share torah logo

Exodus 28:40 - Priestly garments: honor and beauty

Exodus 28:40 - שמות 28:40

Hebrew Text

וְלִבְנֵי אַהֲרֹן תַּעֲשֶׂה כֻתֳּנֹת וְעָשִׂיתָ לָהֶם אַבְנֵטִים וּמִגְבָּעוֹת תַּעֲשֶׂה לָהֶם לְכָבוֹד וּלְתִפְאָרֶת׃

English Translation

And for Aharon’s sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and turbans shalt thou make for them, for honour and for beauty.

Transliteration

Velivnei Aharon ta'aseh kutnot ve'asita lahem avnetim umigba'ot ta'aseh lahem lechavod uletif'aret.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלִבְנֵ֤י אַהֲרֹן֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה כֻתֳּנֹ֔ת וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ לָהֶ֖ם אַבְנֵטִ֑ים וּמִגְבָּעוֹת֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה לָהֶ֔ם לְכָב֖וֹד וּלְתִפְאָֽרֶת׃
וְלִבְנֵ֤י אַהֲרֹן֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה כֻתֳּנֹ֔ת וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ לָהֶ֖ם אַבְנֵטִ֑ים וּמִגְבָּעוֹת֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה לָהֶ֔ם לְכָב֖וֹד וּלְתִפְאָֽרֶת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Garments of the Kohanim

The verse (Shemot 28:40) describes the special garments to be made for the sons of Aharon, the Kohanim. These garments—כֻתֳּנֹת (tunics), אַבְנֵטִים (sashes), and מִגְבָּעוֹת (turbans)—were designed לְכָבוֹד וּלְתִפָּאָרֶת ("for honor and for beauty"). Rashi explains that these garments elevated the status of the Kohanim, distinguishing them in their sacred service. The kutonet (tunic) was a full-length linen garment, the avnet (sash) was wrapped around the waist, and the migba'ot (turbans) covered their heads.

Symbolism of the Priestly Attire

Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8) teaches that the garments were not merely functional but carried deep spiritual significance. The kutonet represented purity, as it was made of white linen, symbolizing atonement (Yoma 23b). The avnet, which was intricately woven, signified the binding of the Kohen's heart to divine service. The migba'ot (turbans) indicated humility before Hashem, as covering the head is a sign of reverence (Zohar, Terumah).

The Purpose of Honor and Beauty

The phrase l'kavod ul'tifaret ("for honor and for beauty") is expounded upon in Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 11), which states that the garments brought honor to Hashem by reflecting the sanctity of the Kehuna (priesthood). The Kli Yakar adds that "honor" refers to the respect due to the divine service, while "beauty" signifies the meticulous craftsmanship required, ensuring the garments were aesthetically fitting for the Mishkan.

  • Kutonet (Tunic): A plain linen garment, representing simplicity and purity (Rashi, Shemot 28:39).
  • Avnet (Sash): Worn over the tunic, symbolizing readiness for service (Malbim).
  • Migba'ot (Turbans): Unique to each Kohen, preventing arrogance by reminding them of their role (Talmud Yerushalmi, Yoma 7:3).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 17b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the priestly garments and their significance in the Temple service.
📖 Yoma 71b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the honor and beauty of the priestly garments and their role in the Yom Kippur service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the special garments for Aharon's sons mentioned in Exodus 28:40?
A: The garments—coats, girdles (belts), and turbans—were made for Aharon's sons (the Kohanim) to serve in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi and the Talmud (Zevachim 17b), these garments conferred 'honor and beauty,' elevating the status of the Kohanim and showing reverence for their sacred duties. Without them, their service was invalid.
Q: Why were the Kohanim required to wear specific clothing?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 8) explains that the special garments sanctified the Kohanim for their service, distinguishing them as holy servants of Hashem. The Talmud (Arachin 16a) also teaches that the garments atoned for specific sins—each piece served a spiritual purpose beyond mere appearance.
Q: Do the Kohanim still wear these garments today?
A: Since the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash (Temple), the full priestly garments are no longer worn. However, some customs, like the tallis (prayer shawl) worn during Birkas Kohanim (Priestly Blessing), symbolically connect to these garments (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 128:6). The garments will be restored in the future with the rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdash.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the 'honor and beauty' of the Kohanim's garments?
A: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 38:8) teaches that the emphasis on dignified attire teaches us to approach mitzvos with respect and preparation. Just as the Kohanim dressed properly for service, we should also prepare ourselves—both physically and spiritually—when performing mitzvos or praying.