Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the tent of meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. “This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron and his descendants. New Living Translation These must be worn whenever Aaron and his sons enter the Tabernacle or approach the altar in the Holy Place to perform their priestly duties. Then they will not incur guilt and die. This is a permanent law for Aaron and all his descendants after him. English Standard Version and they shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they go into the tent of meeting or when they come near the altar to minister in the Holy Place, lest they bear guilt and die. This shall be a statute forever for him and for his offspring after him. Berean Standard Bible Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants. Berean Literal Bible And they shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they come into the Tent of Meeting, or when they come near to the altar to minister in the Holy Place, and they shall not bear iniquity and die. It shall be a statute forever for him and for his seed after him. King James Bible And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him. New King James Version They shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they come into the tabernacle of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister in the holy place, that they do not incur iniquity and die. It shall be a statute forever to him and his descendants after him. New American Standard Bible And they shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they enter the tent of meeting, or when they approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they do not incur guilt and die. It shall be a statute forever to him and to his descendants after him. NASB 1995 “They shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they enter the tent of meeting, or when they approach the altar to minister in the holy place, so that they do not incur guilt and die. It shall be a statute forever to him and to his descendants after him. NASB 1977 “And they shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they enter the tent of meeting, or when they approach the altar to minister in the holy place, so that they do not incur guilt and die. It shall be a statute forever to him and to his descendants after him. Legacy Standard Bible They shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they come into the tent of meeting or when they approach the altar to minister in the holy place, so that they do not incur guilt and die. It shall be a perpetual statute to him and to his seed after him. Amplified Bible The various articles of clothing shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they enter the Tent of Meeting, or when they approach the altar [of incense] to minister in the Holy Place, so that they do not incur guilt and die. It shall be a statute forever to Aaron and to his descendants after him. Berean Annotated Bible Aaron (light bringer) and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants. Christian Standard Bible These must be worn by Aaron and his sons whenever they enter the tent of meeting or approach the altar to minister in the sanctuary area, so that they do not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and for his future descendants. Holman Christian Standard Bible These must be worn by Aaron and his sons whenever they enter the tent of meeting or approach the altar to minister in the sanctuary area, so that they do not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and for his future descendants.” American Standard Version and they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they go in unto the tent of meeting, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and unto his seed after him. Contemporary English Version Whenever they enter the sacred tent or serve at the altar or enter the holy place, they must wear these shorts, or else they will be guilty and die. This same rule applies to any of their descendants who serve as priests. English Revised Version and they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they go in unto the tent of meeting, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and unto his seed after him. GOD'S WORD® Translation Aaron and his sons must wear them when they go into the tent of meeting or when they come near the altar to serve as priests in the holy place. Then they will be blameless and won't die. "This is a permanent law for him and his descendants." Good News Translation Aaron and his sons must always wear them when they go into the Tent of my presence or approach the altar to serve as priests in the Holy Place, so that they will not be killed for exposing themselves. This is a permanent rule for Aaron and his descendants. International Standard Version They shall be on Aaron and his sons when they enter the Tent of Meeting or when they approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place so they don't incur guilt and die. This is to be a perpetual ordinance for him and for his descendants after him." NET Bible These must be on Aaron and his sons when they enter to the tent of meeting, or when they approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they bear no iniquity and die. It is to be a perpetual ordinance for him and for his descendants after him. New Heart English Bible They shall be on Aaron, and on his sons, when they go in to the Tent of Meeting, or when they come near to the altar to minister in the holy place; that they do not bear iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute forever to him and to his descendants after him. Webster's Bible Translation And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they enter in to the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near to the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die. It shall be a statute for ever to him, and to his seed after him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants. World English Bible They shall be on Aaron and on his sons, when they go in to the Tent of Meeting, or when they come near to the altar to minister in the holy place, that they don’t bear iniquity, and die. This shall be a statute forever to him and to his offspring after him. