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.

He shall put on {H3847} the holy {H6944} linen {H906} coat {H3801}, and he shall have the linen {H906} breeches {H4370} upon his flesh {H1320}, and shall be girded {H2296} with a linen {H906} girdle {H73}, and with the linen {H906} mitre {H4701} shall he be attired {H6801}: these {H1992} are holy {H6944} garments {H899}; therefore shall he wash {H7364} his flesh {H1320} in water {H4325}, and so put them on {H3847}.

He is to put on the holy linen tunic, have the linen shorts next to his bare flesh, have the linen sash wrapped around him, and be wearing the linen turban -they are the holy garments. He is to bathe his body in water and put them on.

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 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.

Commentary

Context

Leviticus 16 details the sacred rituals for the Day of Atonement, known in Hebrew as Yom Kippur, the most solemn day in the Israelite calendar. This particular verse, Leviticus 16:4, outlines the specific attire and purification steps required for the High Priest, Aaron, before he could perform the crucial atoning rites. Unlike his usual ornate garments (Exodus 28:4), on this unique day, he was commanded to wear simple, pure white linen garments. This change underscored the humility and solemnity required for approaching the Most Holy Place, where God's presence dwelt, and making atonement for the sins of the entire nation (Leviticus 16:2).

Key Themes

  • Purity and Holiness: The repeated emphasis on "linen" and "holy garments" highlights the absolute necessity of ritual purity and holiness in approaching God. Linen, being white, symbolized purity and freedom from defilement. The washing of his flesh further stressed this requirement for internal and external cleanliness before performing sacred duties.
  • Humility and Reverence: The High Priest's transition from splendid, gold-adorned vestments to simple linen attire signified humility. On the Day of Atonement, the focus was not on the priest's status or glory, but on the gravity of sin and the solemn act of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness.
  • Divine Prescription: Every detail of the High Priest's attire and preparation was divinely commanded, illustrating that access to God and the process of atonement were not left to human discretion but were strictly governed by God's holy standards.

Linguistic Insights

The term "holy garments" (Hebrew: bigdei kodesh) signifies that these clothes were set apart for sacred use, dedicated solely to God's service during this critical ritual. The choice of "linen" (Hebrew: bad) for these garments, rather than wool or other materials, reinforced the theme of purity, as linen was considered clean and pure in ancient Israelite culture.

Significance and Application

Leviticus 16:4 provides a powerful visual of the preparation necessary to approach a holy God. While believers today do not perform animal sacrifices or wear specific linen garments, the principles remain profoundly relevant. This passage foreshadows the perfect and ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who entered the heavenly sanctuary not with earthly garments or animal blood, but with His own pure, sinless self, offering a single, perfect sacrifice for all time (Hebrews 10:12).

For believers, this verse serves as a reminder of the spiritual preparation required for worship and service. We are called to approach God with reverence, humility, and a desire for purity, reflecting the holiness to which we are called (1 Peter 1:15-16). Our "garments" are now spiritual: a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a life dedicated to Christ, made possible by His atoning work.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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 28:43

    And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy [place]; that they bear not iniquity, and die: [it shall be] a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.

  • Ezekiel 44:17

    ¶ And it shall come to pass, [that] when they enter in at the gates of the inner court, they shall be clothed with linen garments; and no wool shall come upon them, whiles they minister in the gates of the inner court, and within.

  • Ezekiel 44:18

    They shall have linen bonnets upon their heads, and shall have linen breeches upon their loins; they shall not gird [themselves] with any thing that causeth sweat.

  • Exodus 30:20

    When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the LORD:

  • Hebrews 7:26

    For such an high priest became us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

  • Exodus 39:27

    And they made coats [of] fine linen [of] woven work for Aaron, and for his sons,