Exodus 28:38
New International Version
It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron’s forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the LORD.

New Living Translation
Aaron must wear it on his forehead so he may take on himself any guilt of the people of Israel when they consecrate their sacred offerings. He must always wear it on his forehead so the LORD will accept the people.

English Standard Version
It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall bear any guilt from the holy things that the people of Israel consecrate as their holy gifts. It shall regularly be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
And it will be worn on Aaron’s forehead, so that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrate with regard to all their holy gifts. It shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be acceptable before the LORD.

King James Bible
And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.

New King James Version
So it shall be on Aaron’s forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things which the children of Israel hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall take away the guilt of the holy things which the sons of Israel consecrate, regarding all their holy gifts; and it shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be accepted before the LORD.

NASB 1995
“It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall take away the iniquity of the holy things which the sons of Israel consecrate, with regard to all their holy gifts; and it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.

NASB 1977
“And it shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall take away the iniquity of the holy things which the sons of Israel consecrate, with regard to all their holy gifts; and it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall take away the iniquity of the holy things which the sons of Israel set apart as holy, with regard to all their holy gifts; and it shall continually be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall take away the guilt from the holy things which the sons of Israel dedicate, with regard to all their holy gifts. It shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be accepted before the LORD.

Christian Standard Bible
It will be on Aaron’s forehead so that Aaron may bear the guilt connected with the holy offerings that the Israelites consecrate as all their holy gifts. It is always to be on his forehead, so that they may find acceptance with the LORD.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
It will be on Aaron’s forehead so that Aaron may bear the guilt connected with the holy offerings that the Israelites consecrate as all their holy gifts. It is always to be on his forehead, so that they may find acceptance with the LORD.”

American Standard Version
And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
so he can wear it on his forehead. This will show that he will take on himself the guilt for any sins the people of Israel commit in offering their gifts to me, and I will forgive them.

English Revised Version
And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
It will be on Aaron's forehead. He's the one to be blamed for anything done wrong when the Israelites bring their holy offerings-whatever their gifts may be. The medallion must always be on Aaron's forehead so that the LORD will accept their offerings.

Good News Translation
Aaron is to wear it on his forehead, so that I, the LORD, will accept all the offerings that the Israelites dedicate to me, even if the people commit some error in offering them.

International Standard Version
and worn on Aaron's forehead in order to take away any guilt contained in the holy things which the Israelis consecrate as holy gifts. It is to remain on his forehead continuously, so they may be accepted in the LORD's presence.

Majority Standard Bible
And it will be worn on Aaron?s forehead, so that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrate with regard to all their holy gifts. It shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be acceptable before the LORD.

NET Bible
It will be on Aaron's forehead, and Aaron will bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the Israelites are to sanctify by all their holy gifts; it will always be on his forehead, for their acceptance before the LORD.

New Heart English Bible
It shall be on Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall make holy in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.

World English Bible
It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall make holy in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always on his forehead, that they may be accepted before Yahweh.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and it has been on the forehead of Aaron, and Aaron has borne the iniquity of the holy things which the sons of Israel hallow, even all their holy gifts; and it has been on his forehead continually for a pleasing thing for them before YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
and it hath been on the forehead of Aaron, and Aaron hath borne the iniquity of the holy things which the sons of Israel do hallow, even all their holy gifts; and it hath been on his forehead continually for a pleasing thing for them before Jehovah.

Smith's Literal Translation
And it shall be upon the forehead of Aaron, and Aaron lifted up the iniquity of the holies, which the sons of Israel shall consecrate for all their holy gifts; and it shall be upon his forehead continually for acceptance to them before Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Hanging over the forehead of the high priest. And Aaron shall bear the iniquities of those things, which the children of Israel have offered and sanctified, in all their gifts and offerings. And the plate shall be always on his forehead, that the Lord may be well pleased with them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
hanging in front of the high priest. And Aaron shall carry the iniquities of that which the sons of Israel have offered and sanctified, in all their gifts and donations. But the plate will always be at his forehead, so that the Lord may be well pleased with them.

