Deuteronomy 22:12

KJV

Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest [thyself].

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt make {H6213} thee fringes {H1434} upon the four {H702} quarters {H3671} of thy vesture {H3682}, wherewith thou coverest {H3680} thyself.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are to make for yourself twisted cords on the four corners of the garment you wrap around yourself.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to make tassels on the four corners of the cloak you wear.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four borders of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 22:12 commands the Israelites to attach fringes to the four corners of their garments, an instruction that, far from being a mere sartorial detail, served as a profound and constant visual catechism. This seemingly simple directive was designed to embed the covenant relationship with Yahweh into the fabric of daily life, compelling His people to remember and obey His commandments, thereby visibly distinguishing them as a holy nation set apart for His divine purposes and reflecting His character to the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a larger collection of diverse laws in Deuteronomy (chapters 22-25), which prepares Israel for life in the Promised Land. These statutes encompass a wide range of civil, social, and moral regulations, from agricultural practices and property rights to sexual purity and ethical conduct. The command regarding fringes, or *tzitzit*, is not new to the Pentateuch, having been previously detailed in [Numbers 15:37-41](/numbers/15-37-41 "Numbers 15:37-41 - The Commandment of Tzitzit and its Purpose"). Its reiteration in Deuteronomy underscores the pervasive nature of God's law, demonstrating that His will extends to every facet of human existence, from the grand principles of national governance to the intimate details of personal attire. This particular law follows a prohibition against wearing mixed fabrics in [Deuteronomy 22:11](/deuteronomy/22-11 "Deuteronomy 22:11 - Prohibition of Mixed Materials"), suggesting a broader theme of distinction and purity in Israelite life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, garments often carried significant symbolic weight, communicating social status, tribal identity, and even religious affiliation. The "four quarters" (Hebrew: *kânâph*, meaning "wing" or "corner") refer to the distinct edges or tassels of the outer garment, typically a rectangular cloak worn by both men and women as their primary covering and often as bedding at night. While other cultures might have used tassels for decorative purposes or as status symbols, Israel's fringes were unique in their divinely mandated purpose. They were not merely ornamental but served as a constant visual aid for remembering God's commandments, setting Israel apart from surrounding pagan nations whose religious practices often involved idolatry and moral depravity. The inclusion of a blue thread (*techelet*), as specified in [Numbers 15:38](/numbers/15-38 "Numbers 15:38 - The Blue Thread in Tzitzit"), further connected the fringes to the heavens and God's dwelling, symbolizing their direct relationship with the divine King and their heavenly calling.
* **Key Themes:** The commandment to wear fringes significantly contributes to several overarching themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it emphasizes **Remembrance and Obedience**, as the fringes were explicitly designed to help the Israelites "remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them" ([Numbers 15:39](/numbers/15-39 "Numbers 15:39 - Purpose of the Fringes")). This theme of internalizing and acting upon God's word is foundational to the entire book of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Second Law"), which repeatedly calls Israel to remember God's faithfulness and their covenant obligations. Secondly, the fringes highlight **Holiness and Distinction**. By wearing these unique markers, Israel visibly distinguished itself as a holy nation, set apart by God to live according to His standards, "that ye may be holy unto your God" ([Numbers 15:40](/numbers/15-40 "Numbers 15:40 - Call to Holiness")). This outward sign reinforced an inward commitment to living a life consecrated to the Lord. Finally, it speaks to **Covenant Identity**, as the fringes served as a daily, tangible reminder of their unique status as God's chosen people, bound to Him by covenant and called to reflect His character in all their ways.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **make (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From H6213, this primitive root signifies "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In this context, it is an imperative command, "Thou shalt make," emphasizing that the fringes were not naturally occurring or optional cultural adornments, but divinely prescribed items to be intentionally fashioned and attached. This highlights the active participation required of the Israelites in fulfilling God's command, transforming a common garment into a sacred reminder.
* **fringes (Hebrew, _gᵉdil'_):** From H1434, this word is derived from a root meaning "to twist," referring to "thread, i.e., a tassel or festoon." While commonly known by the later Hebrew term *tzitzit*, the word *gᵉdil* here specifically denotes the twisted cords or tassels themselves. These were not merely decorative but were to serve as a constant, tangible visual aid, a "fringe" that would prompt remembrance of God's law.
* **quarters (Hebrew, _kânâph'_):** From H3671, this term means "an edge or extremity," specifically referring to "a flap" of a garment or "a corner" of the earth. When applied to clothing, it refers to the outermost edges or corners of the outer garment. The instruction to place the fringes upon the "four quarters" ensured their prominent visibility, making them an unavoidable daily reminder and symbolizing God's law encompassing every direction and aspect of one's life.
* **vesture (Hebrew, _kᵉçûwth'_):** From H3682, this noun means "a cover (garment)" or figuratively, "a veiling." It refers to the outer cloak or robe that served as primary clothing and often as a blanket at night. By commanding the fringes to be placed on this essential, daily worn garment, God ensured that the reminder of His commandments would be integrated into the most fundamental aspects of Israelite life, accompanying them in all their activities and serving as a public declaration of their covenant identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt make thee fringes":** This opening phrase functions as a direct, non-negotiable divine imperative. The use of "thou shalt make" emphasizes that this is an active, intentional command, requiring the individual Israelite to fabricate or procure these specific tassels. It highlights the personal responsibility involved in adhering to God's detailed instructions, underscoring that obedience is a conscious act of will.
* **"upon the four quarters of thy vesture":** This clause provides precise instructions regarding the placement of the fringes. The "four quarters" (corners or wings) of the garment signify comprehensiveness, indicating that God's law is meant to permeate every aspect of one's life and identity. The "vesture" refers to the outermost, most visible garment, ensuring that the fringes served as a public and constant reminder, not merely a hidden personal devotion.
* **"wherewith thou coverest [thyself]":** This final explanatory clause clarifies the nature and function of the garment. It specifies that the fringes are to be attached to the everyday outer cloak that provides covering and warmth. By linking the fringes to this essential, constantly worn item, the commandment ensured that the visual reminder of God's law would be perpetually present, interwoven with the fabric of daily existence and personal identity, accompanying the wearer in all their activities.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 22:12 primarily employs **Symbolism**. The fringes themselves are potent symbols, representing not only the individual commandments of God but also the broader covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel. They are a tangible, visual **mnemonic device**, explicitly designed to trigger memory and promote obedience, as stated more fully in [Numbers 15:39](/numbers/15-39 "Numbers 15:39 - Purpose of the Fringes"). The act of wearing them embodies **Didacticism**, as the law is being taught and reinforced through a physical, universally worn object. Furthermore, there's an element of **Synecdoche**, where the "vesture" (garment) serves to represent the wearer's entire person and public identity. The command ensures that the very "covering" of the Israelite, a public display, becomes a constant, silent sermon about their allegiance to God and His holy statutes, setting them apart as a distinct people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The commandment to wear fringes is a powerful testament to God's desire for His people to live in constant, conscious awareness of His presence and His precepts. It underscores the biblical principle that faith is not merely an internal belief but must manifest in outward, tangible obedience that shapes daily life. The fringes served as a physical embodiment of the covenant, a daily call to holiness and distinction from the surrounding pagan cultures. This act of remembrance was intended to prevent spiritual forgetfulness and moral straying, ensuring that Israel's identity remained firmly rooted in their relationship with Yahweh and His revealed will. The theological thrust is clear: God's law is not burdensome but a gracious guide for flourishing, and its remembrance is vital for a life of integrity and faithfulness, fostering a deep, abiding walk with the divine.

