Exodus 28:38
And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָה֮
H1961
וְהָיָה֮
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 24
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 24
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְנָשָׂ֨א
may bear
H5375
וְנָשָׂ֨א
may bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
5 of 24
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
קָדְשֵׁיהֶ֑ם
in all their holy
H6944
קָדְשֵׁיהֶ֑ם
in all their holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
9 of 24
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַקְדִּ֙ישׁוּ֙
shall hallow
H6942
יַקְדִּ֙ישׁוּ֙
shall hallow
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
11 of 24
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
בְּנֵ֣י
which the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
which the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 24
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
13 of 24
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
לְכָֽל
H3605
לְכָֽל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
14 of 24
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַתְּנֹ֖ת
gifts
H4979
מַתְּנֹ֖ת
gifts
Strong's:
H4979
Word #:
15 of 24
a present; specifically (in a good sense), a sacrificial offering, (in a bad sense) a bribe
קָדְשֵׁיהֶ֑ם
in all their holy
H6944
קָדְשֵׁיהֶ֑ם
in all their holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
16 of 24
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
וְהָיָ֤ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
17 of 24
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
18 of 24
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
תָּמִ֔יד
and it shall be always
H8548
תָּמִ֔יד
and it shall be always
Strong's:
H8548
Word #:
20 of 24
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
Cross References
1 Peter 2:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.Numbers 18:1And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.Leviticus 10:17Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering in the holy place, seeing it is most holy, and God hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD?Hebrews 9:28So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.John 1:29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.Isaiah 56:7Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.2 Corinthians 5:21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.Leviticus 22:9They shall therefore keep mine ordinance, lest they bear sin for it, and die therefore, if they profane it: I the LORD do sanctify them.Leviticus 23:11And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.Leviticus 1:4And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.
Historical Context
This verse reveals the profound truth that even consecrated offerings contain human imperfection. Only the high priest's bearing of this iniquity (through the holiness declaration) made Israel's worship acceptable—prefiguring how only Christ's perfect holiness covers our imperfect service.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ 'bear the iniquity' of your imperfect worship, making it acceptable to God?
- What hope does this give you knowing even your best spiritual efforts need Christ's covering?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The plate is 'upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things.' Even Israel's holy offerings contain iniquity (sin-stained holiness)—our best works are tainted. The high priest bears this iniquity, making holy things acceptable. Christ alone bears the imperfection in our worship, transforming sin-stained service into acceptable offerings. Through Him, our 'spiritual sacrifices are acceptable to God' (1 Peter 2:5). The plate 'continually upon his forehead' shows Christ's constant cleansing of our imperfect worship.