New American Bible
over Aaron’s forehead. Since Aaron bears whatever guilt the Israelites may incur in consecrating any of their sacred gifts, this plate must always be over his forehead, so that they may find favor with the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall take on himself any guilt incurred in the holy offering that the Israelites consecrate as their sacred donations; it shall always be on his forehead, in order that they may find favor before the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall bear the sins of the children of Israel when they shall offer holy sacrifices and all their holy gifts; and the mitre shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it shall be over and between the eyes of Ahron, and Ahron shall be carrying the sins of the holy things which the children of Israel hallow for all the gifts of their holy things, and it shall be over between his eyes constantly, for their acceptance before LORD JEHOVAH.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall bear the iniquity committed in the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow, even in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it shall be on the forehead of Aaron; and Aaron shall bear away the sins of their holy things, all that the children of Israel shall sanctify of every gift of their holy things, and it shall be on the forehead of Aaron continually acceptable for them before the Lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Additional Priestly Garments
37Fasten to it a blue cord to mount it on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban. 38And it will be worn on Aaron’s forehead, so that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrate with regard to all their holy gifts. It shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be acceptable before the LORD. 39You are to weave the tunic with fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion an embroidered sash.…

Cross References
Leviticus 10:17
“Why didn’t you eat the sin offering in the holy place? For it is most holy; it was given to you to take away the guilt of the congregation by making atonement for them before the LORD.

Leviticus 16:21-22
Then he is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to put them on the goat’s head and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man appointed for the task. / The goat will carry on itself all their iniquities into a solitary place, and the man will release it into the wilderness.

Leviticus 22:9
The priests must keep My charge, lest they bear the guilt and die because they profane it. I am the LORD who sanctifies them.

Numbers 18:1
So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood.

Numbers 18:23
The Levites are to perform the work of the Tent of Meeting, and they must bear their iniquity. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come. The Levites will not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.

Isaiah 53:6
We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:11-12
After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities. / Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

Ezekiel 4:4-6
Then lie down on your left side and place the iniquity of the house of Israel upon yourself. You are to bear their iniquity for the number of days you lie on your side. / For I have assigned to you 390 days, according to the number of years of their iniquity. So you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. / When you have completed these days, lie down again, but on your right side, and bear the iniquity of the house of Judah. I have assigned to you 40 days, a day for each year.

Ezekiel 18:20
The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him.

Daniel 9:24
Seventy weeks are decreed for your people and your holy city to stop their transgression, to put an end to sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy Place.

Matthew 8:17
This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.”

Matthew 26:28
This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

John 1:29
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Romans 3:25
God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.

Romans 5:10
For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!


Treasury of Scripture

And it shall be on Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.

bear the iniquity

Exodus 28:43
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.

Leviticus 10:17
Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering in the holy place, seeing it is most holy, and God hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD?

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.

accepted

Leviticus 1:4
And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.

Leviticus 22:27
When a bullock, or a sheep, or a goat, is brought forth, then it shall be seven days under the dam; and from the eighth day and thenceforth it shall be accepted for an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Leviticus 23:11
And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.

Jump to Previous
Aaron Aaron's Accepted Always Bear Children Committed Consecrate Forehead Gifts Guilt Hallow Holy Incurred Iniquity Israel Offering Regard
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Aaron Aaron's Accepted Always Bear Children Committed Consecrate Forehead Gifts Guilt Hallow Holy Incurred Iniquity Israel Offering Regard
Exodus 28
1. Aaron and his sons are set apart for the priest's office
2. 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














And it will be on Aaron’s forehead
The phrase refers to the gold plate, or "holy crown," inscribed with "HOLY TO THE LORD" (Exodus 28:36). The Hebrew word for "forehead" is "metsach," symbolizing the mind and thoughts. Placing the plate on Aaron's forehead signifies the need for holiness in thought and intention, a reminder that the high priest must be pure in his service to God. Archaeological findings of ancient priestly garments confirm the use of such headpieces, emphasizing the importance of visible symbols of holiness.

so that Aaron may bear the guilt
The Hebrew word for "bear" is "nasa," meaning to lift, carry, or take away. This indicates that Aaron, as the high priest, carries the responsibility of the people's sins, acting as a mediator between God and Israel. This foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who bears the sins of humanity. The concept of bearing guilt underscores the gravity of sin and the need for atonement.

