Bible Strands
Exodus 28:36
You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — God commands Moses to fashion a gold plate for the high priest’s turban during the tabernacle construction instructions. This directive specifies where the plate must be positioned and its function in Aaron’s ministering.
The words — צִיץ (tzitz) denotes the metal plate itself, while פִּתּוּחֵי חֹתָם (pi.tu.Chei cho.Tam) literally means the engravings of a seal. These terms specify the material and the precise method of inscribing the dedication phrase.
The thread — The text records the plate’s completion in Exodus 39:30 and Moses’ act of placing it on Aaron in Leviticus 8:9. Zechariah 14:20 later extends the phrase to the bells of horses and cooking pots in Jerusalem.
Why it lands — The text requires the high priest to wear a visible declaration of consecration on the front of his turban before entering the sanctuary. It establishes that approaching God demands a marked separation and dedicated status.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
Cross-references
- Leviticus 8:9 Moses also put the turban on Aaron’s head and set the gold plate, the holy diadem, on the front of the turban, as the LORD had commanded him.
- Zechariah 14:20 On that day, HOLY TO THE LORD will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, and the cooking pots in the house of the LORD will be like the sprinkling bowls before the altar.
- Exodus 39:30 They also made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and they engraved on it, like an inscription on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD.
- Exodus 28:9 Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel:
- Exodus 28:11 Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings.
- Leviticus 10:3 Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent.
- Leviticus 19:2 “Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.
- Psalms 93:5 Your testimonies are fully confirmed; holiness adorns Your house, O LORD, for all the days to come.
- Ezekiel 43:12 This is the law of the temple: All its surrounding territory on top of the mountain will be most holy. Yes, this is the law of the temple.
- Hebrews 7:26 Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.