Exodus 28 32

Exodus 28:32 kjv

And there shall be an hole in the top of it, in the midst thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of an habergeon, that it be not rent.

Exodus 28:32 nkjv

There shall be an opening for his head in the middle of it; it shall have a woven binding all around its opening, like the opening in a coat of mail, so that it does not tear.

Exodus 28:32 niv

with an opening for the head in its center. There shall be a woven edge like a collar around this opening, so that it will not tear.

Exodus 28:32 esv

It shall have an opening for the head in the middle of it, with a woven binding around the opening, like the opening in a garment, so that it may not tear.

Exodus 28:32 nlt

with an opening for Aaron's head in the middle of it. Reinforce the opening with a woven collar so it will not tear.

Exodus 28 verses

Exodus 28 32 Meaning

Exodus 28:32 details a specific, meticulous requirement for the neck opening of the high priest's ephod, a sacred outer garment. It specifies that the opening should be a reinforced, durable "hole" in the center, bound by a woven collar similar to the strong opening of a coat of mail, to prevent it from tearing. This ensures the integrity, dignity, and perpetual readiness of the high priest's vestment during sacred service, underscoring the divine demand for perfection and durability in all matters pertaining to the Lord's holy worship.

Exodus 28 32 Context

Exodus chapter 28 initiates God's detailed instructions to Moses for the construction of the priestly garments. These vestments were designed specifically for Aaron and his descendants, who were designated to serve as priests, particularly the high priest, within the newly established Tabernacle. The purpose of these garments was multi-faceted: for "glory and for beauty" (Exod 28:2), to visually set apart the priests as representatives before God, and to convey the solemnity and holiness of their office. The ephod, a highly distinctive and ornate vestment, was central to the high priest's attire, symbolically bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel before the Lord (Exod 28:9-12).

The precise instructions in Exodus 28:32 for the ephod's neck opening reflect God's demand for perfection and enduring quality in all aspects of His worship. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, priestly or ritual garments were often significant, but the specificity here distinguishes YHWH's instructions. This detailed requirement not only ensured the garment's longevity during constant use in tabernacle service but also prevented any potential defilement or undignified appearance caused by a torn or shabby vestment. Such a meticulous command implicitly counters any careless or irreverent approach to the sacred and establishes a divine standard far exceeding typical human customs.

Exodus 28 32 Word analysis

• And it shall be a hole (והיה פי)

  • hole (פי - pi): Literally "mouth" or "opening." Here, it signifies the aperture for the head. It emphasizes a distinct, intentionally formed opening, not just a casual slit.
  • Significance: This specific phrasing denotes a designed and intentional opening, essential for the garment's function and sacred purpose. It contrasts with a haphazard cut or tear.

• for the head (ראשו - rosho)

  • Significance: Clarifies the specific use and positioning of the "hole"—for the high priest's head to pass through. It underscores the functionality and proper wear of the holy vestment.

• in the midst thereof (בתוכו - betokho)

  • Significance: Indicates the central and proper placement of the neck opening on the ephod. This ensures balanced wear and the dignity of the wearer, a subtle but important detail for a garment meant for "glory and beauty."

• it shall have a binding of woven work (שפה יהיה לו סביב מעשה ארג)

  • binding (שפה - safah): Literally "lip" or "edge." Refers to a reinforced border or hem. This suggests a finished, sturdy edge designed to protect the fabric.
  • woven work (מעשה ארג - ma'aseh 'ereg): Describes the specific craftsmanship—something carefully "woven" or "worked." This points to a reinforced, tightly constructed collar rather than a simple fold or raw edge. It indicates skillful and intentional fabrication for strength.
  • Significance: This phrase emphasizes the durability and fine craftsmanship required. The "binding" ensures the opening remains firm and does not fray or deform. The "woven work" implies the labor and precision demanded in creating garments for God's service.

• round about the hole (לפני פי)

  • Significance: Confirms the circular nature of the reinforcement, encircling the entire opening. This total encapsulation is crucial for preventing any weakening or tearing.

• as it were the hole of a coat of mail (כפי תחרא - kepi taḥara’)

  • coat of mail (תחרא - taḥara’): This is a crucial comparative term. A taḥara’ was a strong garment, typically a piece of defensive armor, woven or knit together to be robust and resist piercing or tearing. While the ephod was made of linen, not metal, this analogy highlights the durability and tear-resistance intended for the ephod's opening.
  • Significance: This strong simile communicates the exact desired quality: invulnerability to tearing. It suggests that even in a garment not intended for battle, this particular aspect needed the strength and integrity of battle armor, emphasizing the importance of preventing imperfection or damage in the priest's holy attire. It highlights God's demand for flawless service and representation.

• that it be not rent (לא יקרע - lo’ yiqqara’)

  • rent (יקרע - yiqqara’): To tear, rend, rip.
  • Significance: This clear purpose clause states the primary objective of all the previous detailed instructions: to prevent any tearing of the ephod's neck opening. A torn garment often symbolized mourning, distress, or ritual impurity (Lev 10:6). For the high priest's most sacred vestment, tearing would not only be a practical inconvenience but could also carry negative symbolic implications, potentially disqualifying or defiling him or the service. It ensures the garment's dignity and perpetual ritual integrity.

Exodus 28 32 Bonus section

• The analogy to a "coat of mail" is intriguing as the ephod was made of fine linen, not metal. This stresses that the quality of being tear-proof was paramount, rather than the material itself. It’s about the strength and finish of the garment in the area of most frequent stress (putting it on and taking it off).
• In Hebrew culture, tearing one's garment was a significant sign of deep grief, horror, or distress (e.g., Job 1:20; Gen 37:34). Preventing such tearing in the high priest's ephod maintained a state of solemn service and unbroken worship, far removed from lamentation or crisis.
• This instruction also foreshadows the perfection found in Christ, our ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). His spiritual "garment" (His humanity, His service) was without blemish, flaw, or tear, perfectly fulfilling His ministry on our behalf. His life and sacrifice were offered flawlessly, "without spot or blemish" (1 Pet 1:19; Eph 5:27), contrasting with any potential imperfection in the Old Testament priestly service or garments.
• The elaborate and costly nature of the priestly garments underscored the value God placed on the worship and the representatives He chose to approach Him. The strength of the neck hole ensures the garment lasts, demonstrating value through durability and not just initial aesthetic.

Exodus 28 32 Commentary

Exodus 28:32 reveals God's meticulous attention to detail in establishing holy worship. The seemingly small specification about the ephod's neck opening—that it should be a reinforced, untearable collar like that of a coat of mail—carries profound significance. It is not merely a practical design tip for durability but a theological statement. Firstly, it emphasizes the dignity and reverence required for the high priestly office and, by extension, for all who approach God. A torn garment would be unseemly and could imply imperfection or lack of proper care for holy things, dishonoring God. Secondly, it highlights the importance of permanence and integrity in divine service. Unlike human garments that fray and tear with time and use, the high priest's sacred attire was meant to retain its perfection, reflecting the unchanging nature of God and the perpetual covenant. Lastly, it implicitly teaches that every detail of obedience and worship matters to God, down to the strength of a garment's opening. This principle transcends the Levitical priesthood, reminding believers today that our worship, conduct, and presentation before God should reflect honor, integrity, and careful attention to His commands, seeking to avoid anything that might dishonor His name or the sanctity of our calling.