Exodus 28 39

Exodus 28:39 kjv

And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework.

Exodus 28:39 nkjv

"You shall skillfully weave the tunic of fine linen thread, you shall make the turban of fine linen, and you shall make the sash of woven work.

Exodus 28:39 niv

"Weave the tunic of fine linen and make the turban of fine linen. The sash is to be the work of an embroiderer.

Exodus 28:39 esv

"You shall weave the coat in checker work of fine linen, and you shall make a turban of fine linen, and you shall make a sash embroidered with needlework.

Exodus 28:39 nlt

"Weave Aaron's patterned tunic from fine linen cloth. Fashion the turban from this linen as well. Also make a sash, and decorate it with colorful embroidery.

Exodus 28 verses

Exodus 28 39 Meaning

Exodus 28:39 outlines the creation of three fundamental priestly garments for the High Priest: the coat (tunic), the turban (mitre), and the sash (girdle). These instructions emphasize specific materials, primarily fine linen, and intricate craftsmanship such as embroidery and needlework. The verse mandates pure, consecrated attire essential for the priest's holy service before God, reflecting requirements for glory and beauty.

Exodus 28 39 Context

Exodus 28 describes in detail the sacred garments commanded by God for Aaron and his sons, to be worn for their priestly service. These instructions immediately follow the directives for the Tabernacle's construction, emphasizing that proper worship and approach to God necessitate a divinely appointed priesthood equipped with specific, consecrated attire. Verse 39 details three of these garments: the inner coat, the turban, and the sash. These garments were not merely functional; they served for "glory and for beauty" (Exod 28:2) and were integral to maintaining the purity required for ministering in God's presence. Historically and culturally, while other ancient Near Eastern priests had distinctive attire, the Israelite garments stood apart due to their divine origin, symbolic materials, and strict adherence to God's precise design, reinforcing Israel's unique covenant relationship with a holy God.

Exodus 28 39 Word analysis

• "And thou shalt embroider" (וְשָׁבַצְתָּ֣ - vᵉshavatz'ta): From the Hebrew root shabats, meaning to weave in checker-work or pattern. It signifies intricate, skilled craftsmanship, creating an ornamental or textured surface. This was not a simple, plain garment, but one of beauty and intentional design for sacred purpose.
• "the coat" (הַכֻּתֹּ֥נֶת - hakuṯṯōneṯ): Hebrew kuttoneth. This was a long, sleeved tunic, typically made of linen, worn as the innermost garment directly against the priest's skin. Its primary function was foundational purity. It's distinct from the outer, more elaborate ephod and breastplate, signifying a personal state of readiness and cleanliness before God.
• "of fine linen" (שֵׁשׁ - shēsh): Refers to a very pure, tightly woven linen, likely from Egypt, known for its exceptional quality, whiteness, strength, and softness. Throughout the Bible, fine linen consistently symbolizes purity, righteousness, holiness, and the divine. Its use for the priestly garments emphasized the required ceremonial and moral purity for those who served God.
• "and thou shalt make" (וְעָשִׂ֖יתָ - vᵉ‘āśîṯā): A common Hebrew verb "to make" or "to do." Its repetition here and elsewhere in the chapter highlights God's specific command and detailed instructions for each component of the priestly attire.
• "the mitre" (מִצְנֶ֣פֶת - miṣnepeṯ): The high priest's turban or head covering. It was a distinctive piece of headwear, possibly a rolled or wound band of fabric, signifying authority, reverence, and purity of thought. The golden plate bearing "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" (Exod 28:36) was affixed to it, connecting the priest's mind and role directly to God's holiness.
• "the girdle" (אֲבְנֵ֑ט - avnêṭ): The sash or belt that held the tunic in place around the waist. Practically, it allowed for freedom of movement during service. Spiritually, it signifies being girded or prepared for action and diligent service.
• "of needlework": While not explicitly a separate Hebrew word here (it’s usually implied by the term for girdle or context), this refers to skilled ornamental work, indicating that the girdle, though functional, was also beautifully adorned. It conveyed the principle that even functional elements in service to God should exhibit excellence and beauty.

Words-group analysis:

• "embroider the coat of fine linen": This phrase combines craftsmanship with material, emphasizing the exquisite detail and intrinsic purity required for the high priest's innermost garment. It speaks to both the external appearance and the symbolic internal state of purity.
• "make the mitre of fine linen": This refers to the head covering. The repetition of "fine linen" for the turban underlines that the priest's thoughts, authority, and leadership, symbolized by his headwear, must also be steeped in purity and dedication to God.
• "make the girdle of needlework": This describes the sash. The term "needlework" indicates that even this practical garment was artistically crafted, signifying that the priest's actions and readiness for service were to be both functional and beautifully consecrated to God.

Exodus 28 39 Bonus section

• The three garments mentioned—tunic, turban, and sash—are often referred to as the high priest's "white garments" or "linen garments" in later Jewish tradition, distinguishing them from the more colorful and ornate "golden garments" (e.g., ephod, breastplate). On the Day of Atonement, the High Priest wore only these pure white linen garments (Lev 16:4) to signify humility and purification before making atonement for the nation.
• The meticulous instructions for these garments underscore the concept of holiness by design. Every detail, from material to method of creation, was God-given, leaving no room for human preference or innovation in divine service. This highlights the importance of obedience to God's precise commands in worship.
• The requirement for such pure and costly materials reinforced the immense value and reverence associated with God's dwelling place and His presence among His people. The costliness indicated sacrifice and high regard for God, setting apart His service as supreme.

Exodus 28 39 Commentary

Exodus 28:39 provides the divine blueprint for three essential garments for the high priest, revealing profound theological principles beyond their practical function. The core theme is holiness, underscored by the pervasive use of "fine linen," a symbol of purity found consistently in Scripture (e.g., Rev 19:8). The "coat" (tunic) as an innermost garment emphasizes personal and internal purity for God's minister. The "mitre" (turban) covering the head highlights the sanctity of thought and divine authority. The "girdle" (sash), though practical for movement, was of "needlework," signifying that even service and activity before God must be undertaken with beauty and skillful dedication. These garments, commanded by God and meticulously crafted, were designed "for glory and for beauty" (Exod 28:2), not for personal pride but to honor the Almighty and distinguish His consecrated servants. They stand as a testament to God's demand for unblemished purity in all aspects of worship, foreshadowing the perfect, untarnished priesthood of Christ, who truly serves in a sanctuary not made with human hands.