And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.

EXODUS 40:15KJV
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Exodus 40:15 (KJV)

What does Exodus 40:15 mean?

Exodus 40:15 says that Aaron’s sons must be anointed just as Aaron was, so they can serve as priests, and that this anointing marks the start of a priesthood that will continue through their descendants for all time. The verse emphasizes the lasting nature of this priestly role, passed down from father to son.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses near the end of the book of Exodus, as the tabernacle is being set up and the priesthood is being established. Moses is told to anoint Aaron’s sons, setting them apart for their special duties. The verse highlights that this ceremony is not just for one generation but is meant to establish a permanent priestly line among Aaron’s descendants.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 40:15

  • "Anoint" (מָשַׁח, mashach): This word means to pour or smear oil as a sign of setting someone apart for a special role. Here, it marks Aaron’s sons as chosen for priestly service, just as Aaron was.
  • "Office" (כָּהֵן, kohen): This word refers to the priestly function or service. The verse is about entering into this official role, not just performing a task.
  • "Anointing" (מִשְׁחָה, mishchah): This noun refers to the act or substance of anointing, highlighting the ritual’s importance in making someone a priest.
  • "Everlasting" (עוֹלָם, olam): This word often means “forever” or “for all generations.” It stresses that the priesthood is not temporary but intended to last as long as their family line continues.
  • "Priesthood" (כְּהֻנָּה, kehunah): This term means the office or institution of being a priest, not just the actions but the established role.
  • "Generations" (דּוֹר, dor): This word means “descendants” or “generations,” underscoring the idea that this priesthood is to be passed down through the family line.

Why Exodus 40:15 matters

  • Exodus 40:15 clarifies that the priesthood was not just for Aaron and his sons, but was intended to be a lasting institution among their descendants, shaping Israel’s worship for generations.
  • The verse shows the importance of ritual anointing (not just appointment) as a way of setting people apart for sacred service, underlining the seriousness and formality of the priestly office.
  • This verse connects the priesthood to God’s instructions, not human tradition, making clear that the priesthood’s authority and continuity come from God’s command, not personal ambition.

Where else these words appear

“priesthood” Hebrew H3550 · used in 12 verses

  • Exodus 29:9 And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons.
  • Numbers 18:1 And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.
  • 1 Samuel 2:36 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.

“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.

“anointing” Hebrew H4888 · used in 24 verses

  • Exodus 25:6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,
  • Exodus 35:8 And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,
  • Leviticus 8:10 And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein, and sanctified them.

“anoint” Hebrew H4886 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
  • Numbers 7:1 And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;
  • 1 Kings 1:39 And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.