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.

EXODUS 39:26KJV
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Exodus 39:26 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:26 mean?

Exodus 39:26 describes how small bells and pomegranate-shaped ornaments were attached in alternating order all around the lower edge of the priest’s robe, just as the LORD had instructed Moses. This detail highlights the careful obedience to God’s specific directions for the garments worn during ministry in the tabernacle.

This verse is part of a larger section where the Israelites, under Moses’ leadership, are making the sacred clothing for Aaron and his sons to wear while serving as priests. The careful placement of each bell and pomegranate shows the importance of following God’s commands exactly, and it reflects the special role and dignity given to the priesthood in Israel’s worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:26

  • "Bell" (פַּעֲמֹן, pa‘amon) refers to a small, metal bell. These bells would make a sound as the priest moved, which is often understood as a sign of his presence and activity in the sanctuary.
  • "Pomegranate" (רִמּוֹן, rimmon) here means a decorative ornament shaped like the fruit, not an actual pomegranate. These were likely made from blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, adding color and beauty to the robe.
  • "Hem" (שׁוּל, shul) means the very edge or border of the robe. The placement “round about the hem” emphasizes that this detail was visible and continuous all around the garment.
  • "Minister" (שָׁרַת, sharath) means to serve or perform duties, especially in a religious or temple context. The verse ties the special robe and its decorations directly to the priest’s service before God.

Why Exodus 39:26 matters

  • Exodus 39:26 clarifies that every detail of the priestly garments, even the decorative elements, was made exactly as God commanded, showing the seriousness of following divine instructions.
  • The verse helps explain why the priest’s robe was designed to make noise (with bells) and display beauty (with pomegranates), both of which set the priest apart during his sacred duties.
  • This attention to detail connects to the broader theme in Exodus of God’s holiness and the care required in approaching Him, especially in worship and service.

Where else these words appear

“bell” 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 39:25 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;

“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 39:25 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;
  • Jeremiah 13:26 Therefore will I discover thy skirts upon thy face, that thy shame may appear.

“pomegranate” 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.