And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there.

NUMBERS 20:26KJV
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Numbers 20:26 (KJV)

What does Numbers 20:26 mean?

Numbers 20:26 describes God’s command for Moses to remove Aaron’s priestly garments and place them on Eleazar, Aaron’s son, because Aaron is about to die and be “gathered unto his people.” This marks the transfer of the high priest role from Aaron to Eleazar as Aaron’s life comes to an end.

In this verse, God is speaking directly to Moses, instructing him about what to do as Aaron’s death approaches. The setting is Mount Hor, where God has told Moses and Aaron that Aaron will die because of earlier disobedience. The act of removing Aaron’s garments and putting them on Eleazar is a public sign that Eleazar is now the high priest, and Aaron’s service is complete.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 20:26

  • "strip" (פָּשַׁט, pāshaṭ): This word means to remove or take off, especially clothing. Here, it emphasizes that Aaron’s special garments, which symbolize his priestly office, are to be physically taken from him.
  • "garments" (בֶּגֶד, beged): This refers to the distinctive clothing of the high priest. The transfer of these garments is a visible way to show the change in leadership and spiritual responsibility.
  • "put" (לָבַשׁ, lāvash): This means to clothe or dress someone. Moses is to dress Eleazar in the high priest’s garments, marking Eleazar’s new role.
  • "gathered" (אָסַף, asaf): This phrase, “gathered unto his people,” is a Hebrew way of saying someone has died and joined their ancestors. It points to the end of Aaron’s earthly life.

Why Numbers 20:26 matters

  • Numbers 20:26 clarifies that the high priesthood is not just a personal honor but a role that can be passed on, with the garments serving as a symbol of that office.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of God’s instructions and the consequences of disobedience, since Aaron’s death is directly connected to earlier events in the chapter.
  • This moment connects to the larger story of Israel’s journey and leadership, showing how God provides for continuity even as key figures pass away.

Where else these words appear

“strip” Hebrew H6584 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 37:23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him;
  • 1 Samuel 30:1 And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;
  • Job 1:17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

“Eleazar” Hebrew H499 · used in 70 verses

  • Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
  • Numbers 27:19 And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.
  • Joshua 22:32 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again.

“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.