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand they have been on Aaron and on his sons in their going into the Tent of Meeting, or in their drawing near to the altar to minister in the holy place, and they do not bear iniquity nor have they died; [it is] a continuous statute to him and to his seed after him.” Berean Literal Bible And they shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they come into the Tent of Meeting, or when they come near to the altar to minister in the Holy Place, and they shall not bear iniquity and die. It shall be a statute forever for him and for his seed after him. Young's Literal Translation and they have been on Aaron and on his sons, in their going in unto the tent of meeting, or in their drawing nigh unto the altar to minister in the sanctuary, and they do not bear iniquity nor have they died; a statute age-during to him, and to his seed after him. Smith's Literal Translation And they shall be upon Aaron and upon his sons in their going into the tent of the appointment, or in their drawing near to the altar to serve in the holy place; and they shall not lift up to sin and die. A law forever to him and to his seed after him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Aaron and his sons shall use them when they shall go in to the tabernacle of the testimony, or when they approach the altar to minister in the sanctuary, lest being guilty of iniquity they die. It shall be a law for ever to Aaron, and to his seed after him. Catholic Public Domain Version And Aaron and his sons will use them when they enter the tabernacle of the testimony, and when they approach toward the altar, in order to minister in the sanctuary, lest, being guilty of iniquity, they may die. It shall be a law forever for Aaron, and for his offspring after him.” New American Bible Aaron and his sons shall wear them whenever they go into the tent of meeting or approach the altar to minister in the sanctuary, lest they incur guilt and die. This shall be a perpetual ordinance for him and for his descendants. New Revised Standard Version Aaron and his sons shall wear them when they go into the tent of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister in the holy place; or they will bring guilt on themselves and die. This shall be a perpetual ordinance for him and for his descendants after him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they shall be upon Aaron and upon his sons when they enter the tabernacle of the congregation or when they come near to the altar to minister in the holy place; that they may not bear iniquity and die; it shall be a statute for ever to Aaron and to his descendants after him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they shall be on Ahron and upon his sons when they enter the Time Tabernacle, and whenever they come to the altar to serve in the Holy Place, so that they will not receive sins and die; the Written Law to eternity for him and for his seed after him. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they go in unto the tent of meeting, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die; it shall be a statute for ever unto him and unto his seed after him. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Aaron shall have them, and his sons, whenever they enter into the tabernacle of witness, or when they shall advance to the altar of the sanctuary to minister, so they shall not bring sin upon themselves, lest they die: it is a perpetual statute for him, and for his seed after him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Additional Priestly Garments…42Make linen undergarments to cover their bare flesh, extending from waist to thigh. 43Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants. Cross References Aaron and his sons must wear them Exodus 29:29 The holy garments that belong to Aaron will belong to his sons after him, so they can be anointed and ordained in them. Exodus 39:41 and the woven garments for ministering in the sanctuary, both the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons to serve as priests. Leviticus 8:13 Then Moses presented Aaron’s sons, put tunics on them, wrapped sashes around them, and tied headbands on them, just as the LORD had commanded him. whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting Leviticus 10:9 “You and your sons are not to drink wine or strong drink when you enter the Tent of Meeting, or else you will die; this is a permanent statute for the generations to come. Leviticus 16:2 And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat. Numbers 18:3 And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, Exodus 30:20 Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister by presenting a food offering to the LORD, they must wash with water so