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 28:39KJV
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Exodus 28:39 (KJV)

What does Exodus 28:39 mean?

Exodus 28:39 describes how the special clothing for the high priest should be made, specifically mentioning an embroidered coat of fine linen, a linen mitre (turban), and a girdle (sash) decorated with needlework. The verse gives detailed instructions for the craftsmanship and materials to be used for the high priest’s garments.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving him directions for making the sacred garments that Aaron, the high priest, will wear while serving in the tabernacle. The focus is on the quality and artistry of the clothing, highlighting the importance of beauty, skill, and purity in items set apart for worship. These instructions are part of a larger section about preparing the priests for their special role.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 28:39

  • "Embroider" (שָׁבַץ, shavats) refers to skillful, decorative stitching, emphasizing that the coat was to be artistically made, not just functional.
  • "Coat" (כֻּתֹּנֶת, kutonet) means a long tunic, the basic garment worn by priests, showing that even the foundational clothing was to be made with care.
  • "Linen" (שֵׁשׁ, shesh) points to a high-quality, white fabric, symbolizing purity and setting the priestly garments apart from ordinary clothing.
  • "Mitre" (מִצְנֶפֶת, mitznefet) describes a turban-like headpiece, marking the high priest’s unique status.
  • "Girdle" (אַבְנֵט, avnet) refers to a sash or belt, and "needlework" (רִקְמָה, rikmah; מַעֲשֶׂה, ma'aseh) together highlight that even accessories were to be beautifully crafted.

Why Exodus 28:39 matters

  • Exodus 28:39 shows that the garments for the high priest were not just practical but were made with great skill and beauty, reflecting the honor and seriousness of the priestly role.
  • The verse connects to the larger passage by showing that every detail of worship in the tabernacle was carefully ordered, emphasizing holiness and reverence.
  • Understanding the materials and craftsmanship helps explain why these garments were considered holy and why only certain people could wear them, setting the priests apart from the rest of the people.

Where else these words appear

“embroider” Hebrew H7660 · used in 2 verses

  • Exodus 28:20 And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.

“mitre” Hebrew H4701 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 28:4 And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
  • Exodus 29:6 And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.
  • Leviticus 8:9 And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses.

“girdle” Hebrew H73 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 28:4 And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
  • Exodus 29:9 And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons.
  • Leviticus 8:13 And Moses brought Aaron's sons, and put coats upon them, and girded them with girdles, and put bonnets upon them; as the LORD commanded Moses.

“needlework” Hebrew H7551 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 26:36 And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.
  • Exodus 35:35 Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.
  • Exodus 38:23 And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen.