And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.

EXODUS 39:29KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 39:29 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:29 mean?

Exodus 39:29 describes the making of a special sash or belt for the priests, crafted from fine linen and decorated with blue, purple, and scarlet threads, all done with skilled embroidery, just as the LORD had instructed Moses. This verse highlights the care and obedience involved in creating the priestly garments for use in Israel’s worship.

In the context of Exodus 39, skilled workers are making the sacred clothing for Aaron and his sons, who will serve as priests. The verse lists the specific materials and colors—fine linen (a high-quality fabric), blue, purple, and scarlet (all expensive dyes), and mentions the detailed needlework. The emphasis is on following the LORD’s (the Hebrew name here is יְהוָה, YHWH) exact instructions given to Moses, showing the importance of both craftsmanship and obedience in Israel’s worship practices.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:29

  • "Girdle" (אַבְנֵט, avnet; H73) refers to a sash or belt, an important part of the priestly uniform that held other garments in place and symbolized readiness for service.
  • "Twined" (שָׁשׁ, shesh; H7806) and "linen" (שֵׁשׁ, shesh; H8336) both point to the use of high-quality, tightly twisted linen threads, emphasizing the garment’s purity and value.
  • "Blue" (תְּכֵלֶת, tekhelet; H8504), "purple" (אַרְגָּמָן, argaman; H713), and "scarlet" (שָׁנִי, shani; H8144 and תּוֹלַעַת, tola'at; H8438) are all expensive, vibrant dyes, showing the garment’s beauty and the honor given to the priestly role.
  • "Needlework" (רִקְמָה, rikmah; H7551 and מַעֲשֶׂה, ma'aseh; H4639) means skilled embroidery, highlighting the artistry and care involved in making these sacred items.

Why Exodus 39:29 matters

  • This verse shows that the priestly garments were not ordinary clothing but were made with great skill, valuable materials, and careful attention to God’s instructions, setting the priests apart for their special role.
  • The detailed obedience to the LORD’s commands throughout this chapter underlines how Israel’s worship was meant to be both beautiful and exactly as God directed, not left to human preference.
  • By describing these materials and workmanship, Exodus 39:29 connects the priestly service to the wider themes of holiness, honor, and the importance of following God’s word in the life of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“girdle” Hebrew H73 · 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 28:40 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.
  • 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.

“needlework” Hebrew H7551 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 26:36 And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.
  • 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.
  • Exodus 38:18 And the hanging for the gate of the court was needlework, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: and twenty cubits was the length, and the height in the breadth was five cubits, answerable to the hangings of the court.

“twined” Hebrew H7806 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 26:1 Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.
  • Exodus 28:6 And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.
  • Exodus 38:16 All the hangings of the court round about were of fine twined linen.

“linen” Hebrew H8336 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 41:42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
  • 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.
  • Exodus 39:2 And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.