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Exodus 28:2 - Priestly garments: honor and splendor

Exodus 28:2 - שמות 28:2

Hebrew Text

וְעָשִׂיתָ בִגְדֵי־קֹדֶשׁ לְאַהֲרֹן אָחִיךָ לְכָבוֹד וּלְתִפְאָרֶת׃

English Translation

And thou shalt make holy garments for Aharon thy brother for honour and for beauty.

Transliteration

Ve'asita vigdei-kodesh le'Aharon achicha lechavod uletif'aret.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ בִגְדֵי־קֹ֖דֶשׁ לְאַהֲרֹ֣ן אָחִ֑יךָ לְכָב֖וֹד וּלְתִפְאָֽרֶת׃
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ בִגְדֵי־קֹ֖דֶשׁ לְאַהֲרֹ֣ן אָחִ֑יךָ לְכָב֖וֹד וּלְתִפְאָֽרֶת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Significance of the Priestly Garments

The verse (Shemot 28:2) commands the creation of bigdei kodesh (holy garments) for Aharon the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). According to Rashi, these garments serve two primary purposes: l'kavod (for honor) and l'tifaret (for beauty). The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8:1) elaborates that these garments elevate the status of the Kohen Gadol, ensuring he is treated with reverence while performing the sacred service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle).

Symbolism of the Garments

The Talmud (Zevachim 88b) teaches that each of the eight garments of the Kohen Gadol atones for specific sins of Bnei Yisrael. For example:

  • The Choshen (breastplate) atoned for errors in judgment.
  • The Ephod (apron) atoned for idolatry.
  • The Me'il (robe) atoned for lashon hara (evil speech).

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 38:8) further explains that the garments reflect the splendor of the divine presence, mirroring the honor due to Hashem Himself.

The Requirement of Beauty and Honor

Ramban (Nachmanides) emphasizes that the phrase "l'kavod ul'tifaret" indicates that the garments must be made with the finest materials and craftsmanship. The Sforno adds that this demonstrates the importance of beautifying mitzvot (hiddur mitzvah), as the Kohen Gadol's appearance should inspire awe and devotion among the people.

Aharon's Personal Connection

The verse specifies that the garments are for "Aharon achicha" (Aharon your brother). The Kli Yakar notes that this phrasing underscores Moshe's personal responsibility in ensuring his brother's honor, teaching that even leaders must show respect to their peers in divine service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 17b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the sanctity of the priestly garments and their importance in the service of the Temple.
📖 Arakhin 16a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the honor and beauty of the priestly garments and their role in the priestly service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 28:2 mean when it says to make holy garments for Aaron 'for honor and for beauty'?
A: The verse teaches that the Kohen Gadol's (High Priest's) garments must reflect the dignity of his sacred role. Rashi explains that 'for honor' means the clothing should inspire reverence, while 'for beauty' means they should be aesthetically pleasing. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 8) adds that these garments elevate the status of the wearer and the service he performs.
Q: Why were special garments necessary for Aaron the High Priest?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 17b) teaches that the Kohen Gadol's service is invalid if performed without the proper garments. These garments atoned for various sins (e.g., the breastplate atoned for errors in judgment) and served as a constant reminder of the sanctity of the priestly service. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 38:8) compares them to royal vestments, showing the honor of serving Hashem.
Q: Do the priestly garments have any significance for us today?
A: While we no longer have the Temple service, the Sages derive important lessons from these garments. The Kli Yakar notes that just as the Kohen's outer garments atoned for public sins, we must be mindful of how our 'outer garments' (public behavior) affects others. The concept of dressing respectfully for prayer (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 98:4) also originates from this idea of honoring divine service.
Q: What materials were used for the priestly garments?
A: Exodus 28:5 lists the materials: gold, blue, purple, and scarlet wool, and fine linen. The Talmud (Yoma 71b) discusses how these materials represented different virtues - for example, gold recalls the sin of the Golden Calf, transformed into a vehicle for atonement. Rashi (on Exodus 28:6) emphasizes that every detail followed exact divine specifications to create garments worthy of the sacred service.