Leviticus 6b-7a – Priestly Underwear

Boxers or briefs?  It’s an age-old question!  Apparently, even Old Testament priests had to worry about what to wear under your clothes.

            Leviticus 6:10a says, “And the priest shall put on his linen garment and put his linen undergarment on his body” (all verses in ESV). “Linen undergarment” refers to the priestly underwear.  Believe it or not, these were essential for the priestly ministry!  More than one verse in the Bible pays special attention to the holy Hanes.

            Here’s your essential guide to priestly underwear. Keep this list handy next time you go shopping!

1) Make sure your priestly underwear doesn’t make you sweat!

Ezekiel 44:18 They shall have linen turbans on their heads, and linen undergarments around their waists. They shall not bind themselves with anything that causes sweat.

2) Make sure your priestly underwear reaches from hips to thigh!

Exodus 28:42 You shall make for them linen undergarments to cover their naked flesh. They shall reach from the hips to the thighs;

3) Neglecting to wear your priestly underwear while on duty results in death!

Exodus 28:43 and they shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they go into the tent of meeting or when they come near the altar to minister in the Holy Place, lest they bear guilt and die. This shall be a statute forever for him and for his offspring after him.

4) A proper bath is essential before putting on the holy underwear!

Leviticus 16:4 He shall put on the holy linen coat and shall have the linen undergarment on his body, and he shall tie the linen sash around his waist, and wear the linen turban; these are the holy garments. He shall bathe his body in water and then put them on.

5) Priestly underwear should be glorious and beautiful!

Exodus 28:2 And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.

And finally…

6) Priestly underwear should be made with the most excellent materials!

Exodus 39:28 and the turban of fine linen, and the caps of fine linen, and the linen undergarments of fine twined linen,