Exodus 28:38
It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall bear any guilt from the holy things that the people of Israel consecrate as their holy gifts. It shall regularly be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse reveals that even the people's holiest gifts carried an inherent imperfection, a kind of "sin" or guilt, because they came from imperfect people. Aaron, wearing the inscription "Holiness to the Lord," bore this inherent flaw on his forehead, signifying his role in bridging the gap between human imperfection and God's perfect holiness so their offerings could be accepted.
This verse describes a crucial detail of the high priest Aaron's special garments: a gold plate inscribed "Holiness to the LORD" that was to be worn on his forehead. This plate wasn't just decorative; it symbolized Aaron's responsibility to bear the guilt of any imperfections in the people's sacred offerings, ensuring their acceptance by God. This underscores the profound need for a mediator to bridge the gap between a holy God and imperfect humanity.
Even the most sacred offerings could carry a hidden flaw. How could these be accepted by a holy God?
The inscription 'Holiness to the LORD' on Aaron's forehead wasn't just decoration; it was functional.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Exodus 28:38 is available in the Sola app.
Why did God require this special plate and role for the High Priest? What does it reveal about His desire for relationship?
The ultimate purpose of Aaron's priestly duties, symbolized by the forehead plate, was to ensure the people's offerings were accepted by God.
Understand the original words
avon · Hebrew Noun
The ethical or judicial burden of sin and the resulting penalty; it refers to the state of being blameworthy before a holy God, requiring atonement or mediation.
ratsah · Hebrew Verb
To be received with favor or goodwill; biblically, it describes the state of having one’s offerings or self brought into a right relationship with God through His appointed means of mediation.
This passage directly parallels the concept of bearing iniquity, highlighting that the Suffering Servant would 'bear our griefs and carry our sorrows,' just as Aaron bore the 'iniquity of the holy things' on behalf of the people.
Hebrews 7:25This New Testament passage illuminates the ultimate fulfillment of Aaron's priestly role, stating that Christ 'is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.' This connects to Aaron bearing guilt so the people could be accepted.
1 Peter 2:5Peter describes believers as 'living stones' who are being built into a 'spiritual house' and an 'offering' to God. This echoes the idea of the people's gifts needing acceptance, now fulfilled in Christ for all believers who are themselves consecrated offerings.
Leviticus 10:17This passage reinforces the responsibility of priests to bear the guilt of sin in the sacrifices, stating, 'Has he not received it to take away the guilt of the congregation by making atonement for them before the LORD?' It shows the consistent priestly duty mirrored by Aaron's forehead plate.
John 17:19Jesus prays, 'For their sake I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified in truth.' This connects to Aaron bearing iniquity on his forehead for the acceptance of the people; Christ's self-sanctification is the ultimate means by which believers are accepted before God.
clarkeExodus 28:38: "And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD."
May bear the iniquity of the holy things - ונשא אהרן את עון הקדשים venasa Aharon eth avon hakkodashim. And Aaron shall bear (in a vicarious and typical manner) the sin of the holy or separated things - offerings or sacrifices. Aaron was,…
calvinExodus 28:1-43: "And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons."
And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even. Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.
Tu vero accerse ad to Aharonem fratre…
This verse reveals that even the people's holiest gifts carried an inherent imperfection, a kind of "sin" or guilt, because they came from imperfect people. Aaron, wearing the inscription "Holiness to the Lord," bore this inherent flaw on his forehead, signifying his role in bridging the gap between human imperfection and God's perfect holiness so their offerings could be accepted.
This verse describes a crucial detail of the high priest Aaron's special garments: a gold plate inscribed "Holiness to the LORD" that was to be worn on his forehead. This plate wasn't just decorative; it symbolized Aaron's responsibility to bear the guilt of any imperfections in the people's sacred offerings, ensuring their acceptance by God. This underscores the profound need for a mediator to bridge the gap between a holy God and imperfect humanity.
This verse describes a crucial detail of the high priest Aaron's special garments: a gold plate inscribed "Holiness to the LORD" that was to be worn on his forehead. This plate wasn't just decorative; it symbolized Aaron's responsibility to bear the guilt of any imperfections in the people's sacred offerings, ensuring their acceptance by God. This underscores the profound need for a mediator to bridge the gap between a holy God and imperfect humanity.
"It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall bear any guilt from the holy things that the people of Israel consecrate as their holy gifts. It shall regularly be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD." — This verse reveals that even the people's holiest gifts carried an inherent imperfection, a kind of "sin" or guilt, because they came from imperfect people. Aaron, wearing the inscription "Holiness t…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
