Meaning of the Name Aaron
The etymology of Aaron is not certain. It has been explained within Hebrew, and an older Egyptian origin has also been proposed, so its meaning remains debated. Suggestions include ideas such as "exalted" or "mountainous," but none is universally accepted.
Origin
The name Aaron is of Hebrew; an older Egyptian origin is also often proposed origin.
Who is Aaron in the Bible?
Aaron is best known as the brother of Moses and as Israel's first high priest. In the Exodus narrative he serves as Moses' spokesman and stands at the beginning of the priestly line. Other men named Aaron appear in Scripture, but he is by far the best known.
The story of Aaron in the Bible
Aaron was Moses' older brother and his closest helper from the beginning of the exodus story. When Moses protested that he could not speak before the people, the LORD pointed him to his Levite brother Aaron, a fluent speaker who became his spokesman. Together they stood before Pharaoh, and Aaron remained at Moses' side through the plagues. In the wilderness, at the LORD's command, Aaron and his sons were set apart for the priesthood; Aaron became Israel's first high priest and founder of the priestly line. The narrative does not hide his weaker moments: he yielded to the people's pressure and made the golden calf while Moses was on the mountain, and with his sister Miriam he once spoke against Moses over his Cushite wife. Even so, the LORD confirmed his priesthood, and his staff that budded and bore almonds became its visible sign. Aaron died on Mount Hor before entering the promised land, his garments passing to his son Eleazar. Scripture remembers him as a frail man who nevertheless stood before God for his people.
Is Aaron mentioned in the Quran?
The name Aaron is also mentioned in the Quran; in Islamic tradition he is honored as the brother of Moses and a prophet who supported him. In the Bible, Aaron appears in the exodus story as Moses' spokesman and Israel's first high priest.
Verses where Aaron appears
- Exodus 4:14 —
Yahweh’s anger was kindled against Moses, and he said, “What about Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Also, behold, he comes out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.
- Exodus 28:1 —
“Bring Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, near to you from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.
- Numbers 12:1 —
Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married; for he had married a Cushite woman.