Exodus 40:13
And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
Original Language Analysis
וְהִלְבַּשְׁתָּ֙
And thou shalt put
H3847
וְהִלְבַּשְׁתָּ֙
And thou shalt put
Strong's:
H3847
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֵ֖ת
H854
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ
the holy
H6944
הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ
the holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
6 of 12
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
וּמָֽשַׁחְתָּ֥
and anoint
H4886
וּמָֽשַׁחְתָּ֥
and anoint
Strong's:
H4886
Word #:
7 of 12
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
אֹת֛וֹ
H853
אֹת֛וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֥
him and sanctify
H6942
וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֥
him and sanctify
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
9 of 12
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
אֹת֖וֹ
H853
אֹת֖וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Exodus 28:41And 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.1 John 2:20But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.1 John 2:27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
Historical Context
Aaron's anointing as high priest (Leviticus 8:12 specifies abundant oil poured on his head, running down his beard, Psalm 133:2) distinguished him from his sons (who received lesser anointing). This unique consecration emphasized the high priest's singular mediatorial role between God and Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the washing-clothing-anointing sequence illustrate salvation's order (justification-sanctification-empowerment)?
- What does Christ's anointing with the Spirit teach about His qualification for high priestly ministry?
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Analysis & Commentary
Clothing Aaron in 'holy garments' (בִּגְדֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ, bigdei haQodesh) and anointing him consecrates him for priesthood. The sequence—washing (v. 12), clothing, anointing—teaches purification, covering, and empowerment. The holy garments, detailed in chapter 28 and constructed in chapter 39, represent righteousness enabling ministry. Aaron's anointing prefigures Christ, anointed with the Spirit (Acts 10:38), who clothes believers in His righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). The phrase 'that he may minister unto me in the priest's office' connects consecration to function—holiness enables service.