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Leviticus 8:13 - Priestly garments: Divine command fulfilled.

Leviticus 8:13 - ויקרא 8:13

Hebrew Text

וַיַּקְרֵב מֹשֶׁה אֶת־בְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן וַיַּלְבִּשֵׁם כֻּתֳּנֹת וַיַּחְגֹּר אֹתָם אַבְנֵט וַיַּחֲבֹשׁ לָהֶם מִגְבָּעוֹת כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

And Moshe brought Aharon’s sons, and put coats upon them, and girded them with girdles, and put turbans upon them; as the Lord commanded Moshe.

Transliteration

Vayakrev Moshe et-bnei Aharon vayalbishem kutnot vayachgor otam avnet vayachabosh lahem migbaot ka'asher tzivah Adonai et-Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּקְרֵ֨ב מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י אַהֲרֹ֗ן וַיַּלְבִּשֵׁ֤ם כֻּתֳּנֹת֙ וַיַּחְגֹּ֤ר אֹתָם֙ אַבְנֵ֔ט וַיַּחֲבֹ֥שׁ לָהֶ֖ם מִגְבָּע֑וֹת כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃
וַיַּקְרֵ֨ב מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י אַהֲרֹ֗ן וַיַּלְבִּשֵׁ֤ם כֻּתֳּנֹת֙ וַיַּחְגֹּ֤ר אֹתָם֙ אַבְנֵ֔ט וַיַּחֲבֹ֥שׁ לָהֶ֖ם מִגְבָּע֑וֹת כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 8:13) describes Moshe Rabbeinu fulfilling the divine command to consecrate Aharon's sons—Nadav, Avihu, Elazar, and Itamar—as Kohanim (priests) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The act of dressing them in priestly garments symbolizes their elevation to this sacred role.

Explanation of the Priestly Garments

  • כֻּתֳּנֹת (Kutonet - Coats): Rashi (Vayikra 8:13) explains that these were long, white linen tunics, representing purity and atonement. The Talmud (Zevachim 17b) teaches that the Kohen's garments were meant to atone for specific sins, with the Kutonet atoning for bloodshed.
  • אַבְנֵט (Avnet - Girdle): The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8:2) describes this as an embroidered belt worn around the waist, symbolizing separation between the upper (spiritual) and lower (physical) parts of the body, as taught in the Midrash (Tanchuma, Tetzaveh 11).
  • מִגְבָּעוֹת (Migba'ot - Turbans): Rashi notes these were conical head coverings, distinct from Aharon's mitznefet (turban). The Kli Yakar (Vayikra 8:13) explains that the turban signifies humility, as it surrounds the head, the seat of intellect, reminding the Kohen to serve with wisdom and submission to Hashem.

Moshe's Role in the Consecration

The verse emphasizes that Moshe acted "כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה" ("as Hashem commanded"). The Sforno (Vayikra 8:13) highlights that Moshe meticulously followed every detail, teaching the importance of exactness in divine service. The Ramban adds that Moshe’s involvement—rather than Aharon dressing his own sons—underscores the impartiality and divine authority of the initiation process.

Symbolism of the Garments

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 10:6) compares the Kohen's garments to those of angels, indicating their elevated spiritual status. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 99) explains that the grandeur of the garments inspires awe and reverence in both the Kohanim and the people, ensuring proper respect for the avodah (service).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 19b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the proper attire of the priests during their service in the Temple, emphasizing the importance of following God's commandments as given to Moses.
📖 Menachot 18b
Referenced in the context of the priestly garments and the requirements for the service in the Tabernacle, highlighting the divine command to Moses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Moshe dressing Aharon's sons in special garments?
A: The garments (kutonet, avnet, and migba'ot) were part of the priestly attire commanded by Hashem for the Kohanim (priests) to wear during their service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi explains that this act symbolized their consecration for divine service, showing they were set apart for holy duties.
Q: Why did Moshe personally dress Aharon's sons instead of letting them dress themselves?
A: According to the Midrash (Torat Kohanim), Moshe acted as a 'shaliach' (agent) of Hashem to formally initiate them into the priesthood. This demonstrated the importance of their role and emphasized that their service was not by their own authority but by divine appointment.
Q: What do the priestly garments represent in Jewish tradition?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8) teaches that the garments were meant to instill honor and reverence for the Temple service. The Talmud (Zevachim 17b) also states that the priestly clothing atoned for specific sins—for example, the ketonet (tunic) atoned for bloodshed, and the avnet (belt) atoned for improper thoughts.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish practices today?
A: While we no longer have the Temple service, the principle of wearing special garments for holiness remains. Today, Kohanim still observe certain practices (like washing hands before blessings), and many Jews wear a kittel (white robe) on Yom Kippur or at the Passover Seder to emulate the purity of the priests.
Q: Why does the verse emphasize 'as Hashem commanded Moshe'?
A: Rashi notes that this phrase appears repeatedly in the Torah to teach that Moshe followed every detail precisely, without adding or omitting anything. This underscores the importance of fulfilling mitzvot exactly as instructed, a foundational principle in halacha (Jewish law).