Log inSign up

Exodus 28 · a question people ask

Why does God care so much about what the priests wear?

In the text

The chapter gives its own reasons. The garments are "for glory and for beauty" (28:2), made "to sanctify him, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office" (28:3). The bells are heard "when he goes in to the holy place before the LORD, and when he comes out, that he not die" (28:35). The gold plate is on his forehead "that they may be accepted before the LORD" (28:38). The linen pants are "to cover their naked flesh" (28:42), as the altar was to have no steps, "that your nakedness may not be exposed to it" (20:26). Most of the reasons have to do with going in before the LORD.

The verses

“You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. You shall speak to all who are wise-hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron’s garments to sanctify him, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office.”
Exodus 28:2-3 · World English Bible
“It shall be on Aaron to minister: and its sound shall be heard when he goes in to the holy place before the LORD, and when he comes out, that he not die.”
Exodus 28:35 · 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 the LORD.”
Exodus 28:38 · World English Bible
“You shall make them linen pants to cover their naked flesh. They shall reach from the waist even to the thighs. They shall be on Aaron and on his sons, when they go in to the Tent of Meeting, or when they come near to the altar to minister in the holy place, that they don’t bear iniquity, and die. This shall be a statute forever to him and to his offspring after him.”
Exodus 28:42-43 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Exodus 28

Exodus 28: On his heart

Aaron carried Israel's names twice, on his shoulders and on his heart, "before the LORD" (28:29). One verb, bear, runs through the chapter, all the way to "the iniquity of the holy things" (28:38). Hebrews says a high priest is called by God, "just like Aaron was" (Hebrews 5:4), and so was Christ (Hebrews 5:5); but he "lives forever" (Hebrews 7:24): "holy, guiltless, undefiled" (Hebrews 7:26).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekExodus 28 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Exodus 28

All questions about Exodus →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

The best way to study the Bible.

Your small group or your church can use Favor for Bible study, or you can read by yourself.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Last reviewed September 26, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions