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מִגְבָּעוֹת (mig.ba.ah)

mig.ba.ah

headgear

H4021 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 4 verses

H:N-F

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
4 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-F

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun migba’ot refers to headgear, specifically the turban or headdress worn by priests. It appears four times in the Old Testament, primarily within the detailed instructions for priestly vestments in Exodus and Leviticus. This term distinguishes the special covering of the clergy from ordinary headwear, marking them as set apart for service in the tabernacle.

Lexical sources describe it as a conical turban, contrasting with the simpler mitre or cap worn by other priests. The word emphasizes the dignity and official status of the wearer. By specifying this particular style of headgear, the text highlights the visual distinction between the high priest, who wore more elaborate garments, and the common priests who served alongside him.

Its usage is strictly liturgical, appearing only in the context of sacred duties rather than daily life. This limited occurrence underscores its role as a symbol of religious office. The term helps readers visualize the specific attire required for worship, reinforcing the seriousness and order inherent in Israelite priestly service.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word migba’ot refers to the turban or headdress worn by the high priest in ancient Israel. It was not everyday clothing but a specific garment designed for sacred service. This headgear marked the wearer as set apart, distinguishing the high priest from others who served in the tabernacle.

When we read about these details in Exodus and Leviticus, we see how much God cares about order and reverence in worship. The migba’ot was a visible sign of dignity and official status. It reminded the people that those standing before God were doing so under specific instructions given by Him.

For us today, this word invites us to consider how we approach God. While we do not wear priestly garments, the principle remains: approaching the Creator requires humility and respect. The elaborate clothing of the past points to the seriousness of our relationship with Him.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • headdresses2×
  • the/ headdresses1×
  • and/ headdresses1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • מִגְבָּעֹ֔ת1×
  • מִגְבָּע֑וֹת1×
  • וּ/מִגְבָּעוֹת֙1×
  • הַ/מִּגְבָּעֹ֖ת1×

Key Verses

  • Exodus 28:40
    “You shall make tunics for Aaron’s sons. You shall make sashes for them. You shall make headbands for them, for glory and for beauty.

    This verse introduces the command to make headbands for Aaron's sons, establishing the migba’ot as part of the glorious and beautiful attire required for priestly service.

  • Exodus 29:9
    You shall clothe them with belts, Aaron and his sons, and bind headbands on them. They shall have the priesthood by a perpetual statute. You shall consecrate Aaron and his sons.

    Here, binding headbands on Aaron and his sons is linked directly to their consecration, showing that the migba’ot was essential for entering their perpetual priesthood.

  • Exodus 39:28
    the turban of fine linen, the linen headbands of fine linen, the linen trousers of fine twined linen,

    This verse specifies that the turban of fine linen was part of the high priest's actual vestments, highlighting the material quality and distinct style of the migba’ot.

  • Leviticus 8:13
    Moses brought Aaron’s sons, and clothed them with tunics, and tied sashes on them, and put headbands on them, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

    Moses clothing Aaron’s sons with headbands demonstrates the obedience to God’s command in outfitting the priests before they began their ministry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does migba’ot mean?

Migba’ot is a Hebrew noun meaning headgear, specifically the turban or headdress worn by the high priest. It appears in the Old Testament only in the context of priestly vestments.

Where does migba’ot appear in the Bible?

It occurs in four verses: Exodus 28:40, Exodus 29:9, Exodus 39:28, and Leviticus 8:13. These passages describe the clothing given to Aaron and his sons for their sacred duties.

How is migba’ot different from other headwear?

Unlike simpler caps or mitres worn by regular priests, the migba’ot was a conical turban reserved for the high priest. It signified a higher level of dignity and official status in worship.

Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)

Exodus 3 verses
Exodus 28:40

“You shall make tunics for Aaron’s sons. You shall make sashes for them. You shall make headbands for them, for glory…

Exodus 29:9

You shall clothe them with belts, Aaron and his sons, and bind headbands on them. They shall have the priesthood by a…

Exodus 39:28

the turban of fine linen, the linen headbands of fine linen, the linen trousers of fine twined linen,

Leviticus 1 verse