The cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office.

EXODUS 35:19KJV
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Exodus 35:19 (KJV)

What does Exodus 35:19 mean?

Exodus 35:19 lists the special clothing and fabrics needed for the priests to serve in the holy place, including the garments for Aaron and his sons as they carry out their priestly duties. This verse highlights the specific items required for the worship and service in the tabernacle, focusing on the clothing set apart for the priests.

In this passage, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as he relays God’s instructions for building and furnishing the tabernacle. The verse comes in the context of a detailed inventory of materials and items needed for worship, showing the importance of proper preparation and the distinct role of the priests. The mention of Aaron and his sons points to their unique responsibilities and the need for them to be set apart through special garments while serving in the sanctuary.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 35:19

  • The word for "cloths" (בֶּגֶד, beged) refers to garments or clothing, emphasizing that these are not ordinary clothes but those designated for sacred use.
  • "Service" appears twice, first as תַּשְׁמֵשׁ (tashmesh), meaning items used for service, and then as שָׁרַת (sharat), meaning to minister or serve, highlighting both the objects and the actions involved in worship.
  • "Holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) is used to describe both the place and the garments, underlining their set-apart, dedicated status for God’s purposes.
  • The word for "priest" (כֹּהֵן, kohen) and "office" (כָּהַן, kahan) both relate to priestly service, making clear that these garments are specifically for those serving as priests.

Why Exodus 35:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the priests’ clothing was not just decorative but essential for their service, marking them as set apart for holy duties.
  • By listing these items among the tabernacle requirements, the verse shows that proper worship involved both physical preparation and spiritual significance.
  • The focus on Aaron and his sons connects this verse to the larger narrative of the priesthood’s establishment and the ongoing importance of order and holiness in Israel’s worship practices.

Where else these words appear

“service” Hebrew H8278 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 31:10 And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office,
  • Exodus 39:1 And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • Exodus 39:41 The cloths of service to do service in the holy place, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons' garments, to minister in the priest's office.

“office” Hebrew H3547 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 28:1 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.
  • Exodus 31:10 And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office,
  • Numbers 3:4 And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron their father.

“service” Hebrew H8334 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 39:4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
  • 2 Samuel 13:17 Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.
  • Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,