Exodus 39 41

Exodus 39:41 kjv

The cloths of service to do service in the holy place, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons' garments, to minister in the priest's office.

Exodus 39:41 nkjv

and the garments of ministry, to minister in the holy place: the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons' garments, to minister as priests.

Exodus 39:41 niv

and the woven garments worn for ministering in the sanctuary, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when serving as priests.

Exodus 39:41 esv

the finely worked garments for ministering in the Holy Place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons for their service as priests.

Exodus 39:41 nlt

the beautifully stitched garments for the priests to wear while ministering in the Holy Place ? the sacred garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests.

Exodus 39 verses

Exodus 39 41 Meaning

Exodus 39:41 summarizes the successful completion of the priestly garments as instructed by God to Moses. These garments were specifically designed and consecrated for the sacred task of ministering within the Tabernacle, God's dwelling place. The verse highlights the distinction between the elaborate vestments for Aaron, the High Priest, and the simpler garments for his sons, the ordinary priests, all serving in their designated roles before the Lord. This fulfillment underscores obedience to divine command for holy service.

Exodus 39 41 Context

Exodus 39 marks the culmination of the tabernacle's construction and the making of the priestly garments. The chapter meticulously details the execution of every instruction given by God in Exodus 25-31 and repeated in Exodus 35-38. The consistent refrain, "as the LORD commanded Moses" (used throughout Exodus 39, specifically mentioned 7 times), emphasizes perfect adherence to divine design. Verse 41 specifically wraps up the making of all the priestly vestments.

Historically, in ancient Near Eastern cultures, priests were crucial mediators between deities and people. Their attire often reflected their status and the deity they served. However, unlike the often opulent and morally ambiguous vestments associated with pagan priests, the Israelite priestly garments were divinely prescribed, emphasizing purity, holiness, and the distinctiveness of Yahweh. The meticulous nature of the instructions for these garments was a direct polemic against the often chaotic and corrupt worship practices of surrounding nations, reinforcing God's order, purity, and supreme authority. These garments distinguished Aaron and his sons not just from the common people, but also from all other priesthoods.

Exodus 39 41 Word analysis

• the woven garments (בִּגְדֵי הַשְּׂרָד - bigdê haššərad):
  • bigdê: Plural form of beged (בֶּגֶד), a general term for clothing or garment.
  • haššərad: Relates to woven or finely wrought garments, especially those designed for a specific function. Here, it refers to the specialized and meticulously crafted attire for priestly service, distinct from common clothing. This implies intricate skill and high quality materials.
• for ministering (לְשָׁרֵת - ləšārēt):
  • lə: A prefix meaning "for" or "to."
  • shārēt (שָׁרַת): A verb meaning "to serve," "to minister," "to attend." It often carries a connotation of devoted, specialized service, particularly in a cultic or religious context before God. It's not passive wearing but active service.
• in the sanctuary (בַּקֹּדֶשׁ - baqqōḏeš):
  • ba: A prefix meaning "in" or "at."
  • qōḏeš (קֹדֶשׁ): "Holiness," "holy place," "sacred." Refers to the Tabernacle (or later, the Temple), the divinely designated space where God's presence dwelt among Israel, demanding absolute purity and reverence for entry and service.
• the holy garments (בִּגְדֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ - bigdê haqqōḏeš):
  • bigdê: Garments.
  • haqqōḏeš: "The holy" or "of holiness." This phrase emphasizes that these garments were consecrated and set apart for sacred purposes only, reflecting the holiness of the God whom they served and the sacredness of the space. They were not for everyday use.
• for Aaron the priest (לְאַהֲרֹן הַכֹּהֵן - lə’Aharon hakKohen):
  • Aaron (אַהֲרֹן): Moses' brother, designated by God as the first High Priest. His garments (ephod, breastplate, etc.) were more elaborate and distinctive, symbolizing his unique role as chief mediator between God and Israel.
  • hakKohen (הַכֹּהֵן): "The priest." Signifies his specific divinely appointed office.
• and the garments of his sons (וּבִגְדֵי בָּנָיו - uvigdê bānāw):
  • u: Meaning "and."
  • bigdê bānāw: "Garments of his sons." This distinguishes the common priests from the High Priest. Their attire (tunics, sashes, turbans, breeches) was simpler but still essential for their duties. This highlights the lineage-based nature of the Aaronic priesthood.
• to minister as priests (לְשָׁרֵת בַּכֹּהֵן - ləšārēt bakhkohēn):
  • ləšārēt: Again, "to minister" or "to serve," reinforcing the active role.
  • bakhkohēn: "As priests." Confirms their specific function and identity. Their service was not optional; it was the core of their calling, facilitated by their sacred attire.

Words-group Analysis:

• "the woven garments for ministering in the sanctuary": This phrase details the purpose and setting of these special clothes. They are not merely clothing but instruments of holy service, functional within the consecrated space of God's dwelling. This emphasizes that access to God and service to Him required meticulous preparation and conformity to divine standards.
• "the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister as priests": This part clarifies the recipients and their respective roles. It meticulously separates Aaron's unique High Priestly attire from the vestments of his sons, signifying the hierarchy and distinct responsibilities within the priesthood. Yet, both were equally appointed "to minister as priests," fulfilling the overall divine mandate for mediating between God and His people. The emphasis on "holy garments" underlines the necessary purity for all who served in the presence of God.

Exodus 39 41 Bonus section

The recurrent phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" found throughout Exodus 39, including implied here, is key. It's not just a reporting detail; it's a theological affirmation of God's supreme authority, the meticulousness of His divine plan, and the obedience required from His people in building His dwelling and establishing His worship. The successful completion of these garments, just as instructed, paves the way for the tabernacle's erection and consecration, which immediately follows in Exodus 40. This reflects God's desire for order and exactness in approaching Him, setting a clear boundary against human ingenuity or approximations in divine service.

Exodus 39 41 Commentary

Exodus 39:41 serves as a summarizing statement, concluding the detailed description of the tabernacle furnishings and the priestly vestments' construction. The core significance of this verse, like the rest of Exodus 39, is profound obedience and faithful execution of God's precise commands. The garments, specifically made "for ministering in the sanctuary," were not merely uniforms but integral components of the ritual system that enabled a holy God to dwell among His sinful people.

They symbolize several crucial aspects: the necessity of holiness in approaching God, the divinely appointed order for worship, and the concept of mediation through an appointed priesthood. The meticulous details of their design underscored God's demand for perfection and sacredness in all aspects of worship. These material garments ultimately point to Christ, the ultimate High Priest, who offered a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice and ministers in a heavenly sanctuary, making spiritual priests of all believers (Hebrews 9-10; 1 Peter 2:9). The completion of these garments was a tangible step toward Israel's corporate identity as a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6), foreshadowing the greater reality in the new covenant.