King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And [there was] an hole in the midst of the robe, as the hole of an habergeon, [with] a band round about the hole, that it should not rend.
Complete Jewish Bible:
with its opening in the middle, like that of a coat of mail, and with a border around the opening, so that it wouldn't tear.
Berean Standard Bible:
with an opening in the center of the robe like that of a garment, with a collar around the opening so that it would not tear.
American Standard Version:
and the hole of the robe in the midst thereof, as the hole of a coat of mail, with a binding round about the hole of it, that it should not be rent.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And there was an hole{H6310} in the midst{H8432} of the robe{H4598}, as the hole{H6310} of an habergeon{H8473}, with a band{H8193} round about{H5439} the hole{H6310}, that it should not rend{H7167}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Exodus 39:23
**Exodus 39:23 Summary:**
This verse describes a detail in the construction of the High Priest's robe, part of the instructions given by God to Moses for the tabernacle and its furnishings. The robe, worn by Aaron (Moses' brother and the first High Priest of Israel), had a hole in the middle, similar to the opening in a coat of mail (habergeon), which was reinforced with a band to prevent tearing.
**Themes:**
1. **Divine Detail:** The precision in the description underscores the importance of following God's instructions meticulously, reflecting the sanctity and reverence due to religious practices and clothing.
2. **Priestly Dignity:** The design of the robe, including the reinforced hole, ensured that the High Priest could perform his duties without hindrance, maintaining the dignity and solemnity of his office.
3. **Symbolism:** The robe itself is symbolic of the priest's role as a mediator between God and the people. The hole in the robe might symbolize access to God's presence, while the reinforced band could represent the strength and durability of the covenant between God and Israel.
**Historical Context:**
The Book of Exodus recounts the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt and their journey towards the Promised Land. During this time, God gives Moses detailed instructions for constructing the tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, and its furnishings, including the priestly garments. Exodus 39 is part of a larger section (Exodus 25-40) that meticulously outlines these instructions, emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship and adherence to divine blueprints. This attention to detail reflects the significance of the tabernacle as the place where God would dwell among His people and where atonement for sins would be made through the priesthood. The historical context is set in the wilderness, after the exodus from Egypt and before the establishment of the monarchy in Israel.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H6310
There are 460 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: פֶּה
Transliteration: peh
Pronunciation: peh
Description: from פָּאָה; the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) according to; accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. - Strong's Number: H8432
There are 390 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תָּוֶךְ
Transliteration: tâvek
Pronunciation: taw'-vek
Description: from an unused root meaning to sever; a bisection, i.e. (by implication) the centre; among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). - Strong's Number: H4598
There are 27 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מְעִיל
Transliteration: mᵉʻîyl
Pronunciation: meh-eel'
Description: from מָעַל in the sense of covering; a robe (i.e. upper and outer garment); cloke, coat, mantle, robe. - Strong's Number: H8473
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תַּחֲרָא
Transliteration: tachărâʼ
Pronunciation: takh-ar-aw'
Description: from חָרָה in the original sense of חוּר or חוּר; a linen corslet (as white or hollow); habergeon. - Strong's Number: H8193
There are 164 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׂפָה
Transliteration: sâphâh
Pronunciation: saw-faw'
Description: or (in dual and plural) שֶׂפֶת; probably from סָפָה or שָׁפָה through the idea of termination (compare סוֹף); the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.); band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. - Strong's Number: H5439
There are 282 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: סָבִיב
Transliteration: çâbîyb
Pronunciation: saw-beeb'
Description: or (feminine) סְבִיבָה; from סָבַב; (as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around; (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. - Strong's Number: H7167
There are 60 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָרַע
Transliteration: qâraʻ
Pronunciation: kaw-rah'
Description: a primitive root; to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them); cut out, rend, [idiom] surely, tear.