Leviticus 16:4 Study Bible: He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches on his body, and shall put on the linen sash, and he shall be dressed with the linen turban. They are the holy garments. He shall bathe his body in water, and put them on.

Bible > Leviticus > Chapter 16 > Verse 4

◄ 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.

Study Bible

He is to put on the holy linen tunic
The phrase "holy linen tunic" refers to the sacred garment worn by the high priest, signifying purity and separation unto God. The Hebrew word for "holy" is "qodesh," which means set apart or consecrated. This tunic, made of fine linen, symbolizes righteousness and the purity required to approach God. Linen, derived from the Hebrew "bad," is a fabric that represents purity and simplicity, free from the impurities of wool. The tunic's holiness underscores the need for the priest to be spiritually and ceremonially clean before entering the presence of the Almighty.

have the linen undergarments next to his body
The "linen undergarments" were worn to cover the priest's nakedness, emphasizing modesty and the sanctity of the priestly office. The Hebrew term "miknese" refers to these undergarments, which were essential for maintaining the dignity and respect of the priestly role. This requirement highlights the importance of inner purity and integrity, as the garments were worn next to the body, symbolizing the need for the priest to be clean both inside and out.

fasten the linen sash around him
The "linen sash" served both a functional and symbolic purpose. The Hebrew word "abnet" refers to this belt or girdle, which secured the tunic and undergarments in place. It represents readiness and service, as the priest was prepared to perform his duties before God. The sash, being of linen, also signifies purity and dedication, reminding the priest of his commitment to serve God with a pure heart and focused mind.

and put on the linen turban
The "linen turban" was the headpiece worn by the high priest, symbolizing authority and honor. The Hebrew word "mitznefet" refers to this head covering, which was a sign of the priest's consecration and his role as a mediator between God and the people. The turban, made of linen, again emphasizes purity and holiness, as the priest's thoughts and actions were to be aligned with God's will.

These are holy garments
The phrase "holy garments" reiterates the sanctity and set-apart nature of the priestly attire. The Hebrew word "beged" for garments, combined with "qodesh" for holy, underscores the divine requirement for the priest to be clothed in righteousness and purity. These garments were not merely ceremonial but were a constant reminder of the priest's sacred duty and the holiness of God.

so he must bathe himself with water before he puts them on
The act of bathing with water signifies purification and cleansing. The Hebrew word "rachatz" means to wash or cleanse, indicating the necessity for the priest to be ritually clean before donning the holy garments. This ritual washing symbolizes the removal of impurity and sin, preparing the priest to enter God's presence. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for spiritual cleansing and renewal, pointing ultimately to the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice for believers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The high priest at the time, who is given specific instructions for the Day of Atonement.

2. The Tabernacle
The sacred place where the high priest performs rituals, including the Day of Atonement.

3. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
An annual event where the high priest enters the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of Israel.

4. Sacred Garments
Special linen clothing worn by the high priest, symbolizing purity and holiness.

5. Ritual Cleansing
The act of bathing before donning the sacred garments, signifying purification.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Purity
The sacred garments and ritual cleansing underscore the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity. As believers, we are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes.

Symbolism of Clothing
The linen garments symbolize righteousness and purity. In Christ, we are clothed with His righteousness, and our lives should reflect His holiness.

Preparation for Worship
Just as Aaron prepared himself to enter the Holy of Holies, we must prepare our hearts and minds for worship, ensuring we approach God with the right attitude.

Role of the High Priest
Aaron's role as high priest foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice and His role as our eternal High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf.

Spiritual Cleansing
The act of bathing before donning the sacred garments reminds us of the need for spiritual cleansing through repentance and the washing of the Word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the requirement for Aaron to wear sacred garments relate to our call to live holy lives today?

2. In what ways does the preparation of the high priest for the Day of Atonement foreshadow the work of Christ as our High Priest?

