Leviticus 8:7

KJV

And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound [it] unto him therewith.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he put {H5414} upon him the coat {H3801}, and girded {H2296} him with the girdle {H73}, and clothed {H3847} him with the robe {H4598}, and put {H5414} the ephod {H646} upon him, and he girded {H2296} him with the curious girdle {H2805} of the ephod {H646}, and bound {H640} it unto him therewith.

Complete Jewish Bible

put the tunic on him, wrapped the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, put the ritual vest on him, wrapped around him the decorated belt and fastened the vest to him with it.

Berean Standard Bible

He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him.

American Standard Version

And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the skilfully woven band of the ephod, and bound it unto him therewith.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 8:7 meticulously recounts the initial phase of Aaron's investiture, a pivotal moment in his consecration as Israel's first high priest. Under the direct supervision of Moses, Aaron is adorned with the sacred coat, girdle, robe, ephod, and its curious girdle. This precise and divinely commanded ritual underscores the solemnity of his divine appointment, his separation for holy service, and the meticulous preparation required for one chosen to mediate between a holy God and His people, establishing the foundational elements of the Aaronic priesthood.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 8:7 is situated within the broader narrative of the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests, detailed in [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"). The preceding verses (Leviticus 8:1-6) establish the divine command for this elaborate ceremony, the assembly of the entire congregation at the Tabernacle entrance, and the initial purification rites, particularly the washing of Aaron and his sons. This verse marks the commencement of Aaron's physical investiture with the sacred garments, which were specifically designed by God and described in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Instructions for Priestly Garments") and [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - Construction of Priestly Garments"). Following this detailed dressing, the narrative progresses to Moses anointing Aaron with the holy anointing oil (Leviticus 8:10-12), then dressing and anointing his sons (Leviticus 8:13), and finally, the performance of various sacrifices to complete the seven-day consecration process. Thus, [Leviticus 8:7](/leviticus/8-7 "Leviticus 8:7 - Aaron's Investiture") serves as the crucial step where Aaron is physically endowed with the insignia of his office, setting the stage for his anointing and the sacrificial rites that confirm his unique mediatorial role.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This ordination ceremony occurs at a critical juncture in Israel's history, immediately following the completion of the Tabernacle's construction (as recounted in [Exodus 35-40](/exodus/35-40 "Exodus 35-40 - Construction and Erection of the Tabernacle")) and the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant at Mount Sinai. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place among His people, necessitated a divinely appointed and consecrated priesthood to facilitate worship, atonement, and the maintenance of the covenant relationship. In the ancient Near East, religious functionaries often wore distinctive attire, but Israel's priestly garments were unique in their divine prescription and symbolic richness, emphasizing purity, holiness, and the representative nature of the high priest. The fact that Moses, acting as God's chosen mediator, personally dressed Aaron underscores that the priesthood was not a self-appointed or humanly devised institution, but a sacred office established by God Himself, with every detail meticulously ordered to ensure proper access to His holy presence. This ritual firmly rooted the authority and legitimacy of the Aaronic priesthood in divine command.