that they will not die. Numbers 18:7 But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.” Leviticus 1:5 And he shall slaughter the young bull before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests are to present the blood and splatter it on all sides of the altar at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. so that they will not incur guilt and die. Leviticus 10:1-2 Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. / So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD. Numbers 18:32 Once you have presented the best part of it, you will not incur guilt because of it. But you must not defile the sacred offerings of the Israelites, or else you will die.’” Numbers 4:15 When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants. Exodus 30:21 Thus they are to wash their hands and feet so that they will not die; this shall be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants for the generations to come.” Exodus 29:9 Wrap the sashes around Aaron and his sons and tie headbands on them. The priesthood shall be theirs by a permanent statute. In this way you are to ordain Aaron and his sons. Exodus 40:15 Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so that they may also serve Me as priests. Their anointing will qualify them for a permanent priesthood throughout their generations.” Leviticus 16:4 He is to wear the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments. He must tie a linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are holy garments, and he must bathe himself with water before he wears them. Treasury of Scripture And they shall be on Aaron, and on his sons, when they come in to the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near to the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever to him and his seed after him. unto the altar Exodus 20:26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon. bear not iniquity Leviticus 5:1,17 And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity… Leviticus 20:19,20 And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister, nor of thy father's sister: for he uncovereth his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity… Leviticus 22:9 They shall therefore keep mine ordinance, lest they bear sin for it, and die therefore, if they profane it: I the LORD do sanctify them. a statute Exodus 27:21 In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: it shall be a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel. Leviticus 17:7 And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations. Jump to Previous Aaron Altar Approach Bear Congregation Descendants Die Enter Forever Guilt Holy Incur Iniquity Meeting Minister Seed Statute Tabernacle TentJump to Next Aaron Altar Approach Bear Congregation Descendants Die Enter Forever Guilt Holy Incur Iniquity Meeting Minister Seed Statute Tabernacle TentExodus 28 1. Aaron and his sons are set apart for the priest's office2. Holy garments are appointed 6. The ephod and girdle 15. The breast-plate with twelve precious stones 30. The Urim and Thummim 31. The robe of the ephod, with pomegranates and bells 36. The plate of the mitre 39. The embroidered coat 40. The garments for Aaron's sons Aaron and his sons must wear them This phrase refers to the sacred garments described earlier in Exodus 28, which were designed for glory and beauty. These garments set Aaron and his sons apart for their priestly duties, symbolizing holiness and the need for purity when approaching God. The garments included the ephod, breastpiece, robe, tunic, turban, and sash, each with specific significance and symbolism. whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place so that they will not incur guilt and die This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe brother of Moses, appointed as the first high priest of Israel. He represents the priestly line and is a central figure in the establishment of the Levitical priesthood. 2. Aaron's Sons The descendants of Aaron who were also appointed to serve as priests. They were to follow the same regulations and statutes as Aaron. 3. Tent of Meeting Also known as the Tabernacle, it was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where the priests performed their duties. 4. Altar A sacred place for offerings and sacrifices, central to the worship practices of the Israelites. 5. Holy Place The inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle where the priests ministered, distinct from the Most Holy Place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. Teaching Points Holiness in WorshipThe requirement for Aaron and his sons to wear specific garments underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and holiness. As believers, we are called to prepare our hearts and minds when we come before God in worship. Obedience to God's Commands The permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants highlights the necessity of obedience to God's instructions. Our lives should reflect a commitment to following God's Word. The Role of Intercession The priests served as mediators between God and the people. Today, we are called to intercede for others, lifting them up in prayer and seeking God's will on their behalf. The Consequences of Disobedience The warning of incurring guilt and death serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance. We must be vigilant in our walk with God, seeking His forgiveness and grace. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 28:43?2. How does Exodus 28:43 emphasize the importance of holiness in worship practices? 