3. How can we apply the concept of spiritual cleansing in our daily walk with God?

4. What does the symbolism of clothing in the Bible teach us about our identity in Christ?

5. How can we ensure that we are spiritually prepared to enter into worship and communion with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 28
Describes the detailed instructions for the priestly garments, emphasizing their sacredness and the need for holiness.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the role of the high priest and the significance of Christ as our ultimate High Priest, drawing parallels to the Day of Atonement.

Isaiah 61:10
Speaks of being clothed with garments of salvation, symbolizing righteousness and purity.

Revelation 19:8
Refers to the fine linen worn by the saints, representing the righteous acts of believers.

Sermons

The High Priest on the Day of Atonement	J.A. Macdonald	Leviticus 16:1-4
The Climax of Sacrificial Worship: the Day of Atonement	R.M. Edgar	Leviticus 16:1-34
The Great Day of Atonement	R.A. Redford	Leviticus 16:1-34
Type and Antitype - the Priest	W. Clarkson	Leviticus 16:2-17
A Proffered Substitute	W. Thompson.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Christ Typified by the Two Goats	J. Burns, D. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Christian's Confession of Sin	Spurgeon, Charles Haddon	Leviticus 16:3-34
Christ's Anesthesia for the Remembrance of Sin		Leviticus 16:3-34
Hindrances to Repentance Removed	J. Spencer.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Intercession of Christ	S. Thodey.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Lessons	A. Willet, D. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Moral Observations	A. Willet, D. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Moses and Christ; the Day of Atonement	W. Clarkson, B. A.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Need for the Great Atonement	J. Hamilton, D. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Sinners Always Ready to Conceal Their Sin	T. Adams.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Spiritual Significance of the Ceremonies on the Day of Atonement	T. M. Morris.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Annual Atonement	Spurgeon, Charles Haddon	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Ceremonies of the Day of Atonement	F. E. Clark.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Climax of Sacrificial Worship	R. M.,Edgar, M. A.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of Atonement	Spurgeon, Charles Haddon	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of Atonement	D. O. Mears.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of Atonement	D. C. Hughes, M. A.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of Atonement	H. Melvill, B. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of Atonement	J. A. Seiss, D. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Garments of the Priest	F. E. Clark.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Two Goats	F. E. Clark.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Two Goats -- Various Interpretations	J. Cumming, D. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
There Shalt be no Man in the Tabernacle	H. C. Trumbull.	Leviticus 16:3-34
True Repentance	H. W. Beecher.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Trusting in the Substitute		Leviticus 16:3-34
Value of Repentance	J. Spencer.	Leviticus 16:3-34

People

Aaron, Israelites, Moses

Places

Teman

Topics

Attired, Band, Bathe, Bathed, Body, Breeches, Clothing, Coat, Dressed, Flesh, Garments, Girded, Girdeth, Girdle, Head-dress, Holy, Linen, Miter, Mitre, Puts, Putteth, Round, Sacred, Sash, Tie, Trousers, Tunic, Turban, Undergarments, Vest, Wash, Washed, Wear, Wrappeth

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Leviticus 16:4

     5136   body
     5158   head-covering
     5392   linen
     7308   Atonement, Day of

