Exodus 28:1
And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.
Original Language Analysis
הַקְרֵ֣ב
And take
H7126
הַקְרֵ֣ב
And take
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
2 of 21
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אָחִ֜יךָ
thy brother
H251
אָחִ֜יךָ
thy brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
6 of 21
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵ֥י
and his sons
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
and his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אִתּ֔וֹ
H854
אִתּ֔וֹ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
9 of 21
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
מִתּ֛וֹךְ
with him from among
H8432
מִתּ֛וֹךְ
with him from among
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
10 of 21
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
בְּנֵ֥י
and his sons
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
and his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
12 of 21
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
לְכַֽהֲנוֹ
that he may minister unto me in the priest's office
H3547
לְכַֽהֲנוֹ
that he may minister unto me in the priest's office
Strong's:
H3547
Word #:
13 of 21
to officiate as a priest; figuratively, to put on regalia
Cross References
Numbers 18:7Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office unto you as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.1 Chronicles 6:10And Johanan begat Azariah, (he it is that executed the priest's office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:)Deuteronomy 10:6And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera: there Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead.Numbers 26:61And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before the LORD.
Historical Context
From Aaron's line alone could legitimate priests descend, establishing clear succession that would continue until Christ, the ultimate High Priest. This Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel for over a thousand years, until Christ's once-for-all mediation superseded it.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's specific calling of priests encourage you about His particular calling on your life?
- In what ways does Christ fulfill everything Aaron's priesthood foreshadowed?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Aaron and his sons are consecrated 'to minister unto me in the priest's office.' God chooses and calls His priests; they don't self-appoint. Aaron represents Christ our High Priest (Hebrews 5:4-5), while Aaron's sons represent believers as a kingdom of priests (1 Peter 2:9). The specific naming (Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, Ithamar) shows that priestly service involves particular callings, not generic spirituality. God knows His servants by name.