And there was an hole in the midst of the robe, as the hole of an habergeon, with a band round about the hole, that it should not rend.

EXODUS 39:23KJV
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Exodus 39:23 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:23 mean?

Exodus 39:23 describes how the robe for the high priest was made with a central opening, reinforced with a band around the hole, so that the fabric would not tear. The verse compares this opening to the hole in a "habergeon," which is a type of armor, to help the reader picture its strength and design.

This verse is part of the instructions for making the high priest’s garments, given to Moses and carried out by skilled craftsmen among the Israelites. The focus here is on the practical detail of constructing the robe so it would be durable and not easily damaged, showing the care and precision involved in preparing items for worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:23

  • The word "hole" (פֶּה, peh) literally means "mouth" and is often used for an opening or entrance. Here, it refers to the central opening of the robe, emphasizing its function as a passage for the head.
  • "Habergeon" (תַּחֲרָא, taḥara) refers to a type of sleeveless armor, often made of mail, which also had a reinforced neck opening. The comparison suggests the robe’s opening was made strong, like armor, to prevent tearing.
  • "Band" (שָׂפָה, safah) means "edge" or "border." This indicates that the hole was not just cut but carefully finished with a strong border to keep it from fraying.
  • "Rend" (קָרַע, qara) means "to tear" or "to rip." The verse highlights that the reinforcement was specifically to prevent the robe from being torn during use.

Why Exodus 39:23 matters

  • This verse shows the high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail required in making the priestly garments, reflecting the importance of their role in worship.
  • The comparison to armor highlights the need for both beauty and durability in sacred objects, reminding readers that practical concerns were not overlooked in spiritual matters.
  • Understanding the construction of the robe helps clarify later passages about the priest’s duties and why the garments were treated with such care and respect.

Where else these words appear

“habergeon” Hebrew H8473 · used in 2 verses

  • Exodus 28:32 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.

“robe” Hebrew H4598 · used in 27 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.
  • Leviticus 8:7 And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound it unto him therewith.
  • Ezra 9:3 And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied.

“rend” Hebrew H7167 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 37:29 And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.
  • 1 Kings 11:12 Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:27 Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.