And you shall put them on Aaron your brother, and on his sons with him, and shall anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse meticulously outlines not just one, but three distinct actions performed on the priests: anointing, consecrating, and sanctifying. This layered process underscores that becoming God's chosen servants involved a profound, multi-faceted separation from the ordinary and dedication to sacred duty.
And you shall put them on Aaron your brother, and on his sons with him, and shall anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse concludes the detailed instructions for the sacred garments of the priests by commanding Moses to invest Aaron and his sons with these priestly garments and then anoint and ordain them. This act formally establishes them in their sacred role, transitioning from the description of the garments themselves to the actual commissioning of the priesthood who would wear them. The following chapter will then detail the specific rituals and sacrifices required to fully consecrate Aaron and his sons for their service.
Ever wonder what makes someone 'officially' chosen for a sacred task? It's not just about feeling called; it's about a divine mandate and a tangible sign.
This verse marks a pivotal moment where God’s chosen priests, Aaron and his sons, are formally initiated into their service. Moses, acting under God’s direct command, isn't just handing over clothes; he's performing an act of divine investiture. The act of 'putting them on' signifies their formal acceptance and commissioning by God. This wasn't a popularity contest or a self-appointed role; it was a divinely orchestrated transition from ordinary life to extraordinary service, emphasizing that sacred office comes from God's direct appointment, not human ambition.
The Bible uses unique phrases to describe sacred rituals. What did it mean to 'fill the hands' of the priests, and why was it so significant?
The phrase 'consecrate them' in this verse is a translation of a Hebrew idiom that literally means 'fill their hand.' This wasn't just about putting on robes; it was a profound act of installation. It likely involved placing the first sacrifices into their hands, symbolizing that their hands were now dedicated to offering sacrifices to God and that their office was now filled with the substance of their priestly duties. This highlights that service to God requires tangible actions and the surrender of one's 'hands' – their capacity to act – to His purposes.
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The priests were clothed in special garments, but their consecration involved much more. What deeper realities did these rituals signify?
The verse lists multiple actions: 'anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them.' These aren't redundant words but layers of consecration. Anointing with oil symbolized the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. 'Filling their hands' (consecrating) was the act of formal installation into office. 'Sanctifying' speaks to being set apart, made holy, and devoted exclusively to God's service. This multi-faceted consecration shows that true service to God requires internal transformation (anointing/sanctification) and outward dedication (investiture/consecration), preparing them to represent God to the people and the people to God.
Understand the original words
mashach · Hebrew Verb
To smear or rub with oil as a physical act signifying being set apart for a divine task or office; it symbolizes the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
mala yad · Hebrew Verb phrase
The act of filling the hands, signifying the formal installation and authorization of a person into a priestly office or ministry.
qadash · Hebrew Verb
To declare or set apart as holy or devoted exclusively to God's service, removing something or someone from common use.
kohen · Hebrew Noun
One who acts as a mediator between God and the people, offering sacrifices and performing intercession in the sanctuary.
This passage directly echoes Exodus 28:41, emphasizing that no one takes the honor of priesthood upon themselves but is called by God, just as Aaron was. It highlights the divine appointment of priests.
Exodus 29:1-4These verses describe the specific actions Moses was to take, including dressing and anointing Aaron and his sons, directly fulfilling the command in Exodus 28:41 and detailing the 'filling of the hand' ceremony for their consecration.
Leviticus 8:1-13This chapter provides a detailed account of the actual consecration of Aaron and his sons, including the putting on of garments and the anointing, illustrating the practical outworking of the directive in Exodus 28:41.
1 Peter 2:5This New Testament passage speaks of believers as 'a holy priesthood,' drawing a parallel to the Old Testament concept of appointed priests. It connects the ancient call to serve God with the broader spiritual calling for all believers.
Hebrews 7:28This verse, contrasting the Levitical priesthood with Christ's eternal priesthood, sheds light on the 'type and antitype' relationship. The earthly priests and their consecration, as described in Exodus 28:41, foreshadowed the perfect and eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ.
pulpitExodus 28:41: "And 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."
Verse 41. - Thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, etc. These words serve to connect the present chapter with the following one. They contain the first intimation that Moses is not only to cause the holy garments to be made, but to invest the priests in them, and further to consecrate bot…
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…
The verse meticulously outlines not just one, but three distinct actions performed on the priests: anointing, consecrating, and sanctifying. This layered process underscores that becoming God's chosen servants involved a profound, multi-faceted separation from the ordinary and dedication to sacred duty.
This verse concludes the detailed instructions for the sacred garments of the priests by commanding Moses to invest Aaron and his sons with these priestly garments and then anoint and ordain them. This act formally establishes them in their sacred role, transitioning from the description of the garments themselves to the actual commissioning of the priesthood who would wear them. The following chapter will then detail the specific rituals and sacrifices required to fully consecrate Aaron and his sons for their service.
This verse concludes the detailed instructions for the sacred garments of the priests by commanding Moses to invest Aaron and his sons with these priestly garments and then anoint and ordain them. This act formally establishes them in their sacred role, transitioning from the description of the garments themselves to the actual commissioning of the priesthood who would wear them. The following chapter will then detail the specific rituals and sacrifices required to fully consecrate Aaron and his sons for their service.
"And you shall put them on Aaron your brother, and on his sons with him, and shall anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests." — The verse meticulously outlines not just one, but three distinct actions performed on the priests: anointing, consecrating, and sanctifying. This layered process underscores that becoming God's chose…
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Last reviewed October 2026