Exodus 28:41
And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office.
Original Language Analysis
וְהִלְבַּשְׁתָּ֤
And thou shalt put
H3847
וְהִלְבַּשְׁתָּ֤
And thou shalt put
Strong's:
H3847
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
אֹתָם֙
H853
אֹתָם֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אָחִ֔יךָ
thy brother
H251
אָחִ֔יךָ
thy brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
5 of 17
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בָּנָ֖יו
and his sons
H1121
בָּנָ֖יו
and his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אִתּ֑וֹ
H853
אִתּ֑וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וּמָֽשַׁחְתָּ֙
with him and shalt anoint
H4886
וּמָֽשַׁחְתָּ֙
with him and shalt anoint
Strong's:
H4886
Word #:
9 of 17
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
אֹתָ֜ם
H853
אֹתָ֜ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וּמִלֵּאתָ֧
them and consecrate
H4390
וּמִלֵּאתָ֧
them and consecrate
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
11 of 17
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יָדָ֛ם
H3027
יָדָ֛ם
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
13 of 17
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֥
them and sanctify
H6942
וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֥
them and sanctify
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
14 of 17
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
אֹתָ֖ם
H853
אֹתָ֖ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Exodus 29:7Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him.Exodus 40:15And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.Exodus 29:9And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be their's for a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons.Leviticus 10:7And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of the LORD is upon you. And they did according to the word of Moses.Hebrews 7:28For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
Historical Context
The three-stage process (anoint, consecrate, sanctify) emphasized that priestly service required comprehensive preparation. Simply wearing garments wasn't sufficient—priests needed Spirit-empowerment, official separation, and moral holiness for acceptable service.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the sequence (clothing→anointing→consecration→sanctification) reflect stages in Christian life?
- What does 'that they may minister unto me' teach about the purpose of all spiritual preparation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The garments are put 'upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him,' then anointed, consecrated, and sanctified 'that they may minister unto me in the priest's office.' The sequence: clothing first (righteousness), then anointing (Spirit), then consecration (setting apart), then sanctification (making holy). This order reflects salvation: first clothed in Christ's righteousness, then anointed by the Spirit, then set apart for God's purposes, then progressively sanctified. All leading to one goal—ministry to God.