Bible Strands
Exodus 28:38
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — God instructs Moses to attach a blue cord to a gold plate and place it on the front of Aaron’s turban. This directive occurs during the detailed instructions for constructing the tabernacle and preparing the high priest’s garments.
The words — עֲוֹן (avon) denotes guilt or iniquity, and נָשָׂא (nasa) means to bear or carry. These terms describe the priest’s ongoing responsibility to sustain the people’s consecrated offerings before God.
The thread — This priestly function of bearing iniquity reappears in Numbers 18:1 regarding the sanctuary’s guilt and Leviticus 10:17 concerning the sin offering. The New Testament links the concept to Christ’s atoning work in 1 Peter 2:24.
Why it lands — The text requires acknowledgment that access to God’s presence depends on a mediator carrying the weight of human imperfection. It demands obedience to prescribed worship rather than personal initiative.
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 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.
Cross-references
- 1 Peter 2:24 He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.”
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- Hebrews 9:28 so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.
- Leviticus 1:4 He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so it can be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him.
- 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.
- Leviticus 22:27 “When an ox, a sheep, or a goat is born, it must remain with its mother for seven days. From the eighth day on, it will be acceptable as a food offering presented to the LORD.
- Isaiah 56:7 I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”
- Ezekiel 4:4 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.