* **Key Themes:** The investiture of Aaron in [Leviticus 8:7](/leviticus/8-7 "Leviticus 8:7 - Aaron's Investiture") significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, as Aaron and his sons are set apart from the congregation through a series of purification and consecration rituals, emphasizing that God is holy and demands holiness from those who approach Him. The specific garments themselves embody the theme of **Divine Appointment and Authority**, signifying that the priesthood is not a human invention but a divine institution, with its authority derived directly from God's command, as seen in [Exodus 28:1-2](/exodus/28-1-2 "Exodus 28:1-2 - Priestly Garments for Glory and Beauty"). Furthermore, the detailed process highlights the theme of **Mediatorial Role**, as Aaron is visibly equipped to represent the people before God and God to the people, bearing their names on his shoulders and breastplate (Exodus 28:9-12, 29-30). Finally, the meticulous obedience displayed by Moses in following God's precise instructions reinforces the theme of **Obedience to Divine Command**, a recurring motif throughout the wilderness narratives, underscoring that proper worship and service must align perfectly with God's revealed will, as exemplified by the repeated phrase "as the Lord commanded Moses" (e.g., [Leviticus 8:4](/leviticus/8-4 "Leviticus 8:4 - Moses Obeys God's Command")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Coat (Hebrew, _kᵉthôneth'_):** This refers to the innermost garment, a tunic or long shirt, typically made of fine linen. As the foundational covering for the priest's body, it symbolized purity and the foundational righteousness required for approaching God. Its presence underscores the necessity of inward cleanliness and integrity before outward service. The Strong's definition links it to a root meaning "to cover," emphasizing its function as a basic covering.
* **Robe (Hebrew, _mᵉʻîyl'_):** This was an upper and outer garment, worn over the coat, distinct from the ephod. In the priestly context, it was a blue garment with pomegranates and golden bells around its hem, as described in [Exodus 28:31-35](/exodus/28-31-35 "Exodus 28:31-35 - The Robe of the Ephod"). It symbolized the high priest's dignity and the audible presence of God's representative as he moved within the holy place, ensuring his presence was known. The Strong's definition highlights its nature as a "covering."
* **Ephod (Hebrew, _ʼêphôwd'_):** A highly significant, apron-like vestment, worn over the robe. It was intricately woven with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. The ephod was not merely decorative; it held the two onyx stones on its shoulder pieces, engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, and served as the base for the breastplate. It was closely associated with the high priest's role as the representative of all Israel before God and was often used in seeking divine counsel. The Strong's definition points to it as a "girdle" or "shoulder-piece," indicating its form and placement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he put upon him the coat":** Moses begins the investiture by placing the linen coat (kethoneth) on Aaron. This innermost garment, made of fine linen, symbolized the purity and righteousness required for priestly service, emphasizing that all subsequent layers built upon this essential cleanliness and moral integrity before God.
* **"and girded him with the girdle":** Following the coat, Aaron was girded with a sash or belt (`ʼabnêṭ`). This girdle secured the coat and allowed for freedom of movement, symbolizing readiness for service, preparedness, and the importance of being properly focused and collected for the demanding duties of the priesthood.
* **"and clothed him with the robe":** Over the coat and girdle, Moses placed the distinctive blue robe (`mᵉʻîyl`). This garment, with its pomegranates and golden bells, signified the high priest's dignity and the audible announcement of his presence as he entered and exited the holy place, ensuring his movements were known to God.
* **"and put the ephod upon him":** The ephod (`ʼêphôwd`), a highly ornate and significant outer garment, was then placed over the robe. This act was central to Aaron's investiture, signifying his unique role as the high priest, bearing the tribes of Israel on his shoulders before God and serving as a means for divine consultation through the Urim and Thummim.
* **"and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod":** Moses then secured the ephod to Aaron with its specially crafted, intricately woven band (`chêsheb`). This "curious girdle" was an integral part of the ephod itself, ensuring it was properly fitted and stable. This action underscored the precision, order, and meticulousness required for the high priest's sacred functions and the integrity of his office.
* **"and bound [it] unto him therewith":** This concluding phrase reiterates the secure fastening of the ephod to Aaron by means of its curious girdle. The verb "bound" (`ʼâphad`) specifically relates to girding on the ephod, emphasizing the completeness and permanence of Aaron's investiture. It signifies that Aaron was fully equipped and consecrated, firmly bound to his divine calling and the weighty responsibilities inherent in his role as Israel's chief mediator.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 8:7 employs several powerful literary devices to underscore the significance of Aaron's investiture. **Repetition** is prominent, particularly with the verbs "put" (H5414, `nâthan`) and "girded" (H2296, `châgar`), which are used multiple times throughout the verse. This deliberate repetition emphasizes the meticulousness, sequential nature, and divine order of the dressing ritual, highlighting that every step was purposeful and divinely ordained, leaving no room for human improvisation or oversight. **Symbolism** is paramount, as each garment—the coat, girdle, robe, ephod, and curious girdle—is not merely functional but deeply laden with theological significance, representing purity, separation, dignity, representation of Israel, and divine authority. The very act of dressing itself is a symbolic performance, transforming Aaron from an ordinary man into the consecrated high priest, visibly set apart for the Lord's service. Furthermore, the detailed enumeration of the garments serves as a form of **Cataloging** or **Detailed Description**, drawing the reader's attention to the specific components of the high priest's attire and reinforcing their individual and collective importance in the divine scheme of worship and mediation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous investiture of Aaron in [Leviticus 8:7](/leviticus/8-7 "Leviticus 8:7 - Aaron's Investiture") powerfully communicates several foundational theological truths. It underscores the divine initiative in establishing the priesthood and the absolute necessity of God's appointment for mediating between Himself and humanity. The garments themselves, divinely designed and meticulously applied, symbolize the holiness, purity, and profound representational burden required of one who approaches a holy God on behalf of a sinful people. This ritual highlights that access to God is not casual but requires specific, divinely ordained preparation and a consecrated mediator. The precision of Moses' actions reflects the absolute importance of obedience to God's commands in worship and service, establishing a pattern for all who would serve the Lord and emphasizing that true worship is always on God's terms.

