Exodus 31:10 (KJV)

What does Exodus 31:10 mean?

Exodus 31:10 lists the special clothing and fabric items that were to be made for Aaron the priest and his sons, so they could serve in their priestly roles. The verse highlights both the "cloths of service" and the "holy garments," showing that these items were essential for their work in the sanctuary.

In this part of Exodus, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving detailed instructions about the tabernacle and its service. The verse is part of a larger section where God specifies what skilled workers are to make for worship, including the garments for Aaron (the first high priest) and his sons, who would serve as priests. These garments set the priests apart for their sacred duties and visually marked their special role among the Israelites.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 31:10

• "cloths" (בֶּגֶד, beged): This word refers to general garments or cloth items, here likely meaning the fabric used for various service tasks in the tabernacle, not just clothing.
• "service" (שֵׁרֵת, sheret): This word means "service" or "ministering," emphasizing that these cloths were specifically for use in the duties of the sanctuary, not for ordinary wear.
• "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh): The word means "set apart" or "sacred," showing that these garments had a special, dedicated purpose for worship.
• "garments" (בֶּגֶד, beged): Repeated here, this word again points to clothing, but in this context, it refers specifically to the priestly outfits.
• "priest" (כֹּהֵן, kohen): This word means "priest," and here it refers to Aaron, who was chosen for this unique role.
• "office" (כָּהַן, kahan): This word is related to serving as a priest, highlighting the official priestly duties Aaron's sons would perform.

Why Exodus 31:10 matters

• Exodus 31:10 clarifies that the priests' clothing was not just for appearance but was necessary for their service, marking their work as sacred.
• The verse connects to the broader instructions about the tabernacle, showing that every detail, even clothing, was part of God's design for worship.
• By listing both Aaron and his sons, Exodus 31:10 points to the ongoing priestly line and the importance of preparing each generation for service.