Exodus 28:38
And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.
Exodus 28:38 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Exodus describes the significance of the engraved plate worn by the high priest, Aaron, on his forehead. The plate, which was inscribed with the words "Holy to the Lord," symbolized Aaron bearing the responsibility for the iniquities of the Israelites as he carried out his priestly duties. By wearing this plate, Aaron was able to atone for the sins of the people and ensure that their offerings and sacrifices would be accepted by the Lord. This act of bearing the iniquity of the holy things served as a constant reminder of the sacredness of the gifts brought before the Lord by the children of Israel. It also emphasized the importance of the high priest's role in mediating between the people and God, ensuring that their offerings were pleasing and acceptable in the eyes of the Lord.
Theological Overview
Within this verse, the theological interpretation centers around the concept of atonement through the high priest, Aaron. The reference to the plate placed on Aaron's forehead denotes a symbol of the high priest taking responsibility for the sins of the people. This act of bearing the iniquity of the holy things signifies a form of substitutionary atonement, where Aaron acts as a mediator between the people of Israel and God. By wearing the plate upon his forehead, Aaron is demonstrating his role as the representative of the nation, offering sacrifices to make the people's gifts acceptable before the Lord.
Furthermore, the continual presence of the plate upon Aaron's forehead emphasizes the ongoing nature of atonement and sanctification. The consistent need for the high priest to bear the iniquity of the holy things reinforces the idea of the perpetual need for forgiveness and purification in the sight of God. This act serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking forgiveness and offering sacrifices to maintain a close relationship with the Lord. Ultimately, this verse highlights the significance of the high priest in mediating between the people and God, ensuring their acceptance before the Lord through atonement and sanctification.
Exodus 28:38 in other translations
American Standard Version
And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before Jehovah.
World English Bible
It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall make holy in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always on his forehead, that they may be accepted before Yahweh.
Douay-Rheims
Hanging over the forehead of the high priest. And Aaron shall bear the iniquities of those things, which the children of Israel have offered and sanctified, in all their gifts and offerings. And the plate shall be always on his forehead, that the Lord may be well pleased with them.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So it shalbe vpon Aarons forehead, that Aaron may beare the iniquitie of the offrings, which the children of Israel shall offer in all their holy offrings: and it shall be alwayes vpon his forehead, to make them acceptable before the Lord.