Exodus 28:35
And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the LORD, and when he cometh out, that he die not.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֥ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עַֽל
H5921
עַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לְשָׁרֵ֑ת
to minister
H8334
לְשָׁרֵ֑ת
to minister
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
4 of 14
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
וְנִשְׁמַ֣ע
shall be heard
H8085
וְנִשְׁמַ֣ע
shall be heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
5 of 14
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
בְּבֹא֨וֹ
when he goeth
H935
בְּבֹא֨וֹ
when he goeth
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
7 of 14
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
הַקֹּ֜דֶשׁ
in unto the holy
H6944
הַקֹּ֜דֶשׁ
in unto the holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
9 of 14
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
לִפְנֵ֧י
place before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֧י
place before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
10 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֛ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּבְצֵאת֖וֹ
and when he cometh
H3318
וּבְצֵאת֖וֹ
and when he cometh
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
12 of 14
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Historical Context
The bells' ringing served practical and theological purposes: practically, they announced the high priest's location and activity within the tabernacle; theologically, they demonstrated that he remained alive in God's presence—a sound of ongoing successful mediation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'hearing' Christ's ongoing intercession give you confidence in prayer?
- What does the connection between sound and life teach about assurance of accepted mediation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The purpose: Aaron must wear it 'when he ministereth,' and 'his sound shall be heard when he goeth in...and when he cometh out...that he die not.' The bells announce the priest's movements—entering God's presence and returning. The sound assures both God and Israel that the priest lives and ministers successfully. Christ's priestly work is both audible (announced, proclaimed) and effective (He lives and intercedes). The bells prevent death by ensuring proper approach—we hear Christ's ongoing intercession (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25).