The cloths of service to do service in the holy place, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons' garments, to minister in the priest's office.

EXODUS 39:41KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 39:41 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:41 mean?

Exodus 39:41 lists the special clothing and fabric items made for use in the worship of God at the tabernacle, including the garments for Aaron the high priest and his sons, so they could serve as priests. The verse highlights that these items were specifically prepared for their duties in the holy place.

In this part of Exodus, Moses is overseeing the completion of the tabernacle and everything needed for its rituals. The verse sums up the finished work on the priestly garments and service cloths, showing that the Israelites followed God’s instructions for worship down to the details of what the priests would wear and use.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:41

  • The word for "cloths" (בֶּגֶד, beged) refers to garments or fabric, emphasizing that these were not just ordinary clothes but items set apart for sacred use.
  • "Service" (שֵׁרֵת, shēret) is used twice, once for the cloths and once for the priestly activity, highlighting that both the garments and the actions performed by the priests were dedicated acts of serving God.
  • "Holy" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) describes both the place (the sanctuary) and the garments, underlining their special status and separation from everyday things.
  • The word for "priest" (כֹּהֵן, kohen) and "office" (כָּהַן, kahan) are related, showing that the garments and service are directly tied to the unique role and duties of Aaron and his sons as priests.

Why Exodus 39:41 matters

  • This verse clarifies that every aspect of worship, even clothing, was carefully designed and set apart, not left to personal choice or chance.
  • The careful listing of garments for Aaron and his sons shows the importance of order and preparation in the worship practices of ancient Israel.
  • Exodus 39:41 connects to the broader theme of obedience in Exodus, showing that the people completed all God’s instructions for the tabernacle and priesthood exactly as commanded.

Where else these words appear

“service” Hebrew H8278 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 31:10 And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office,
  • Exodus 35:19 The cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office.
  • Exodus 39:1 And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.

“office” Hebrew H3547 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 28:1 And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.
  • Exodus 31:10 And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office,
  • Numbers 3:4 And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron their father.

“service” Hebrew H8334 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 39:4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
  • 2 Samuel 13:17 Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.
  • Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,