Exodus 40:15
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
מָשַׁ֙חְתָּ֙
And thou shalt anoint
H4886
מָשַׁ֙חְתָּ֙
And thou shalt anoint
Strong's:
H4886
Word #:
1 of 15
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
אֹתָ֗ם
H853
אֹתָ֗ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מָשַׁ֙חְתָּ֙
And thou shalt anoint
H4886
מָשַׁ֙חְתָּ֙
And thou shalt anoint
Strong's:
H4886
Word #:
4 of 15
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲבִיהֶ֔ם
their father
H1
אֲבִיהֶ֔ם
their father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
6 of 15
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְכִֽהֲנ֖וּ
that they may minister unto me in the priest's office
H3547
וְכִֽהֲנ֖וּ
that they may minister unto me in the priest's office
Strong's:
H3547
Word #:
7 of 15
to officiate as a priest; figuratively, to put on regalia
וְ֠הָֽיְתָה
H1961
וְ֠הָֽיְתָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לִֽהְיֹ֨ת
H1961
לִֽהְיֹ֨ת
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מָשְׁחָתָ֛ם
for their anointing
H4888
מָשְׁחָתָ֛ם
for their anointing
Strong's:
H4888
Word #:
12 of 15
unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift
Cross References
Numbers 25:13And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.Psalms 110:4The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
Historical Context
The Aaronic priesthood continued approximately 1,500 years (Moses to Christ), spanning multiple generations. The 'everlasting' language indicated permanence until fulfilled, not absolute endlessness. Christ's priesthood after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:15-17) superseded Aaron's line when the true High Priest came.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Aaronic priesthood's 'everlasting' yet temporary nature illustrate Old Testament shadows fulfilled in Christ?
- What does Christ's permanent priesthood replacing Aaron's line teach about the New Covenant's superiority?
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Analysis & Commentary
Anointing Aaron's sons establishes their priesthood 'throughout their generations' (לְדֹרֹתָם, ledorotam). The phrase 'everlasting priesthood' (כְּהֻנַּת עוֹלָם, kehunnat olam, perpetual priesthood) teaches covenant continuity—God's priesthood endures across generations until fulfilled in Christ's eternal priesthood (Hebrews 7:24, ἀπαράβατος, permanent/unchangeable). The anointing's efficacy 'for ever' doesn't mean Aaronic priesthood never ends but that its purpose—mediation—continues until accomplished perfectly in Christ. Believers' priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) participates in Christ's eternal ministry.