share torah logo

Exodus 40:15 - Priestly anointing: eternal covenant duty

Exodus 40:15 - שמות 40:15

Hebrew Text

וּמָשַׁחְתָּ אֹתָם כַּאֲשֶׁר מָשַׁחְתָּ אֶת־אֲבִיהֶם וְכִהֲנוּ לִי וְהָיְתָה לִהְיֹת לָהֶם מָשְׁחָתָם לִכְהֻנַּת עוֹלָם לְדֹרֹתָם׃

English Translation

and thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister to me in the priest’s office: for their anointing shall be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.

Transliteration

U-mashachta otam ka'asher mashachta et-avihem ve-chihanu li ve-hayta lihyot lahem mashchatam lichunat olam le-dorotam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמָשַׁחְתָּ֣ אֹתָ֗ם כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר מָשַׁ֙חְתָּ֙ אֶת־אֲבִיהֶ֔ם וְכִהֲנ֖וּ לִ֑י וְ֠הָיְתָ֠ה לִהְיֹ֨ת לָהֶ֧ם מׇשְׁחָתָ֛ם לִכְהֻנַּ֥ת עוֹלָ֖ם לְדֹרֹתָֽם׃
וּמָשַׁחְתָּ֣ אֹתָ֗ם כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר מָשַׁ֙חְתָּ֙ אֶת־אֲבִיהֶ֔ם וְכִהֲנ֖וּ לִ֑י וְ֠הָיְתָ֠ה לִהְיֹ֨ת לָהֶ֧ם מׇשְׁחָתָ֛ם לִכְהֻנַּ֥ת עוֹלָ֖ם לְדֹרֹתָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Anointing the Kohanim

The verse (Shemot 40:15) describes the commandment to anoint Aharon's sons just as their father was anointed, establishing their eternal priesthood. Rashi explains that this anointing with the shemen hamishcha (holy anointing oil) signifies their sanctification for divine service, just as their father Aharon was sanctified. The phrase "כַּאֲשֶׁר מָשַׁחְתָּ אֶת־אֲבִיהֶם" ("as you anointed their father") emphasizes continuity in the priestly role, ensuring that future generations inherit the same kedushah (holiness).

Everlasting Priesthood

The phrase "לִכְהֻנַּת עוֹלָם לְדֹרֹתָם" ("an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations") underscores the permanence of the Kehunah (priesthood). The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 1:7) teaches that this anointing was not merely symbolic but conferred an immutable status—once a Kohen, always a Kohen, even if he sins. The Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 14) further elaborates that this eternal covenant reflects Hashem's unchanging promise to the descendants of Aharon.

Spiritual Inheritance

The Talmud (Zevachim 17b) derives from this verse that the anointing of Aharon's sons was necessary to fully induct them into the priesthood, even though they were already Kohanim by lineage. This teaches that spiritual roles require both hereditary rights and formal consecration. The Kli Yakar adds that the repetition of "וְכִהֲנוּ לִי" ("that they may minister to Me") emphasizes that their service must be purely for the sake of Heaven, not for personal honor.

  • Rashi: The anointing parallels Aharon's, ensuring equal sanctity for his sons.
  • Rambam: The priesthood is eternal, unaffected by individual merit or sin.
  • Talmud: Anointing formalizes the inherited priestly role.
  • Kli Yakar: The priesthood must be dedicated solely to divine service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to anoint the priests in Exodus 40:15?
A: In Exodus 40:15, anointing the priests (the sons of Aaron) with special oil signifies their consecration for divine service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi explains that this anointing sets them apart for their sacred duties, just as their father Aaron was anointed. The oil represents holiness and divine selection for the priestly role.
Q: Why is the priesthood described as 'everlasting' in this verse?
A: The verse states that the priesthood is 'everlasting' (לִכְהֻנַּת עוֹלָם) because Hashem designated the descendants of Aaron to serve as Kohanim (priests) for all generations. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 1:7) explains that this is a permanent covenant, and even today, those of Kohen lineage retain certain sanctity and responsibilities in Jewish practice.
Q: How does the anointing of the priests apply to Jews today?
A: Although we no longer anoint Kohanim with oil today, their priestly status remains. Orthodox Jews recognize Kohanim as having special roles, such as being called first to the Torah, reciting the Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing), and observing certain laws of purity. The Talmud (Menachot 53b) teaches that their sanctity endures even without the Temple service.
Q: What can we learn from the phrase 'as thou didst anoint their father' in this verse?
A: The phrase teaches that the sons of Aaron were anointed in the same manner as their father, emphasizing continuity and tradition. The Midrash (Sifra) notes that this shows the importance of transmitting sacred duties faithfully from one generation to the next, ensuring the preservation of the priestly service as commanded by Hashem.