And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there in the top of the mount: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount.

NUMBERS 20:28KJV
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Numbers 20:28 (KJV)

What does Numbers 20:28 mean?

Numbers 20:28 describes how Moses removed Aaron’s priestly garments and placed them on Eleazar, Aaron’s son, marking Eleazar as the new high priest. Aaron then died on the mountain, and Moses and Eleazar came down without him.

In this scene, Moses is following God’s instructions as Aaron’s life comes to an end. The act of transferring the garments shows a clear, public passing of the high priest role from Aaron to Eleazar. The verse highlights a moment of transition and loss for the Israelites, as their first high priest dies and his son takes up the sacred duty.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 20:28

  • The word for “stripped” (פָּשַׁט, pashat) means to remove or take off clothing. Here, it emphasizes the deliberate and respectful removal of Aaron’s special garments, not just a physical act but a transfer of office.
  • “Garments” (בֶּגֶד, beged) refers to the unique priestly clothes that set the high priest apart. Passing these to Eleazar signals the official change in leadership.
  • “Put” (לָבַשׁ, lavash) means to clothe or dress. Moses is not just handing over clothes, but formally investing Eleazar with the high priest’s authority.
  • “Died” (מָוֶת, mavet) is the standard word for death, but in this context, it marks the solemn end of Aaron’s service and life at the very moment his son steps into his role.

Why Numbers 20:28 matters

  • Numbers 20:28 makes clear that the priesthood is not just a personal honor but an office that can be passed on, showing the continuity of spiritual leadership for Israel.
  • The verse underscores the obedience of Moses and Aaron to God’s instructions, even in a moment of personal loss and transition.
  • By describing the transfer of garments and the death of Aaron together, the verse ties the end of one era directly to the beginning of another, helping readers see the importance of orderly leadership succession in Israel’s history.

Where else these words appear

“stripped” 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.