And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.

EXODUS 29:6KJV
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Exodus 29:6 (KJV)

What does Exodus 29:6 mean?

Exodus 29:6 describes how Moses is to place a special headpiece, called the "mitre," on Aaron’s head and then set the "holy crown" on top of the mitre as part of Aaron’s ordination as high priest. This act is part of a ceremony that sets Aaron apart for his unique role among the Israelites.

In this verse, God is instructing Moses during the ordination of Aaron, the first high priest, in the context of preparing the priests to serve in the tabernacle. The "mitre" is a type of turban, and the "holy crown" is a gold plate that signifies holiness and dedication to God, showing Aaron’s special status and responsibility.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 29:6

  • מִצְנֶפֶת (mitznefet; "mitre"): This word refers to a turban-like head covering, marking the high priest’s office. It is not just any head covering but a specific, recognizable sign of authority and separation for sacred service.
  • נֵזֶר (nezer; "crown"): This word means a consecrated or holy crown, often understood as a gold plate inscribed with words of holiness. Placing it on top of the mitre highlights Aaron’s consecration and the visible sign of his role as set apart for God.
  • קָדֹשׁ (qadosh; "holy"): This word means "set apart" or "sacred." The crown being called "holy" emphasizes that Aaron’s service and status are not ordinary but dedicated entirely to God.

Why Exodus 29:6 matters

  • Exodus 29:6 clarifies that the high priest’s garments are not just for appearance but carry deep meaning about his role and relationship to God.
  • The verse shows the careful, step-by-step instructions God gives for worship, highlighting the seriousness and orderliness of serving in the tabernacle.
  • By describing both the mitre and the holy crown, Exodus 29:6 connects Aaron’s outward appearance to his inward calling, helping readers understand the visible signs of holiness in Israel’s worship.

Where else these words appear

“mitre” Hebrew H4701 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 28:4 And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
  • Exodus 28:39 And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework.
  • Leviticus 8:9 And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses.

“crown” Hebrew H5145 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 39:30 And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like to the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
  • Numbers 6:9 And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he hath defiled the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it.
  • 2 Kings 11:12 And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.