Lexical Summary miknas: Trousers, breeches Original Word: מִכְנָס Strong's Exhaustive Concordance breeches From kamac in the sense of hiding; (only in dual) drawers (from concealing the private parts) -- breeches. see HEBREW kamac NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kanas Definition an undergarment NASB Translation breeches (2), undergarments (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מִכְנָס] noun masculineEzekiel 44:18 only dual (or plural) drawers (connection with above √ כנס obscure; Di derives from כנס = גנז cover up, hide (compare Du Isaiah 28:20), which Thes also compare) — only construct מִָכְנְסֵי — a priestly garment of linen מִכְנְסֵי פִשְׁתִּים Ezekiel 44:18; מִכְנְסֵי (הַ)בָּד Exodus 28:42; Exodus 39:28; Leviticus 6:3; Leviticus 16:4 (all P). Topical Lexicon Definition and Description מִכְנָס (miknas) denotes the linen undergarments, or breeches, worn by Aaronic priests beneath their outer vestments. Designed to reach “from the waist to the thighs” (Exodus 28:42), these garments discreetly covered the flesh and prevented any exposure while the priests ministered at the altar. Biblical Occurrences and Context 1. Exodus 28:42 introduces the undergarments as an essential part of the high priestly wardrobe. Priestly Function and Symbolism of Modesty The undergarments safeguarded the sanctity of the sanctuary by ensuring that no accidental exposure of nakedness would occur when priests ascended steps or bent to serve. The requirement came from the same God who said earlier, “You must not go up to My altar on steps, lest your nakedness be exposed on it” (Exodus 20:26). Thus the miknas represents institutionalized modesty, teaching that those who draw near to the Holy One must respect the boundary between holy and profane. Holiness, Purity, and the Covering of Shame In Eden, garments of skin covered Adam and Eve’s shame; in the tabernacle, linen undergarments covered the priests’ natural uncleanness, so they might “bear no guilt and die” (Exodus 28:43). Linen, free of mixed fibers, pointed to purity and separation. The miknas therefore served as a visible reminder that sin-induced shame still clings to humanity, even to consecrated mediators, and requires divine provision to be hidden from God’s sight. Continuity from Tabernacle to Millennial Temple Ezekiel’s vision carries the miknas into the future: “They shall have linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments around their waists” (Ezekiel 44:18). The repetition underscores the abiding principle that God’s ministers, whatever the covenant era, must honor Him with reverent decorum. Prophetic continuity testifies to Scripture’s consistency and to God’s unchanging standard of holiness. Christological and Redemptive Shadows Hebrews portrays Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest who entered the true sanctuary once for all. The linen undergarments anticipate His perfect moral purity and His seamless inner righteousness, unseen yet essential. Where Aaron needed covering, Christ is Himself the covering—perfectly modest, perfectly holy. Believers, clothed in His righteousness (Galatians 3:27), participate in the greater fulfillment of the miknas typology. Practical and Pastoral Implications 1. Modesty remains a Christian virtue grounded in Scripture, not cultural preference. Summary The miknas, though a small and hidden part of priestly attire, communicates large truths about modesty, purity, and the divine provision that enables sinful humanity to serve a holy God. From the wilderness tabernacle to the prophetic temple, and ultimately in Christ’s high-priestly ministry, these linen undergarments witness to God’s unwavering demand for holiness and His gracious supply of the covering that makes fellowship possible. Forms and Transliterations וּמִֽכְנְסֵי־ וּמִכְנְסֵ֣י ומכנסי ומכנסי־ מִכְנְסֵ֥י מִכְנְסֵי־ מכנסי מכנסי־ michnesei miḵ·nə·sê miḵ·nə·sê- miḵnəsê miḵnəsê- ū·miḵ·nə·sê ū·miḵ·nə·sê- umichnesei ūmiḵnəsê ūmiḵnəsê-Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 28:42 HEB: וַעֲשֵׂ֤ה לָהֶם֙ מִכְנְסֵי־ בָ֔ד לְכַסּ֖וֹת NAS: for them linen breeches to cover KJV: them linen breeches to cover INT: shall make breeches linen to cover Exodus 39:28 Leviticus 6:10 Leviticus 16:4 Ezekiel 44:18 5 Occurrences |
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