of the holy things
The "holy things" refer to the offerings and sacrifices dedicated to God. The Hebrew term "qodesh" denotes something set apart for divine service. These offerings, though consecrated, are imperfect due to human sinfulness. Aaron's role is to ensure that these offerings are presented in a manner acceptable to God, highlighting the necessity of purity and dedication in worship.

that the Israelites consecrate
The act of consecration, from the Hebrew "qadash," means to set apart or sanctify. The Israelites' offerings are dedicated to God, signifying their devotion and obedience. This act of consecration is a vital aspect of their covenant relationship with God, reflecting their identity as His chosen people.

as all their holy gifts
The phrase emphasizes the totality of the offerings, indicating that every gift, regardless of size or value, is significant in the eyes of God. The Hebrew word "mattan" for "gifts" suggests a voluntary offering, reflecting the Israelites' willingness to honor God with their resources. This teaches the principle of giving wholeheartedly and sacrificially.

It will always be on his forehead
The perpetual nature of the gold plate on Aaron's forehead signifies the continuous need for atonement and intercession. The Hebrew word "tamid" for "always" implies an ongoing, unceasing action. This constancy points to the enduring nature of Christ's intercession for believers, who is our eternal High Priest.

so that they may be acceptable before the LORD
The ultimate purpose of Aaron bearing the guilt is to make the Israelites' offerings acceptable to God. The Hebrew word "ratzon" for "acceptable" conveys the idea of pleasure or favor. This acceptance is not based on the merit of the offerings themselves but on the intercessory role of the high priest. It highlights the grace of God, who accepts imperfect offerings through the mediation of a priest, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who makes believers acceptable before God.

(38) That Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things.--The "holy things" are the offerings brought by the people. These would always have some "iniquity" attaching to them, some imperfection, owing to the imperfection of human nature and the mixed character of human motives. The high priest's official holiness enabled him to present to God offerings thus imperfect without offending Him. It was accepted as purging the offerings from their impurity.

It shall be always upon his forehead--that is to say, during his ministrations.

Verse 38. - It shall be upon his forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the sacred things. Imperfection attaches to everything that man does; and even the sacrifices that the people offered to God required to be atoned for and purified. It was granted to the high priest in his official capacity to make the necessary atonement, and so render the people's gifts acceptable. For this purpose he was invested with an official holiness, proclaimed by the inscription upon the plate, which exhibited him as the type and representative of that perfectly Holy One, through whom alone can any real atonement be made to the Father. It shall be always upon his forehead - i.e., whenever he ministers.

CHAPTER 28:39

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
It will be
וְהָיָה֮ (wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Aaron’s
אַהֲרֹן֒ (’a·hă·rōn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175: Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses

forehead,
מֵ֣צַח (mê·ṣaḥ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4696: Brow, forehead

so that [he]
אַהֲרֹ֜ן (’a·hă·rōn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175: Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses

may bear
וְנָשָׂ֨א (wə·nā·śā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

the iniquity
עֲוֺ֣ן (‘ă·wōn)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 5771: Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity

of the holy things
הַקֳּדָשִׁ֗ים (haq·qo·ḏā·šîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity

that
אֲשֶׁ֤ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the sons
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

consecrate
יַקְדִּ֙ישׁוּ֙ (yaq·dî·šū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6942: To be set apart or consecrated

with regard to all
לְכָֽל־ (lə·ḵāl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

their holy
קָדְשֵׁיהֶ֑ם (qā·ḏə·šê·hem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity

gifts.
מַתְּנֹ֖ת (mat·tə·nōṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4979: A present, a sacrificial offering, a bribe

It shall always
תָּמִ֔יד (tā·mîḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 8548: Continuance, constant, ellipt, the regular, sacrifice

be
וְהָיָ֤ה (wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his forehead,
מִצְחוֹ֙ (miṣ·ḥōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4696: Brow, forehead

so that [the people] may be acceptable
לְרָצ֥וֹן (lə·rā·ṣō·wn)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7522: Goodwill, favor, acceptance, will

before
לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the LORD.
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT Law: Exodus 28:38 It shall be on Aaron's forehead (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 28:37
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