3. What consequences are mentioned for failing to follow God's commands in Exodus 28:43? 4. How does Exodus 28:43 connect to the New Testament's call for spiritual purity? 5. In what ways can we apply the principles of Exodus 28:43 today? 6. How does Exodus 28:43 reflect God's desire for order and reverence in worship? 7. Why were Aaron and his sons required to wear specific garments in Exodus 28:43? 8. What is the significance of the priestly garments mentioned in Exodus 28:43? 9. How does Exodus 28:43 reflect the holiness required of priests? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 28? 11. How can Leviticus 8's insistence on a seven-day ordination period be reconciled with other references in the Old Testament that imply different consecration timelines? 12. Is there any archaeological or historical evidence for a distinct 'Tent of Meeting' as described in Exodus 33:7-11, given that later passages describe the Tabernacle differently? 13. Is there any historical record or physical evidence (Exodus 29:1-9) that the elaborate priestly garments and ordination ceremonies described actually took place as written? 14. What was the purpose of the bronze laver? What Does Exodus 28:43 Mean Aaron and his sons must wear them“Aaron and his sons must wear them …” (Exodus 28:43). • “Them” refers to the priestly garments just described, including the linen undergarments (Exodus 28:42). God Himself designed these clothes to reflect His holiness (Exodus 28:2). • Wearing them signaled that ministry was God-appointed, not self-appointed (Hebrews 5:4). • The principle of God-given attire echoes earlier when Adam and Eve received garments from the LORD (Genesis 3:21), showing only God can properly clothe sinners for His presence. Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar • The command covers every appearance before the LORD—inside the Tent (Exodus 30:20-21) or at the bronze altar in the courtyard (Leviticus 9:7). No “off-hours” existed in sacred service (Numbers 18:7). • Approach required preparation; even the high priest couldn’t enter the Most Holy Place without obedience (Leviticus 16:2). The New Covenant fulfillment is seen in Christ, who entered “once for all” with perfect righteousness (Hebrews 9:12). To minister in the Holy Place • Ministry (serving) in God’s dwelling demanded separation from common life (Exodus 19:22). • The Holy Place symbolized continual fellowship, where lamps, bread, and incense pictured Israel’s worship (Hebrews 9:6). Proper clothing kept the priests rightly identified as consecrated servants. • Today believers are called “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9); while our clothing is now Christ’s righteousness (Galatians 3:27), the pattern of reverent service remains. So that they will not incur guilt and die • Disobedience would bring immediate judgment. Nadab and Abihu learned this when they offered unauthorized fire and died before the LORD (Leviticus 10:1-2). • Holiness protects the worshiper; sin exposed in God’s presence is lethal (Numbers 18:22). • The warning underscores God’s justice and mercy—He provides the means to avoid guilt (the garments), then insists they be used. In Christ, our High Priest bore our guilt so we might live (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants • “Permanent” (Exodus 29:9) fixed the ordinance for every generation of Aaron’s line as long as the tabernacle/temple system stood. • The continuity pointed ahead to a priesthood that would never end; Jesus now holds that “permanent priesthood” (Hebrews 7:24). • Yet the moral lesson remains permanent: approach God on His terms, clothed in what He provides, not in self-made righteousness (Romans 10:3). summary Exodus 28:43 teaches that God’s priests had to wear divinely prescribed garments every time they served, whether inside the Tent of Meeting or at the altar. The clothing marked them as holy, preserved them from guilt and death, and established a lasting ordinance for all Aaron’s descendants. The command highlights the seriousness of entering God’s presence and foreshadows Christ, the sinless High Priest, who perfectly clothes believers in His righteousness so we may serve the living God without fear. (43) The tabernacle of the congregation.--Heb., the tent of meeting.The holy place seems to be here the court of the tabernacle, within which the altar was to be set up (Exodus 40:6; Exodus 40:29).That they bear not iniquity, and die.--The death penalty is threatened against the sin of ministering without the garments needed for decency, as against the sin of neglecting to wear the robe of the ephod (Exodus 28:35). In both cases a Divine vengeance, rather than a legal punishment, is probably intended. Verse 43. - When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation. Literally," when they go into the tent of meeting - i.e., the place where God and the high priest were to meet. The holy place. The "holy place" seems in this passage to include the court of the tabernacle, wherein the altar was situated. That they bear not iniquity. To "bear iniquity" is to incur guilt, or have sin imputed to one. If even through forgetfulness a priest entered the sanctuary without this necessary article of clothing, and so risked an unseemly, exposure of his person, he was to be accounted guilty, and punished by death. This was to be a "statute for ever," and to apply both to the high priest and the ordinary priests. Compare Exodus 20:26. |
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