Exodus Chapter 28 · Verse 36
And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ
And thou shalt make
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
צִּ֖יץ
a plate
H6731
צִּ֖יץ
a plate
Strong's:
H6731
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, glistening, i.e., a burnished plate; a wing (as gleaming in the air)
זָהָ֣ב
gold
H2091
זָהָ֣ב
gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
3 of 10
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
טָה֑וֹר
of pure
H2889
טָה֑וֹר
of pure
Strong's:
H2889
Word #:
4 of 10
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
וּפִתַּחְתָּ֤
and grave
H6605
וּפִתַּחְתָּ֤
and grave
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
5 of 10
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
עָלָיו֙
H5921
עָלָיו֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פִּתּוּחֵ֣י
upon it like the engravings
H6603
פִּתּוּחֵ֣י
upon it like the engravings
Strong's:
H6603
Word #:
7 of 10
sculpture (in low or high relief or even intaglio)
Cross References
Zechariah 14:20In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD'S house shall be like the bowls before the altar.Leviticus 8:9And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses.Exodus 39:30And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like to the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
Historical Context
The golden plate was likely attached to the turban/mitre with a blue cord (v.37). The prominent forehead placement ensured this declaration of holiness was always visible when the high priest ministered, proclaiming his consecrated status.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Christ's 'HOLINESS TO THE LORD' on His forehead teach about His complete devotion to God's glory?
- How should believers, as a 'kingdom of priests,' bear visible marks of consecration?
Analysis & Commentary
A golden plate (צִיץ, tzitz, literally 'flower/blossom') with the engraving 'HOLINESS TO THE LORD' (קֹדֶשׁ לַיהוָה, Qodesh l'YHWH) worn on Aaron's forehead. The plate represents the priest's consecrated mind/will—his thoughts devoted to God's holiness. Engraved like a signet (official seal), this holiness is authenticated, permanent, official. Christ's mind is perfectly devoted to God's glory—He always does what pleases the Father (John 8:29). His forehead bearing holiness declares His complete consecration.