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.

EXODUS 28:38KJV
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Exodus 28:38 (KJV)

What does Exodus 28:38 mean?

Exodus 28:38 describes how a special gold plate, worn on Aaron’s forehead, serves to carry or “bear” the responsibility for any faults or shortcomings in the Israelites’ holy offerings, so that their gifts will be accepted by God. This plate is to be worn continually as Aaron represents the people before the LORD.

God is instructing Moses about the garments for Aaron, the first high priest. The gold plate—part of Aaron’s priestly attire—symbolizes Aaron carrying the “iniquity” (wrongdoing or imperfection) of the Israelites’ sacred gifts. This means Aaron stands between the people and God, ensuring their offerings are accepted even if they are not perfect, highlighting the priest’s role as a mediator.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 28:38

  • “Forehead” (מֵצַח, mētsaḥ): This word refers to the front part of Aaron’s head where the gold plate is placed. Its visibility emphasizes the public and ongoing nature of Aaron’s intercession.
  • “Bear” (נָשָׂא, nāśā’): This word means to carry or take up, and here it suggests Aaron takes on the responsibility for any faults in the holy things, not just physically but spiritually.
  • “Iniquity” (עָוֹן, ʿāwōn): This word often refers to guilt or moral failing. In this context, it means any imperfection in the Israelites’ offerings, showing that even sacred gifts can have shortcomings.
  • “Accepted” (רָצוֹן, rāṣōn): This word means favor or acceptance. The verse stresses that Aaron’s role and the gold plate are necessary for the Israelites’ gifts to be favorably received by God.

Why Exodus 28:38 matters

  • Exodus 28:38 clarifies that even the Israelites’ best offerings could have flaws, and God provided a way for these to be accepted through the high priest’s mediation.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of approaching God and the need for continual representation by the high priest, not just a one-time act.
  • This detail connects to the broader passage about priestly garments, showing that every part of the high priest’s clothing had a symbolic and practical purpose in Israel’s worship.

Where else these words appear

“forehead” Hebrew H4696 · used in 10 verses

  • 1 Samuel 17:49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
  • Isaiah 48:4 Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;
  • Ezekiel 3:8 Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads.

“gifts” Hebrew H4979 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 25:6 But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.
  • Deuteronomy 16:17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:7 Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.

“accepted” Hebrew H7522 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
  • Psalms 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
  • Proverbs 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

“always” Hebrew H8548 · used in 103 verses

  • Exodus 25:30 And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.
  • 2 Samuel 9:7 And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.
  • Psalms 105:4 Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.