Leviticus 16:1-4

7377 high priest, OT

Leviticus 16:1-22

7316 blood, OT sacrifices

Leviticus 16:1-33

6616 atonement, in OT

Leviticus 16:1-34

1680 types
7422 ritual

Leviticus 16:2-34

5378 law, OT

Leviticus 16:3-4

     5190   thigh
     6750   sin-bearer
     8625   worship, acceptable attitudes

Leviticus 16:3-5

4681 ram

Leviticus 16:3-34

6648 expiation
8629 worship, times

Library

August 9. "He Shall Lay Both his Hands Upon the Head of the Live Goat, and Confess Over Him all the Iniquities of the Children of Israel; Transgressions and Sins" (Lev. xvi. 21).
"He shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel; transgressions and sins" (Lev. xvi. 21). As any evil comes up, and the consciousness of any unholy thing touches our inner senses, it is our privilege at once to hand it over to the Holy Ghost and to lay it upon Jesus, as something already crucified with Him, and as of old, in the case of the sin offering, it will be carried without the camp and burned to ashes. There may …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Day of Atonement
'And the Lord spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron when they offered before the Lord, and died; 2. And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy-seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy-seat. 3. Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place; with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering. 4. He shall put on the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Day of Atonement
Now, I shall invite your attention to the ceremonies of this solemn day, taking the different parts in detail. First, we shall consider the person who made the atonement; secondly, the sacrifice whereby the atonement was typically made; thirdly, the effects of the atonement; and fourthly, our behaviour on the recollection of the atonement, as well set forth by the conduct prescribed to the Israelites on that day. I. First, THE PERSON WHO WAS TO MAKE THE ATONEMENT. And at the outset, we remark that …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Foreshadowed in the Ritual on the Annual Day of Israel's Atonement.
The order of events on the Day of Atonement are described in Leviticus 16, a chapter which is exceedingly rich in its typical signification. The Day of Atonement had to do with the putting away of Israel's sins, therefore, its dispensational application refers mainly to Israel though, as we shall see, the Church was also typically represented. We shall not now attempt anything more than a bare outline of the happenings of that most memorable day on Israel's sacred calendar. The order of its ritual …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

The Great High-Priest.
"Having then a great High-priest, Who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high-priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but One that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need. For every high-priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

Fifth Sunday in Lent
Text: Hebrews 9, 11-15. 11 But Christ having come a high priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, 12 nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling them that have been defiled, sanctify unto the cleanness of the flesh: …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Parable of the Pharisee and Publican.
^C Luke XVIII. 9-14. ^c 9 And he spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at nought [It is commonly said that this parable teaches humility in prayer, but the preface and conclusion (see verse 14) show that it is indeed to set forth generally the difference between self-righteousness and humility, and that an occasion of prayer is chosen because it best illustrates the point which the Lord desired to teach. The parable shows that …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Intercession of Christ
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us! T he Redemption of the soul is precious. Fools make mock of sin (Proverbs 14:9) . But they will not think lightly of it, who duly consider the majesty, authority, and goodness of Him, against whom it is committed; and who are taught, by what God actually has done, what sin rendered necessary to be done, before a sinner could have a well-grounded …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic Theology as Regards the Doctrine of Forgiveness in Contrast to the Gospel of Christ
In two things chiefly does the fundamental difference appear between Christianity and all other religious systems, notably Rabbinism. And in these two things, therefore, lies the main characteristic of Christ's work; or, taking a wider view, the fundamental idea of all religions. Subjectively, they concern sin and the sinner; or, to put it objectively, the forgiveness of sin and the welcome to the sinner. But Rabbinism, and every other system down to modern humanitarianism - if it rises so high in …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Sundry Exhortations.
HEBREWS xiii. Let love of the brethren continue. Forget not to shew love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are evil entreated, as being yourselves also in the body. Let marriage be had in honour among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for Himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. '
As we follow the narrative, confirmatory evidence of what had preceded springs up at almost every step. It is quite in accordance with the abrupt departure of Jesus from Capernaum, and its motives, that when, so far from finding rest and privacy at Bethsaida (east of the Jordan), a greater multitude than ever had there gathered around Him, which would fain have proclaimed Him King, He resolved on immediate return to the western shore, with the view of seeking a quieter retreat, even though it were …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Christ a Complete Saviour:
OR, THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST, AND WHO ARE PRIVILEGED IN IT. BY JOHN BUNYAN Advertisement by the Editor. However strange it may appear, it is a solemn fact, that the heart of man, unless prepared by a sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, rejects Christ as a complete Saviour. The pride of human nature will not suffer it to fall, as helpless and utterly undone, into the arms of Divine mercy. Man prefers a partial Saviour; one who had done so much, that, with the sinner's aid, the work might be …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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