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Leviticus 8:7 - Priestly garments: Divine service attire.

Leviticus 8:7 - ויקרא 8:7

Hebrew Text

וַיִּתֵּן עָלָיו אֶת־הַכֻּתֹּנֶת וַיַּחְגֹּר אֹתוֹ בָּאַבְנֵט וַיַּלְבֵּשׁ אֹתוֹ אֶת־הַמְּעִיל וַיִּתֵּן עָלָיו אֶת־הָאֵפֹד וַיַּחְגֹּר אֹתוֹ בְּחֵשֶׁב הָאֵפֹד וַיֶּאְפֹּד לוֹ בּוֹ׃

English Translation

And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the efod upon him, and he girded him with the artistically wrought girdle of the efod, and with it he bound it to him.

Transliteration

Vayiten alav et-hakuttonet vayachgor oto ba'avnet vayalbesh oto et-hame'il vayiten alav et-ha'efod vayachgor oto becheshev ha'efod vaye'epod lo bo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּתֵּ֨ן עָלָ֜יו אֶת־הַכֻּתֹּ֗נֶת וַיַּחְגֹּ֤ר אֹתוֹ֙ בָּֽאַבְנֵ֔ט וַיַּלְבֵּ֤שׁ אֹתוֹ֙ אֶֽת־הַמְּעִ֔יל וַיִּתֵּ֥ן עָלָ֖יו אֶת־הָאֵפֹ֑ד וַיַּחְגֹּ֣ר אֹת֗וֹ בְּחֵ֙שֶׁב֙ הָֽאֵפֹ֔ד וַיֶּאְפֹּ֥ד ל֖וֹ בּֽוֹ׃
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן עָלָ֜יו אֶת־הַכֻּתֹּ֗נֶת וַיַּחְגֹּ֤ר אֹתוֹ֙ בָּֽאַבְנֵ֔ט וַיַּלְבֵּ֤שׁ אֹתוֹ֙ אֶֽת־הַמְּעִ֔יל וַיִּתֵּ֥ן עָלָ֖יו אֶת־הָאֵפֹ֑ד וַיַּחְגֹּ֣ר אֹת֗וֹ בְּחֵ֙שֶׁב֙ הָֽאֵפֹ֔ד וַיֶּאְפֹּ֥ד ל֖וֹ בּֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 8:7) describes Moshe Rabbeinu dressing Aharon HaKohen in the sacred garments of the Kehunah (priesthood) during the consecration ceremony for the Mishkan. The garments—the Kutonet (tunic), Avnet (sash), Me'il (robe), Efod, and Cheshev HaEfod (skillfully woven band)—were essential for Aharon's service as Kohen Gadol.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 8:7) emphasizes that Moshe acted as the one who dressed Aharon, fulfilling Hashem's command precisely. He notes that each garment had spiritual significance:

  • Kutonet – A linen tunic representing purity and atonement for bloodshed (based on the episode of Yosef's coat).
  • Avnet – The sash symbolized atonement for improper thoughts of the heart.
  • Me'il – The robe, with its bells, served as atonement for lashon hara (evil speech).
  • Efod – The apron-like garment, along with the Cheshev, represented atonement for idolatry.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Klei HaMikdash (8:2), the Rambam explains that the Kohen Gadol's garments were not merely ceremonial but were essential for the validity of the service. Without them, his avodah (service) would be disqualified. The meticulous order of dressing—from innermost to outermost garments—reflects the structured sanctity required for divine service.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Tanchuma, Tzav 15) teaches that each garment corresponded to an aspect of creation or Jewish history:

  • The Kutonet parallels the heavens, representing purity and expansiveness.
  • The Efod recalls the binding of Yitzchak, as its name is linguistically related to "binding" (le'efod).

Additionally, the Zohar (Terumah 184b) states that the garments elevated Aharon beyond his natural state, allowing him to serve as an intermediary between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem.

Halachic Significance

The Talmud (Zevachim 17b) rules that a Kohen who serves without the proper garments is liable for meilah (misuse of sanctified property). The Efod and Cheshev, in particular, were designed to secure the garments tightly, symbolizing the Kohen Gadol's unwavering commitment to his sacred role.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 17b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the priestly garments and their significance in the Temple service.
📖 Yoma 72a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the proper attire and consecration of the High Priest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the clothing described in Leviticus 8:7?
A: The clothing described in Leviticus 8:7 refers to the special garments worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) during his service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi and the Talmud (Zevachim 17b), each garment had spiritual significance and atoned for different sins. The Torah emphasizes the importance of these garments, as they brought honor and sanctity to the Kohen's service before Hashem.
Q: Why did Moshe dress Aharon in these specific garments?
A: Moshe dressed Aharon in these garments as part of the consecration process for the Kehunah (priesthood), as commanded by Hashem (Exodus 28). The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8) explains that these garments were essential for the Kohen Gadol’s service, symbolizing his elevated role and preparing him spiritually for his duties in the Mishkan.
Q: What do the different priestly garments represent?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma Tetzaveh 10) teaches that each of the Kohen Gadol’s garments corresponded to different spiritual concepts and atoned for specific sins. For example, the Ketonet (coat) atoned for bloodshed, the Avnet (girdle) for improper thoughts, and the Me’il (robe) for lashon hara (evil speech). The Efod and Choshen (breastplate) represented atonement for idolatry and judgment, respectively.
Q: Do these priestly garments have any relevance today?
A: Although we no longer have the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) or the Kohen Gadol’s service today, the symbolism of these garments remains spiritually meaningful. The Talmud (Arachin 16a) teaches that acts of righteousness and Torah study can serve as substitutes for the atonement once achieved through the priestly garments. Additionally, many learn from these garments the importance of dressing modestly and with dignity in service of Hashem.
Q: What can we learn from the way Moshe dressed Aharon?
A: The fact that Moshe personally dressed Aharon teaches us about humility and the importance of honoring others in sacred roles. Rashi (on Leviticus 8:7) highlights that Moshe performed this service with joy, showing that true leadership involves uplifting others without jealousy. This sets an example for how we should respect and support those who serve the community in spiritual capacities.