And thou shalt bring his sons, and put coats upon them.

EXODUS 29:8KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 29:8 (KJV)

What does Exodus 29:8 mean?

Exodus 29:8 describes how Aaron’s sons were to be brought forward and clothed with special coats as part of their preparation for serving as priests. This verse shows a specific step in the ceremony where Moses is to dress Aaron’s sons in their priestly garments.

In this passage, God is speaking to Moses, giving him detailed instructions about how to set apart Aaron and his sons for their priestly roles. The act of putting coats on Aaron’s sons is part of a larger ritual of ordination, emphasizing their new identity and responsibilities as priests in Israel’s worship life.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 29:8

  • "bring" (קָרַב, qārav): This word means to bring near or present, often used for bringing someone into a special place or role. Here, it highlights the formal presentation of Aaron’s sons for their priestly service.
  • "put" (לָבַשׁ, lāvash): This word means to clothe or dress. It is used here for the act of putting on the priestly coats, marking a change in status and purpose.
  • "coats" (כֻּתֹּנֶת, kutonet): This refers to a specific type of long tunic or robe, a basic but significant part of the priestly uniform. It sets the priests apart visually and functionally for their sacred duties.

Why Exodus 29:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the priesthood was not only for Aaron but also for his sons, showing the family-based nature of Israel’s priestly line.
  • The careful dressing of Aaron’s sons points to the importance of ritual purity and preparation in approaching God’s service.
  • Exodus 29:8 connects to the larger chapter, which details the ordination ceremony, helping readers see how each step builds the priests’ identity and role in Israel’s worship.

Where else these words appear

“coats” Hebrew H3801 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
  • Exodus 28:40 And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.
  • 2 Samuel 13:18 And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.

“put” Hebrew H3847 · used in 103 verses

  • Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
  • 2 Chronicles 5:12 Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:)
  • Isaiah 49:18 Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on thee, as a bride doeth.