And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:

EXODUS 28:42KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 28:42 (KJV)

What does Exodus 28:42 mean?

Exodus 28:42 commands that linen breeches (undergarments) be made for the priests to cover their nakedness, specifically from the waist to the thighs. This instruction is about ensuring modesty for the priests as they serve in the tabernacle.

God is speaking to Moses, giving detailed instructions for the clothing of Aaron and his sons, who will serve as priests. The verse highlights the importance of proper attire for those approaching holy duties, showing that even unseen parts of their clothing mattered for respect and reverence in worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 28:42

  • The word for "breeches" is מִכְנָסַיִם (mikhnasayim), meaning a type of undergarment or shorts, emphasizing that the priests needed a specific garment to cover themselves modestly.
  • "Linen" is בַּד (bad), which refers to a fine, white fabric made from flax, often used for holy garments, symbolizing purity.
  • "Nakedness" uses two words: בָּשָׂר (basar), meaning "flesh," and עֶרְוָה (ervah), meaning "private parts" or "nakedness," making it clear that the covering is for both modesty and ritual cleanliness.
  • "Loins" is מָתְנַיִם (motnayim), and "thighs" is יָרֵךְ (yarekh), specifying the exact area to be covered, leaving no ambiguity about the garment's purpose.

Why Exodus 28:42 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that priestly clothing was only about outer appearance; even hidden garments were required for modesty and respect before God.
  • The focus on covering specific body parts shows the seriousness of approaching holy service with reverence, not just outwardly but in every detail.
  • Exodus 28:42 connects to the wider passage by showing that every part of the priestly role, including their clothing, was set apart and regulated, underlining the holiness expected in God's presence.

Where else these words appear

“breeches” Hebrew H4370 · used in 5 verses

  • Exodus 39:28 And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined linen,
  • Leviticus 6:10 And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar.
  • Leviticus 16:4 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.

“linen” Hebrew H906 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 39:28 And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined linen,
  • 1 Samuel 22:18 And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.
  • Ezekiel 10:2 And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight.

“thighs” Hebrew H3409 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 24:2 And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:
  • Exodus 37:17 And he made the candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same:
  • Judges 3:16 But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.

“nakedness” Hebrew H6172 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 9:22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without.
  • Leviticus 18:14 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt.
  • Deuteronomy 24:1 When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.