Exodus 29:4
ESV
You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and wash them with water.
NIV
Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the tent of meeting and wash them with water.
NASB
Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the doorway of the tent of meeting and wash them with water.
CSB
Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the tent of meeting and wash them with water.
NLT
Present Aaron and his sons at the entrance of the Tabernacle, and wash them with water.
KJV
And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.
NKJV
“And Aaron and his sons you shall bring to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and you shall wash them with water.
What does Exodus 29:4 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Exodus 29; verse-level content coming soon!Exodus 29:1–9 introduces the process to consecrate Israel's first priests under this covenant (Exodus 19:5–6). The early stages of consecration require a bull and two rams for sacrifice, various unleavened foods, and the priestly garments (Exodus 28). After washing, the priests put on these sacred clothes and begin the main part of the ordination ceremony. This will inaugurate a permanent line of priests through Aaron's descendants.
God will establish Aaron as the first high priest. Aaron's sons will begin serving in a hereditary priesthood (Exodus 40:13–15; Numbers 3:10). In this passage, the Lord gives Moses detailed instructions about how to consecrate this new priesthood. The ritual involves several sacrificial animals and the application of blood. These physical rituals and objects remind Israel of God's loving works on their behalf.
