Leviticus 16:4 - He shall put on the holy linen coat. He shall have the linen breeches on his body, and shall put on the linen sash, and he shall be clothed with the linen turban. They are the holy garments. He shall bathe his body in water, and put them on.
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What does "Leviticus 16:4" mean?
Leviticus 16:4 describes the clothing and preparation of the High Priest on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). Let's break down the meaning of each element:
"He shall put on the holy linen coat." The "coat" (Hebrew: ketonet) is a tunic-like garment, probably reaching the ankles. It is made of pure linen, emphasizing purity and simplicity. It's described as "holy" because it's used in sacred service.
"He shall have the linen breeches on his body..." The "breeches" (Hebrew: miknesei bad) are linen undergarments that provide modesty. They were necessary because the High Priest would be ascending steps to the altar, and such garments would prevent indecency.
"...and shall put on the linen sash..." The "sash" (Hebrew: avnet) is a belt or girdle. It helps secure the coat and possibly hold other items. Like the other garments, it's made of linen, continuing the theme of purity.
"...and he shall be clothed with the linen turban." The "turban" (Hebrew: mitznefet) is a head covering. It signifies the High Priest's elevated position and authority.
"They are the holy garments." This statement emphasizes that these garments are specifically designated for sacred use by the High Priest during the Day of Atonement. They are not ordinary clothing.
"He shall bathe his body in water, and put them on." The ritual washing is a crucial act of purification. The High Priest must be ritually clean before performing his duties on this holiest day. By bathing, he removes any potential ritual impurity. The act of putting on the specific linen garments immediately after bathing emphasizes the transition into a state of holiness and preparation for atonement.
In summary, the verse describes the High Priest's preparation for the Day of Atonement. He must purify himself through bathing and then dress in specific linen garments that are designated as "holy." The linen garments represent purity, humility, and separation from the everyday world. This elaborate preparation underscores the solemnity and importance of the Day of Atonement, when the High Priest would atone for the sins of the entire nation of Israel.
Significance:
Purity and Holiness: The use of white linen signifies purity, cleanliness, and holiness. The Day of Atonement was focused on purifying Israel from sin, so the High Priest's attire reflected this theme.
Humility: While the High Priest held a position of great authority, the simple linen garments were less elaborate than his usual attire. This may represent a degree of humility before God.
Separation: The High Priest was separated from the rest of the people in order to mediate between God and Israel. The special garments symbolized this unique role and status.
Preparation: The bathing and clothing rituals were an essential part of the High Priest's preparation to enter the Holy of Holies and perform the atoning sacrifices.
It's important to note that these details are significant within the context of the Old Testament sacrificial system. In Christian theology, the High Priest's role is often seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who is considered the ultimate High Priest who offered himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.
Leviticus 16:4 - He shall put on the holy linen coat. He shall have the linen breeches on his body, and shall put on the linen sash, and he shall be clothed with the linen turban. They are the holy garments. He shall bathe his body in water, and put them on.
What does "Leviticus 16:4" mean?
Leviticus 16:4 describes the clothing and preparation of the High Priest on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). Let's break down the meaning of each element:
"He shall put on the holy linen coat." The "coat" (Hebrew: ketonet) is a tunic-like garment, probably reaching the ankles. It is made of pure linen, emphasizing purity and simplicity. It's described as "holy" because it's used in sacred service.
"He shall have the linen breeches on his body..." The "breeches" (Hebrew: miknesei bad) are linen undergarments that provide modesty. They were necessary because the High Priest would be ascending steps to the altar, and such garments would prevent indecency.
"...and shall put on the linen sash..." The "sash" (Hebrew: avnet) is a belt or girdle. It helps secure the coat and possibly hold other items. Like the other garments, it's made of linen, continuing the theme of purity.
"...and he shall be clothed with the linen turban." The "turban" (Hebrew: mitznefet) is a head covering. It signifies the High Priest's elevated position and authority.
"They are the holy garments." This statement emphasizes that these garments are specifically designated for sacred use by the High Priest during the Day of Atonement. They are not ordinary clothing.
"He shall bathe his body in water, and put them on." The ritual washing is a crucial act of purification. The High Priest must be ritually clean before performing his duties on this holiest day. By bathing, he removes any potential ritual impurity. The act of putting on the specific linen garments immediately after bathing emphasizes the transition into a state of holiness and preparation for atonement.
In summary, the verse describes the High Priest's preparation for the Day of Atonement. He must purify himself through bathing and then dress in specific linen garments that are designated as "holy." The linen garments represent purity, humility, and separation from the everyday world. This elaborate preparation underscores the solemnity and importance of the Day of Atonement, when the High Priest would atone for the sins of the entire nation of Israel.
Significance:
Purity and Holiness: The use of white linen signifies purity, cleanliness, and holiness. The Day of Atonement was focused on purifying Israel from sin, so the High Priest's attire reflected this theme.
Humility: While the High Priest held a position of great authority, the simple linen garments were less elaborate than his usual attire. This may represent a degree of humility before God.
Separation: The High Priest was separated from the rest of the people in order to mediate between God and Israel. The special garments symbolized this unique role and status.
Preparation: The bathing and clothing rituals were an essential part of the High Priest's preparation to enter the Holy of Holies and perform the atoning sacrifices.
It's important to note that these details are significant within the context of the Old Testament sacrificial system. In Christian theology, the High Priest's role is often seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who is considered the ultimate High Priest who offered himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.