Exodus 39:30
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֛וּ
And they made
H6213
וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֛וּ
And they made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
צִ֥יץ
the plate
H6731
צִ֥יץ
the plate
Strong's:
H6731
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, glistening, i.e., a burnished plate; a wing (as gleaming in the air)
נֵֽזֶר
crown
H5145
נֵֽזֶר
crown
Strong's:
H5145
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, something set apart, i.e., (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chapl
זָהָ֣ב
gold
H2091
זָהָ֣ב
gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
6 of 14
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
טָה֑וֹר
of pure
H2889
טָה֑וֹר
of pure
Strong's:
H2889
Word #:
7 of 14
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
וַיִּכְתְּב֣וּ
and wrote
H3789
וַיִּכְתְּב֣וּ
and wrote
Strong's:
H3789
Word #:
8 of 14
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
עָלָ֗יו
H5921
עָלָ֗יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִכְתַּב֙
upon it a writing
H4385
מִכְתַּב֙
upon it a writing
Strong's:
H4385
Word #:
10 of 14
a thing written, the characters, or a document (letter, copy, edict, poem)
פִּתּוּחֵ֣י
like to the engravings
H6603
פִּתּוּחֵ֣י
like to the engravings
Strong's:
H6603
Word #:
11 of 14
sculpture (in low or high relief or even intaglio)
Cross References
Revelation 5:10And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.Hebrews 7:26For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;Hebrews 1:3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Historical Context
The golden plate's frontal position made the inscription visible to all, proclaiming that Israel's high priest represented holiness before God and to the nation. The 'signet' engraving style ensured permanence—this was no temporary decoration but permanent declaration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'HOLINESS TO THE LORD' on the forehead teach that ministry's essence is consecration, not activity?
- What does Christ's perfect holiness accomplishing believers' consecration reveal about grace?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The golden plate (צִּיץ, tsits, flower/shining thing) engraved 'HOLINESS TO THE LORD' (קֹדֶשׁ לַיהוָה, qodesh l'YHWH) represents the pinnacle of priestly ministry—consecration. Worn on Aaron's forehead (v. 31), this declaration faced both God (when entering the Holy Place) and people (when blessing them). The inscription teaches that acceptable ministry requires holiness, not mere ritual. The golden material signifies divine glory; engraving indicates permanence. This holy crown prefigures Christ, perfectly holy (Hebrews 7:26), whose consecration enables ours (Hebrews 10:10, 14).