* [Exodus 28:2-4](/exodus/28-2-4 "Exodus 28:2-4 - Purpose and Design of Priestly Garments")
* [Hebrews 5:1-4](/hebrews/5-1-4 "Hebrews 5:1-4 - Qualifications for the High Priesthood")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood and Holy Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Aaron's investiture serves as a profound reminder that approaching God, whether in ancient Israel or today, is never a casual affair but demands reverence, intentionality, and a deep recognition of His holiness. Just as Aaron was meticulously prepared and clothed for his unique role, believers today, as a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), are called to be spiritually prepared for their service and worship. This preparation involves putting on the "new self," which is "created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24), and living a life set apart for God's purposes. It challenges us to consider the seriousness with which we engage in spiritual disciplines, corporate worship, and personal service, ensuring that our hearts and lives are aligned with God's will, not merely going through the motions. The emphasis on divine appointment also reminds us that our spiritual gifts and callings are from God, equipping us for specific roles within His kingdom, and requiring faithful stewardship. This passage calls us to examine our own lives: are we "clothed" in humility, truth, and righteousness as we seek to serve God and others?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Aaron's dressing challenge my own approach to worship and spiritual service, prompting greater intentionality and reverence?**
* **In what practical ways can I "put on" spiritual garments of righteousness, holiness, and compassion in my daily life, reflecting my identity as part of God's "royal priesthood"?**
* **What does Aaron's divine appointment teach me about the source of true authority and calling in ministry and service today, and how does this impact my view of my own gifts?**

### FAQ
**Why were so many specific garments necessary for the high priest?**

Answer: The numerous and highly detailed garments were necessary for several reasons, all rooted in God's divine command. Firstly, they were explicitly prescribed by God in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Instructions for Priestly Garments"), indicating their sacred and non-negotiable nature as part of His revealed will for worship. Secondly, they served a profound symbolic purpose, representing the high priest's unique status, dignity, purity, and separation for holy service. Each garment had specific materials, colors, and functions that conveyed theological truths about holiness, atonement, and the representation of Israel before God. For instance, the ephod with the breastplate symbolized the high priest bearing the tribes of Israel before the Lord, signifying his mediatorial role. Thirdly, they visually distinguished the high priest from ordinary priests and the general populace, emphasizing his consecrated role as the chief mediator between God and His people.

**What was the significance of Moses dressing Aaron, rather than Aaron dressing himself?**

Answer: Moses dressing Aaron was profoundly significant because it underscored that Aaron's priesthood was not self-appointed, humanly initiated, or earned through personal merit, but was a direct divine mandate and gift. Moses acted as God's representative and mediator in this ceremony, performing the investiture under specific divine instructions (as noted in [Leviticus 8:4](/leviticus/8-4 "Leviticus 8:4 - Moses Obeys God's Command")). This act emphasized God's sovereignty in choosing, consecrating, and equipping His servants for specific roles and established the legitimacy and divine authority of the Aaronic priesthood. It demonstrated that the priesthood was a sacred institution, consecrated by God's word and power, not by human ambition or ability, thereby ensuring its divine sanction and efficacy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The elaborate investiture of Aaron in [Leviticus 8:7](/leviticus/8-7 "Leviticus 8:7 - Aaron's Investiture"), with its meticulously prescribed garments and sacred rituals, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate and perfect High Priesthood of Jesus Christ. Aaron's garments, though beautiful and symbolic, were earthly and temporary, needing to be repeatedly put on and taken off, and requiring new priests upon death. They were outward symbols pointing to an inner reality and a perfect mediator that only Christ could perfectly embody. Jesus, our true and eternal High Priest, did not need earthly garments to signify His holiness or authority; rather, He wore the garment of perfect righteousness and sinlessness (Hebrews 7:26). His investiture was not by human hands but by divine decree, "declared to be a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 5:6). The "curious girdle" that bound the ephod to Aaron prefigures how Christ is perfectly bound to His mission, having "girded himself" with humility and service to accomplish salvation (John 13:4-5). Unlike Aaron, who offered animal sacrifices year after year, Christ offered Himself as the spotless Lamb of God, a single, perfect, and eternal sacrifice that truly takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29; Hebrews 9:11-14). Through His finished work on the cross, He has opened a new and living way into the very presence of God, making direct access possible for all who believe, fulfilling all that the Aaronic priesthood and its symbolic garments could only point toward (Hebrews 10:19-22).

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

Exodus 28:4

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.

Isaiah 61:3

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Exodus 29:5

And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the curious girdle of the ephod:

Romans 3:22

Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Exodus 39:1

¶ And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy [place], and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Exodus 39:7

And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, [that they should be] stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Isaiah 61:10

¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.