### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מִכְנָס (miknâç, `{{H4370}}`) denotes "breeches" or "drawers." Its etymology traces to the root כָּמַס (`{{H3647}}`), which carries the primary sense of "to hide," "to conceal," or "to store up." This etymological connection is crucial, as it directly informs the function of the garment: to conceal or cover the private parts. The term is consistently used in the dual form in the Hebrew Bible, indicating a pair of garments, consistent with breeches or trousers. Therefore, the core meaning is a garment designed for the lower body, specifically for the purpose of modest concealment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מִכְנָס appears exclusively in the Pentateuch, always within the context of the sacred vestments prescribed for the Aaronic priesthood.
* [[Exodus 28:42]]: This verse provides the initial divine instruction for making the מִכְנָס: "And you shall make for them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even to the thighs they shall reach." This passage explicitly states the purpose of the garment: לְכַסּוֹת בְּשַׂר עֶרְוָה ("to cover the flesh of nakedness"). This was particularly important given that priests would ascend the altar, which had steps, potentially exposing their lower bodies.
* [[Exodus 39:28]]: This verse records the fulfillment of the divine command, noting that the מִכְנָס were indeed made as part of the priestly garments during the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
* [[Leviticus 6:10]] (Hebrew 6:3): Here, the מִכְנָס are mentioned as part of the priest's attire when he removes the ashes from the altar. He is commanded to put on his linen garment and linen breeches, emphasizing the necessity of this specific attire even for routine duties within the sacred precinct.
* [[Leviticus 16:4]]: On the most solemn day of the year, the Day of Atonement, Aaron is instructed to put on the holy linen tunic, linen breeches, linen sash, and linen turban before entering the Most Holy Place. This reiterates the מִכְנָס as an indispensable component of the high priest's holy attire for the most sacred of services.
In every instance, the context underscores the garment's role in maintaining modesty, preventing ritual impurity, and ensuring proper reverence in the presence of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of מִכְנָס is enriched by examining its relationship to several key biblical terms and concepts:
* **Root כָּמַס (`{{H3647}}`):** The direct etymological link highlights the primary function of the breeches as an item of concealment.
* **עֶרְוָה (ervah, `{{H6172}}`):** This term refers to "nakedness," "shame," or "indecency." The מִכְנָס directly addresses the need to cover עֶרְוָה, emphasizing the profound importance of modesty and the avoidance of any form of visual impropriety in sacred service.
* **Priestly Garments:** מִכְנָס is one of the eight specific garments prescribed for the high priest and one of the four for the ordinary priests. Other key garments include the אֵפוֹד (ephod, `{{H646}}`), חֹשֶׁן (choshen, `{{H2833}}`), מְעִיל (me'il, `{{H4598}}`), כְּתֹנֶת (ketonet, `{{H3801}}`), מִצְנֶפֶת (mitznefet, `{{H4701}}`), and אַבְנֵט (avnet, `{{H738}}`). Each garment contributed to the overall presentation of holiness and distinction.
* **Holiness (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh, `{{H6944}}`) and Purity:** The entire system of priestly garments, including the מִכְנָס, served to set apart the priests and their service as holy, distinct from the common or profane. The covering of עֶרְוָה was essential for maintaining ritual purity and preventing any act that could defile the sacred space or the priest himself.
### Theological Significance
The מִכְנָס carries profound theological weight, extending beyond mere practical modesty:
* **Divine Standard of Modesty and Decorum in Worship:** The explicit command for priests to wear מִכְנָס reveals God's meticulous concern for modesty and decorum in the presence of His holiness. It teaches that worship is not a casual affair but requires a reverent and appropriate presentation of self, acknowledging God's absolute purity. Any form of "nakedness" or exposure, even accidental, was deemed inappropriate and potentially defiling in the sacred space.
* **Prevention of Shame and Defilement:** By covering "the flesh of nakedness," the מִכְנָס served as a safeguard against shame and defilement (עֶרְוָה). This underscores the gravity of sin and impurity in the eyes of a holy God. The priests, as representatives of a sinful people, needed to be meticulously cleansed and covered to minister effectively without incurring divine wrath.
* **Symbol of Consecration and Distinction:** The מִכְנָס, as part of the prescribed priestly attire, served to visually distinguish the priests as those consecrated and set apart for divine service. Every detail of their clothing reinforced their unique role as mediators between God and Israel, emphasizing the sacredness of their calling and the necessity of adhering to divine ordinances.
* **Anticipation of Christ's Perfect Righteousness:** While מִכְנָס addresses human nakedness and sinfulness, it subtly points forward to the ultimate covering provided by Christ. As our Great High Priest, Jesus needed no physical covering for His own "nakedness" because He was without sin, perfectly pure and righteous. His righteousness serves as the perfect spiritual covering for all who believe, enabling us to approach a holy God without shame or defilement.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מִכְנָס (miknâç, `{{H4370}}`) refers to "breeches" or "drawers," deriving from the root כָּמַס (`{{H3647}}`), meaning "to hide" or "to conceal." This term is found exclusively in [[Exodus 28:42]], [[Exodus 39:28]], [[Leviticus 6:10]], and [[Leviticus 16:4]], always describing a required linen garment for the Aaronic priesthood. Its primary purpose, explicitly stated in Scripture, was "to cover their nakedness" (לְכַסּוֹת בְּשַׂר עֶרְוָה), ensuring modesty and preventing any form of shame or defilement during their sacred service in the Tabernacle. The theological significance of the מִכְנָס is profound, highlighting God's meticulous demands for modesty, decorum, and ritual purity in worship. It underscores the absolute holiness of God and the necessity for His servants to approach Him with utmost reverence, free from any visual impropriety. This specific garment, part of the larger priestly vestments, served as a constant reminder of the distinction between the sacred and the profane, and the consecrated nature of those who ministered before the Divine Presence.
TRV