מִכְנָס (mikh.nas)
mikh.nas
undergarment
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun mikhnas refers to an undergarment, specifically drawers or trousers that covered the lower body. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears only three times, all within the priestly regulations of Exodus and Leviticus. It denotes a garment worn beneath outer clothing, serving as a modest covering for the nakedness of the flesh.
Its most significant usage occurs in Exodus 28:42 and 39:28, where God commands that these linen mikhnas be made for Aaron and his sons before they approach the holy place. The text specifies they must wear them when entering the tent of meeting or approaching the altar to prevent guilt and death. This highlights the garment’s role in maintaining ritual purity and modesty during sacred service.
Ezekiel 44:18 also mentions mikhnas, instructing priests to wear linen undergarments when drawing near to minister at the sanctuary. The consistency across these passages underscores a theological point: approaching God requires proper preparation and reverence, symbolized by this simple but essential piece of priestly attire.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mikhnas refers to a simple linen undergarment worn by priests in ancient Israel. It was not a garment of glory or status, but one of modesty and preparation. God commanded that Aaron and his sons wear these drawers when entering the Holy Place, ensuring they were properly covered before standing in His presence. This detail reminds us that approaching God requires reverence and a heart prepared to honor His holiness.
In our own lives, we may not wear priestly garments, but the principle remains. We are called to approach God with humility and respect, acknowledging His greatness and our need for grace. The mikhnas symbolizes the care we should take in how we present ourselves before the Lord—stripped of pride, covered in modesty, and ready to serve.
This small detail in Scripture invites us to reflect on our own spiritual posture. Just as the priests did not approach God casually, we too are invited to come before Him with clean hearts and respectful attitudes. It is a quiet reminder that holiness matters, even in the unseen parts of our lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- undergarments of1×
- and/ undergarments of1×
- [the] undergarments of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִכְנְסֵי\־1×
- מִכְנְסֵ֥י1×
- וּ/מִֽכְנְסֵי\־1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 28:42
You shall make them linen pants to cover their naked flesh. They shall reach from the waist even to the thighs.
This verse establishes the primary purpose of the mikhnas: to cover nakedness and prevent guilt when approaching the holy place, highlighting the seriousness of priestly service.
-
Leviticus 16:4
He shall put on the holy linen tunic. He shall have the linen trousers on his body, and shall put on the linen sash, and he shall be clothed with the linen turban. They are the holy garments. He shall bathe his body in water, and put them on.
Here the mikhnas is part of the specific attire for the Day of Atonement, showing that even in the most sacred annual ritual, proper covering was essential for approaching God.
-
Exodus 39:28
the turban of fine linen, the linen headbands of fine linen, the linen trousers of fine twined linen,
This verse confirms that the linen trousers were crafted exactly as commanded, demonstrating the Israelites' obedience to God's detailed instructions for priestly garments.