Exodus 39:41
The cloths of service to do service in the holy place, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons' garments, to minister in the priest's office.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְשָׁרֵ֣ת
to do service
H8334
לְשָׁרֵ֣ת
to do service
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
4 of 14
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙
in the holy
H6944
הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙
in the holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
5 of 14
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙
in the holy
H6944
הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙
in the holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
8 of 14
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
10 of 14
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
The completed priestly garments, listed as the final crafted items before Moses' inspection, represented the culmination of months of skilled work. These garments transformed ordinary men into consecrated priests qualified to approach God on Israel's behalf—the clothing itself had sacred function, not mere decoration.
Questions for Reflection
- How do priestly garments enabling ministry prefigure Christ's righteousness qualifying believers for service?
- What does the distinction between general service clothes and Aaron's unique garments teach about degrees of accountability?
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Analysis & Commentary
The 'cloths of service' (בִּגְדֵי הַשְּׂרָד, bigdei haSerod, garments for ministering) and 'holy garments for Aaron...and his sons' emphasize that ministry requires proper attire. The distinction between service clothes (general ministry) and Aaron's specific garments teaches that all ministry requires covering, but leadership bears additional accountability. The phrase 'to minister in the priest's office' (לְכַהֵן, lechahen, to serve as priest) connects garments to function—they enabled qualified ministry. Christ, clothed perfectly, enables believers' priestly service (1 Peter 2:5, 9).