Leviticus 8:6

KJV

And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} brought {H7126} Aaron {H175} and his sons {H1121}, and washed {H7364} them with water {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe brought Aharon and his sons, washed them with water,

Berean Standard Bible

Then Moses presented Aaron and his sons and washed them with water.

American Standard Version

And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 8:6 records the foundational act of the priestly ordination ceremony: Moses, acting under direct divine command, ritually washes Aaron and his sons with water. This pivotal moment signifies their purification and consecration, setting them apart from the common people and preparing them to enter into the sacred duties of mediating between God and Israel, an essential prerequisite for their holy office and a demonstration of God's demand for holiness in His service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates the elaborate seven-day ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons, meticulously detailed in [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"). The divine instructions for this precise ritual were first given to Moses in [Exodus 29:4](/exodus/29-4 "Exodus 29:4 - Divine Command for Priestly Washing"). Following this initial washing, the priests are then clothed in their sacred garments ([Leviticus 8:7-9](/leviticus/8-7-9 "Leviticus 8:7-9 - Aaron's Clothing")), anointed with oil ([Leviticus 8:10-12](/leviticus/8-10-12 "Leviticus 8:10-12 - Anointing of the Tabernacle and Priests")), and finally, sacrifices are offered for their atonement and consecration ([Leviticus 8:14-30](/leviticus/8-14-30 "Leviticus 8:14-30 - Sacrifices for Consecration")). The washing, therefore, is not merely a preliminary step but the symbolic purification that enables all subsequent acts of ordination and service, establishing the absolute necessity of purity before approaching God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, ritual purity was paramount, especially for those who would approach the holy God in the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle itself, as described in [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-40 - Construction of the Tabernacle"), was designed to house God's presence, demanding a strict adherence to divine protocols. The priesthood, uniquely appointed to mediate between God and His people, had to be ceremonially clean to avoid defiling the holy space and incurring divine wrath. This washing distinguished them from the common Israelite and from the pagan priests of surrounding nations, whose rituals often involved defiling practices. The act underscored God's absolute holiness and the necessity of His chosen servants being set apart and purified according to His specific commands, emphasizing that access to God was on His terms alone.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus/ "Leviticus - Laws of Holiness and Worship") and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing that God's presence demands a state of ritual and moral cleanliness from those who serve Him. The act of washing underscores the theme of **Consecration and Separation**, marking Aaron and his sons as distinct and set apart for sacred duties, a concept vital for Israel's identity as a holy nation ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests")). Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Authority and Appointment**, demonstrating that the priesthood is not a human invention but a divinely instituted office, with Moses acting as God's chosen intermediary in its establishment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Brought (Hebrew, _qârab'_):** This verb (H7126, קָרַב) means "to approach," "to bring near," or "to present." In this context, it is used in the Hiphil (causative) stem, meaning "to cause to approach" or "to bring forward." Moses is not merely leading Aaron and his sons; he is formally presenting them to God for consecration, acting as the divine intermediary in the establishment of the priesthood. This highlights that the priesthood was not self-appointed but divinely instituted and authorized through Moses, underscoring the divine origin of their calling.
* **Washed (Hebrew, _râchats'_):** This verb (H7364, רָחַץ) denotes a thorough, complete bathing or washing of the entire body, not merely a superficial rinsing of hands or feet. In this ritual context, it signifies a comprehensive cleansing from all defilement, making the individual ceremonially pure and fit for sacred service. It implies a transformation from an ordinary state to a consecrated one, highlighting the absolute purity required for those who would mediate between a holy God and His people.
* **Water (Hebrew, _mayim'_):** The use of water (H4325, מַיִם) in biblical rituals consistently symbolizes purification, cleansing, and life. Here, it is the agent of ceremonial purification, removing any impurity that would disqualify Aaron and his sons from their priestly duties. It points to the necessity of a fundamental cleansing before one can stand in God's presence or perform His holy work, a principle that echoes throughout Scripture, from the creation narratives to prophetic visions of renewal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses brought Aaron and his sons":** This clause establishes Moses's authoritative role as the divinely appointed agent for the consecration ceremony. He is not merely a participant but the one executing God's specific commands, demonstrating that the priesthood's authority derives directly from God, mediated through His chosen leader. This highlights the foundational principle that all legitimate spiritual authority flows from God.
* **"and washed them with water":** This describes the first and fundamental act of the priestly ordination. The washing signifies a ritual purification, setting Aaron and his sons apart from their previous common state. It is a symbolic act of cleansing from all defilement, making them ceremonially fit and holy for their sacred duties in the Tabernacle. This thorough cleansing was essential before they could wear the holy garments or offer sacrifices, emphasizing the absolute necessity of purity for divine service.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Ritual** is central, as the washing is a prescribed, ceremonial act, part of a larger, meticulously detailed ordination process. This emphasizes the divine order and the importance of following God's exact instructions for sacred service. **Symbolism** is also prominent; the water itself symbolizes purity, cleansing, and separation. The act of washing represents the removal of defilement and the setting apart for a holy purpose. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this physical cleansing anticipates the deeper, spiritual cleansing required for all who would approach God, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament. The concise nature of the description also lends itself to **Brevity**, focusing intensely on the essential action rather than elaborate detail, thereby highlighting its significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 8:6 profoundly underscores the theological necessity of purity and consecration for divine service. The ritual washing of Aaron and his sons establishes a foundational principle: access to God and participation in His holy work demand a state of ceremonial, and by extension, spiritual, cleanliness. This act was not merely hygienic but deeply symbolic of being set apart and made fit for a sacred calling, demonstrating that God's holiness requires a corresponding holiness from those who serve Him. This principle of purification and divine appointment for ministry resonates throughout the biblical narrative, pointing to the need for a cleansing that enables fellowship with God and effective service in His kingdom, a theme that finds its ultimate expression in the New Covenant.

