Exodus 39:31 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:31 mean?

Exodus 39:31 describes how the craftsmen made a blue cord to attach a special gold plate to the high priest’s turban, following exactly what God had told Moses. This verse shows the careful attention to detail in making the priestly garments as God instructed.

In this part of Exodus, skilled workers are completing the clothing for Aaron, the high priest, as part of preparing the Tabernacle. The “lace of blue” refers to a blue cord used to fasten the gold plate—often called the “holy crown”—to the turban worn by the high priest. The verse highlights obedience to God’s specific commands about worship and the priesthood.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:31

• “Lace” (פְּתִיל, pᵉtil): This word means a cord or thread, often of fine material. Here, it refers to a decorative and functional blue cord, not just any string.
• “Blue” (תְּכֵלֶת, tᵉkhelet): This is a particular blue dye, highly valued and often associated with sacred things in ancient Israel. Its use signals the importance and holiness of the high priest’s garments.
• “Mitre” (מִצְנֶפֶת, mitsnefet): This term means a turban or head wrap, specifically the one worn by the high priest. The gold plate was fastened “high upon the mitre,” showing its prominent, visible placement.

Why Exodus 39:31 matters

• This verse clears up that every detail of the high priest’s clothing—even how the gold plate was attached—was done exactly as God instructed, not left to human preference.
• The use of blue (tᵉkhelet) and the careful placement of the gold plate show the special status and set-apart role of the high priest in Israel’s worship.
• Exodus 39:31 connects to the larger theme of Exodus 39, which is about faithfully carrying out God’s instructions for worship and the Tabernacle, emphasizing obedience and reverence.