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.

LEVITICUS 8:9KJV
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Leviticus 8:9 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 8:9 mean?

Leviticus 8:9 describes Moses placing the special headpiece, called the mitre, on Aaron’s head and attaching a golden plate—referred to as the holy crown—on the front, just as God had instructed. This act marks Aaron’s formal setting apart as high priest, following the exact commands given by the LORD.

In this verse, Moses is carrying out God’s instructions during the ceremony to make Aaron the first high priest of Israel. The mitre is a distinctive head covering, and the golden plate (the holy crown) is a sign of Aaron’s unique role. The verse highlights careful obedience to God’s directions, showing the seriousness and sacredness of the priestly office.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 8:9

  • מִצְנֶפֶת (mitznefet, H4701): This word means "mitre" or "turban," the special head covering worn by the high priest. Its use sets Aaron apart visually from others, marking his unique role.
  • צִּיץ (tzitz, H6731): Translated as "plate," this refers to the thin, golden band fastened to the front of the mitre. It was engraved with words declaring holiness to the LORD, making Aaron’s dedication visible.
  • נֵזֶר (nezer, H5145): This word means "crown," emphasizing the sacred status of the high priest. It connects the priesthood with ideas of consecration and honor.
  • קָדֹשׁ (kadosh, H6944): Meaning "holy," this word describes the crown as set apart for God, underlining the special purpose and purity required for Aaron’s service.

Why Leviticus 8:9 matters

  • The verse clarifies that every detail of the priestly garments, especially the headpiece and golden plate, was made and worn exactly as God commanded, stressing the importance of obedience in worship.
  • It shows that Aaron’s authority and role as high priest were not self-appointed but given and recognized through a public, God-directed ceremony.
  • The description connects to the broader context of Leviticus 8, where every step in the ordination of priests is done with care and reverence, highlighting the seriousness of approaching God’s presence.

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.
  • Exodus 39:31 And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten it on high upon the mitre; as the LORD commanded Moses.

“plate” Hebrew H6731 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 28:36 And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
  • 1 Kings 6:29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
  • Isaiah 28:1 Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine!

“crown” Hebrew H5145 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 29:6 And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.
  • 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.

“forefront” Hebrew H4136 · used in 34 verses

  • Exodus 18:19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
  • Numbers 22:5 He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:
  • Joshua 22:11 And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.