* [Exodus 29:4](/exodus/29-4 "Divine Command for Priestly Washing")
* [Hebrews 10:22](/hebrews/10-22 "Drawing Near with a True Heart")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The washing of Aaron and his sons serves as a powerful reminder that approaching a holy God and engaging in His service requires intentional purification and consecration. While the specific rituals of the Levitical priesthood have been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles of purity, readiness, and divine appointment remain profoundly relevant for believers today. As members of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), we are called to live lives set apart for God's purposes. This involves not only the initial cleansing from sin through faith in Christ but also an ongoing commitment to holiness, allowing God's Word and Spirit to continually purify and prepare us for the good works He has prepared for us. Our service, whether in formal ministry or daily life, should flow from a heart and life dedicated to purity and consecrated to God, reflecting His character and bringing Him glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the thoroughness of the washing in Leviticus 8:6 inform our understanding of the seriousness of purity for service to God today?**
* **In what ways do we, as believers, experience a "washing with water" in our spiritual lives, and how does this prepare us for our calling?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure our lives are continually consecrated and purified for God's use, reflecting the principles seen in the priestly ordination?**

### FAQ
**Was this washing merely for hygiene, or did it have a deeper meaning?**

Answer: The washing described in Leviticus 8:6 was far more than a hygienic act. It was a crucial ritual act of purification and consecration. In the context of the Tabernacle and the holy God, it symbolized the removal of all ceremonial defilement, making Aaron and his sons fit to enter God's presence and perform sacred duties. It set them apart as holy unto the Lord, distinct from ordinary people and common activities, underscoring the absolute purity required for priestly service.

**Why did Moses wash them, rather than Aaron and his sons washing themselves?**

Answer: Moses's role in washing Aaron and his sons was critical because he was acting as God's appointed agent and representative. This demonstrated that the priesthood was not a self-appointed office but one divinely instituted and authorized by God Himself. Moses's direct involvement underscored the divine origin and authority of their calling, emphasizing that their consecration was a sovereign act of God, performed according to His specific command given in [Exodus 29:4](/exodus/29-4 "Exodus 29:4 - Divine Command for Priestly Washing").

**What is the significance of "water" in this context, and how does it relate to other biblical uses of water?**

Answer: In this context, water is the primary agent of ritual purification. Its significance lies in its ability to cleanse and make pure, symbolizing the removal of defilement and the setting apart for holy use. Throughout the Bible, water frequently symbolizes cleansing (e.g., the flood in [Genesis 6-9](/genesis/6 "Genesis 6-9 - Noah and the Flood"), the ceremonial washings in [Leviticus](/leviticus/ "Leviticus - Laws of Purity")), life (e.g., rivers in [Genesis 2](/genesis/2 "Genesis 2 - The Garden of Eden"), living water in [John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")), and divine judgment or renewal. Here, it specifically points to the necessity of ceremonial purity for sacred service before God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The ritual washing of Aaron and his sons in Leviticus 8:6 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the ultimate High Priest, Jesus did not need to be washed, for He was perfectly pure and without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our High Priest")). His perfect life and atoning sacrifice provide the true and lasting cleansing that the Levitical washings could only foreshadow. The "washing with water" of the Old Covenant priests points forward to the spiritual cleansing we receive through faith in Christ's shed blood, which purifies our consciences from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - The Blood of Christ Cleanses")). Furthermore, believers are now part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), spiritually cleansed and consecrated not by external ritual, but by the "washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit" ([Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration")), and continually sanctified by the "washing of water by the word" ([Ephesians 5:26](/ephesians/5-26 "Ephesians 5:26 - Christ's Love for the Church")). Thus, the physical washing of the priests anticipates the spiritual reality of Christ's perfect purity and His work in making His people truly clean and fit for eternal service and intimate fellowship with 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

1 Corinthians 6:11

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Exodus 29:4

And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.

Ephesians 5:26

That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

Exodus 30:19

For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat:

Psalms 26:6

¶ I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:

Ezekiel 36:25

¶ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

Isaiah 1:16

¶ Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;