Lexical Summary migbaoth: Turbans, head coverings Original Word: מִגְבָּעָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bonnet From the same as gib'ah; a cap (as hemispherical) -- bonnet. see HEBREW gib'ah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as Geba Definition headgear, a turban NASB Translation caps (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִגְבָּעוֺת noun feminine plural head-gear, turban, of common priest (conical? compare Di Exodus 28:40), Exodus 28:40 Leviticus 8:13; מִגְבָּעֹת Exodus 29:9; Exodus 39:28 (׳מַּאֲרֵי הַמּ). Topical Lexicon Description and Distinction מִגְבָּעָה designates the linen headpiece worn by ordinary priests in Israel’s sanctuary service. It is distinct from the high priest’s מִצְנֶפֶת, which bore the gold plate inscribed “Holy to the LORD” (Exodus 28:36). Whereas the high priest’s turban rose higher and bore a crown-like plate, the migbaʿah formed a rounded cap, wrapping close to the head. Both articles, however, belonged to the same sacred vesture described as “for glory and for beauty” (Exodus 28:40). Occurrences and Narrative Setting 1. Exodus 28:40 – Commanded as part of the garments for Aaron’s sons. These four passages cluster around the inaugural moment of Israel’s priesthood, underscoring that the migbaʿah was never optional but integral to ordained service. Material and Craftsmanship Each cap was fashioned of “fine linen” (Exodus 39:28). Linen’s whiteness spoke of purity and its coolness prevented sweat, a detail congruent with the divine requirement that priests “wear linen turbans on their heads… they shall not gird themselves with anything that causes sweat” (Ezekiel 44:18). The cap likely consisted of a long strip wound and tucked to form a smooth dome, ensuring uniform appearance among all serving priests. Priestly Function The cap completed the sanctified ensemble that set the priest apart from the laity. Covering the head signified submission to divine authority and reminded the priest that the ministry was conducted under God’s gaze, not for personal display. Its placement immediately after the tunic and sash (Exodus 29:9; Leviticus 8:13) reveals its role as the crowning mark of consecration; without it, priestly attire was incomplete. Symbolic Dimensions Glory and Beauty: Exodus 28:40 explicitly links the migbaʿah to aesthetic glory. Sanctity in Israel was never drab; the polished linen proclaimed the attractiveness of holiness. Purity: White linen anticipates the eschatological clothing of the saints: “Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints” (Revelation 19:8). Protection and Covering: Spiritually, the cap foreshadows the “helmet of salvation” (Ephesians 6:17). The priest’s mind, seat of conscience and decision, was covered, hinting at the need for divinely granted salvation to guard thought and intent. Typological Significance in Christ Christ, though wearing the distinct high-priestly turban, fulfills what the migbaʿah prefigured: a consecrated mediator whose purity is absolute. Hebrews depicts Him as the sinless Priest (Hebrews 7:26-27). His followers, described as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), inherit the calling pictured in the linen cap—set apart, clothed in righteousness, engaged in sacred service. Lessons for the Church • Sacred service entails visible marks of consecration; outward life must confirm inner calling. Historical Note Josephus (Antiquities 3.7.3) describes the priestly cap as a “swathing turban of fine linen, wreathed about the head,” corroborating the biblical testimony and offering a glimpse into its first-century form. Conclusion Though mentioned only four times, the migbaʿah embodies enduring principles of consecration, purity, and ordered worship. Its silent witness in the Torah invites every believer-priest to serve under the covering of divine salvation, displaying the beauty of holiness to the glory of God. Forms and Transliterations הַמִּגְבָּעֹ֖ת המגבעת וּמִגְבָּעוֹת֙ ומגבעות מִגְבָּע֑וֹת מִגְבָּעֹ֔ת מגבעות מגבעת ham·miḡ·bā·‘ōṯ hammiḡbā‘ōṯ hammigbaOt miḡ·bā·‘ō·wṯ miḡ·bā·‘ōṯ miḡbā‘ōṯ miḡbā‘ōwṯ migbaOt ū·miḡ·bā·‘ō·wṯ ūmiḡbā‘ōwṯ umigbaOtLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 28:40 HEB: לָהֶ֖ם אַבְנֵטִ֑ים וּמִגְבָּעוֹת֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה לָהֶ֔ם NAS: for them, and you shall make caps for them, for glory KJV: for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make INT: make sashes caps shall make glory Exodus 29:9 Exodus 39:28 Leviticus 8:13 4 Occurrences |
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