And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined linen,

EXODUS 39:28KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 39:28 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:28 mean?

Exodus 39:28 describes some of the special clothing made for the priests who served in the tabernacle: a mitre (head covering) of fine linen, attractive bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches made from finely twisted linen. These garments were part of the detailed instructions God gave for how priests should dress while serving.

This verse is part of a section where the Israelites, under Moses’ leadership, are making the priestly garments exactly as God commanded. The focus is on the quality and type of materials—especially linen—and the care taken to follow God’s instructions for worship and service in the tabernacle.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:28

  • "Mitre" (מִצְנֶפֶת, mitznefet): This word refers to a specific type of head covering or turban worn by the high priest. It highlights the dignity and set-apart role of the priesthood.
  • "Goodly" (פָּאָה, pa'ah): This word is often understood as "ornamental" or "beautiful," emphasizing that the bonnets were not just functional but also made to look impressive.
  • "Bonnets" (מִגְבָּעָה, migba'ah): This term describes a different kind of head covering, likely worn by the regular priests, distinct from the high priest’s mitre.
  • "Linen" (שֵׁשׁ, shesh): This word appears several times and refers to high-quality, bleached linen, known for its purity and suitability for sacred use.
  • "Twined" (שָׁזַר, shazar): This describes linen that has been carefully twisted or spun, indicating extra craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Why Exodus 39:28 matters

  • Exodus 39:28 shows the careful obedience of the Israelites in making the priestly garments exactly as God commanded, underlining the importance of following God’s instructions in worship.
  • The verse highlights the special status of the priests and the seriousness of their role, shown by the quality and distinctiveness of their clothing.
  • By naming each garment and its material, Exodus 39:28 connects the priestly service to the broader themes of holiness, order, and beauty in Israel’s worship life.

Where else these words appear

“bonnets” Hebrew H4021 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 28:40 And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.
  • 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.

“breeches” Hebrew H4370 · used in 5 verses

  • Exodus 28:42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:
  • 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.

“goodly” Hebrew H6287 · used in 7 verses

  • Isaiah 3:20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings,
  • Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
  • Ezekiel 24:23 And your tires shall be upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet: ye shall not mourn nor weep; but ye shall pine away for your iniquities, and mourn one toward another.

“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 28:39 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.
  • 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.