And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates upon the hem of the robe, round about between the pomegranates;

EXODUS 39:25KJV
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Exodus 39:25 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:25 mean?

Exodus 39:25 describes how skilled workers made small bells out of pure gold and attached them to the hem of a special robe, placing the bells in between decorative pomegranates all around the edge. This verse details part of the craftsmanship for the high priest’s ceremonial clothing as instructed by God.

The setting is the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings, with the Israelites following God’s instructions given through Moses. The robe mentioned here is part of the high priest’s garments, and the careful placement of gold bells between pomegranates shows the attention to both beauty and function in the priestly attire. This verse highlights the care and precision involved in preparing items for worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:25

  • "bells" (פַּעֲמֹן, pa‘amon): This word refers to small, metallic bells. Their sound was significant because, elsewhere, the text explains that the high priest’s movement should be heard when he enters and leaves the holy place.
  • "pomegranates" (רִמּוֹן, rimmon): These were decorative shapes, not real fruit, likely made from blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. The pomegranate was a symbol of abundance and life in the ancient world.
  • "hem" (שׁוּל, shul): This refers to the very edge or border of the robe, emphasizing that the bells and pomegranates were placed all around the bottom edge, not just in one spot.

Why Exodus 39:25 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the priestly garments were not only functional but also richly symbolic and beautiful, following exact instructions.
  • The detail about alternating bells and pomegranates helps explain later verses about the purpose of the bells—to signal the priest’s presence and movement within the sanctuary.
  • Understanding this craftsmanship connects the reader to the broader theme of holiness and careful obedience in the worship practices of ancient Israel.

Where else these words appear

“bells” Hebrew H6472 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 28:33 And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about:
  • Exodus 28:34 A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about.
  • Exodus 39:26 A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister in; as the LORD commanded Moses.

“hem” Hebrew H7757 · used in 10 verses

  • Exodus 28:33 And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about:
  • Exodus 39:26 A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister in; as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • Jeremiah 13:26 Therefore will I discover thy skirts upon thy face, that thy shame may appear.

“pomegranates” Hebrew H7416 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 28:33 And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about:
  • 1 Kings 7:18 And he made the pillars, and two rows round about upon the one network, to cover the chapiters that were upon the top, with pomegranates: and so did he for the other chapiter.
  • Song of Solomon 6:7 As a piece of a pomegranate are thy temples within thy locks.

“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.