabling their acceptance before Yahweh. The repeated verb "put" (H7760, _sûwm_ and H5414, _nâthan_) highlights a ritualistic **Action** that visually conveys the transfer of divine authority and the conferral of sacred status. The precise, sequential placement ("upon his head," then "upon the mitre") underscores the orderly and deliberate nature of God's ordination process, emphasizing the divine **Order** and **Precision** inherent in the Tabernacle worship and the establishment of the priesthood.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 29:6, with its focus on the High Priest's sacred headwear, profoundly emphasizes the themes of divine appointment, set-apartness, and the absolute necessity of holiness for anyone approaching God. The mitre and especially the "holy crown" with its inscription "Holiness to the LORD" served as constant reminders that the High Priest was consecrated entirely to Yahweh and bore the awesome responsibility of representing a holy God to an imperfect people, and an imperfect people before a holy God. This external display of holiness pointed to the internal purity and dedication required for such a sacred office, foreshadowing the perfect High Priest to come, who would embody true and inherent holiness.

* [Exodus 28:36-38](/exodus/28-36-38 "Exodus 28:36-38 - The Holy Crown and its Inscription")
* [Leviticus 8:9](/leviticus/8-9 "Leviticus 8:9 - Moses Vesting Aaron")
* [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail in Exodus 29:6 concerning Aaron's vestments serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute holiness and the precision with which He established the means of approach to Himself. While the Old Covenant priesthood and its garments were temporary, they point to enduring spiritual truths that resonate deeply with believers today. This passage calls us to a life of spiritual consecration, recognizing that we, as a "royal priesthood" (cf. [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), are called to live lives set apart for God's purposes. Our "garments" are not physical linen and gold, but the imputed righteousness of Christ and the spiritual virtues of holiness, purity, and dedication that flow from our new identity in Him. We are to embody "Holiness to the LORD" not on a golden plate, but in our character, actions, and devotion, serving as His ambassadors and representatives in a world that desperately needs to see His light and truth. The High Priest's burden of bearing the people's iniquity also prompts us to reflect on our own profound need for atonement and the perfect, complete provision found in Christ alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Aaron's consecration inform our understanding of God's holiness and His expectations for those who serve Him?**
* **In what ways do believers today, as a "royal priesthood," embody the concept of "Holiness to the LORD" in their daily lives and service?**
* **How does understanding the High Priest's role and the symbolism of his garments deepen our appreciation for Jesus Christ's perfect and eternal priesthood?**

### FAQ
**Why was the mitre and holy crown so important for the High Priest?**

Answer: The mitre and holy crown were crucial because they symbolized the High Priest's unique, divinely appointed office and his absolute consecration to God. The mitre distinguished him as the chief mediator, while the golden plate of the "holy crown," inscribed with "Holiness to the LORD," was the ultimate declaration of his sacred status and purpose. This inscription also signified his role in bearing the iniquity of the holy things, ensuring Israel's offerings were acceptable before God despite their imperfections (cf. [Exodus 28:38](/exodus/28-38 "Exodus 28:38 - Bearing the Iniquity")). These items visually communicated his authority, the sacredness of his duties, and the divine standard of purity required for his mediatorial role.

**Did other priests wear a crown like the High Priest?**

Answer: No, the "holy crown" (Hebrew: _tzitz_) was exclusive to the High Priest, Aaron, and his successors. While ordinary priests wore turbans (often translated as "bonnets" or "headdresses" in some versions, distinct from the High Priest's more elaborate mitre), they did not bear the golden plate with the inscription "Holiness to the LORD." This unique crown served to distinguish the High Priest as the supreme spiritual leader and the sole individual permitted to enter the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement (cf. [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 29:6, with its vivid imagery of the High Priest's mitre and holy crown, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Aaron's garments were external symbols of a holiness that had to be ritually maintained and were inherently temporary, pointing to a deeper, inherent reality. Jesus, unlike Aaron, did not need to be consecrated by human hands or adorned with symbolic garments, for He is inherently holy, "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" (cf. [Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ's Perfect Priesthood")). His "crown" is not of gold but of divine glory and eternal authority, representing His perfect and everlasting priesthood. While Aaron bore the iniquity of Israel's offerings on his forehead (cf. [Exodus 28:38](/exodus/28-38 "Exodus 28:38 - Bearing the Iniquity of Holy Things")), Jesus, as the Lamb of God, truly "takes away the sin of the world" (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the full weight of humanity's sin on the cross. Through His perfect sacrifice and eternal intercession, Jesus, our great High Priest (cf. [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")), grants us direct, confident access to God's presence, fulfilling all that the Old Testament priesthood could only foreshadow and perfectly embodying "Holiness to the LORD" for all eternity.

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

Leviticus 8:9

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.

Exodus 28:36

And thou shalt make a plate [of] pure gold, and grave upon it, [like] the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

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.