Old Testament
Exodus 28:35
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, God instructs that Aaron, the high priest, must wear a special robe while serving in the holy place.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Aaron must wear this robe whenever he serves as priest. The bells will ring as he enters and leaves the holy place before the LORD, so that he won't die.
And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the LORD, and when he cometh out, that he die not.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God instructs that Aaron, the high priest, must wear a special robe while serving in the holy place. The robe has bells attached, which ring as he moves in and out of the sacred area. This sound serves a crucial purpose: it ensures that Aaron is alive and well while he performs his duties. The bells act as a reminder of the seriousness of his role and the holiness of the space he enters. If the sound stops, it could mean something has gone wrong, possibly leading to his death. This highlights the importance of being mindful and respectful in spiritual matters. Aaron's attire symbolizes the weight of responsibility he carries as a mediator between God and the people. It also emphasizes the need for preparation and reverence when approaching the divine. Overall, this passage teaches us about the significance of our roles and the importance of being aware of our actions in sacred spaces, both physically and spiritually, in our lives today. It encourages us to approach our responsibilities with care and respect.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Exodus 28:35 to your life
We can apply this lesson by being mindful of our responsibilities in everyday life. Just as Aaron had to prepare for his sacred duties, we should approach our tasks with care and respect. This means being aware of how our actions affect ourselves and others, especially in important situations. Taking time to reflect can help us stay grounded and focused on what truly matters. Remember, our actions have significance, and we should honor that.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 28:35 mean?
Exodus 28:35 explains that Aaron, the high priest, must wear a special robe with bells while serving in the holy place. The ringing of the bells signifies his presence and serves as a warning that he must be mindful of his duties to avoid death.
What is the significance of the bells in Exodus 28:35?
The bells attached to Aaron's robe serve to announce his movements in the holy place, ensuring that he is alive while performing his priestly duties. Their sound acts as a reminder of the seriousness of his role and the holiness of the space.
Why did Aaron need to wear a special robe according to Exodus 28:35?
Aaron needed to wear a special robe to signify his role as the high priest and to maintain the sanctity of the holy place. The robe, with its bells, emphasized the importance of his responsibilities and the need for reverence in approaching God.
What does Exodus 28:35 teach us about responsibility?
Exodus 28:35 teaches that responsibilities, especially in spiritual contexts, should be approached with care and respect. Just as Aaron had to be mindful of his actions, we too should be aware of how our actions impact ourselves and others.

The Book of Exodus
Exodus 1: Israel's Oppression in Egypt
The sons of Israel settle in Egypt, and their families grow rapidly until the land is filled with them. A new Pharaoh arises who does not know Joseph and fears that the Israelites will join Egypt's enemies if war comes, so he places them under harsh labor and forces them to build the store cities Pithom and Raamses. The more they are oppressed, the more they multiply, which increases Egyptian fear. Pharaoh commands the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill every male child at birth, but they fear God and let the boys live. When Pharaoh confronts them, they say the Hebrew women deliver before the midwives arrive, and God blesses the midwives with households. Pharaoh then commands all his people to cast every Hebrew son into the river while allowing the daughters to live.
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