* [Numbers 15:37-41](/numbers/15-37-41 "Numbers 15:37-41 - The Commandment of Tzitzit and its Purpose")
* [Psalm 119:11](/psalm/119-11 "Psalm 119:11 - Hiding God's Word in the Heart")
* [Proverbs 3:1-3](/proverbs/3-1-3 "Proverbs 3:1-3 - Writing God's Law on the Tablet of the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Christians are not under the Mosaic Law to literally wear fringes on their garments, the profound principles embedded in Deuteronomy 22:12 remain deeply relevant for believers today. The essence of the command is about cultivating a life of intentional remembrance and obedience to God's word, allowing it to shape our identity and actions from the inside out. For us, the "fringes" are not external threads but the Word of God internalized in our hearts and minds, illuminated and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are called to live in such a way that our lives visibly reflect our allegiance to Christ, distinguishing us from the patterns and values of the world. This means actively engaging with Scripture, meditating on its truths, and seeking to apply its wisdom in every sphere of life, allowing it to govern our thoughts, words, and deeds. Our spiritual "garment" is our walk with God, and it should be adorned with the fruits of the Spirit and the righteousness of Christ, serving as a constant testimony to His transforming power and the reality of His indwelling presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "fringes" in my life that help me remember God's word and His presence daily, and how can I strengthen them?**
* **How can I more intentionally integrate God's commands into my daily thoughts and actions, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to heartfelt obedience?**
* **In what ways does my life visibly distinguish me as a follower of Christ, reflecting His holiness, love, and truth to those around me?**
* **Am I actively "hiding God's word in my heart" ([Psalm 119:11](/psalm/119-11 "Psalm 119:11 - Hiding God's Word")) so that it guides my choices, protects me from sin, and empowers me to live righteously?**

### FAQ
**What exactly are these "fringes" (tzitzit) and what was their primary purpose?**

Answer: The "fringes," known in Hebrew as *tzitzit* (ציצת), were specific tassels or cords that the Israelites were commanded to attach to the four corners of their outer garments. As detailed in [Numbers 15:38](/numbers/15-38 "Numbers 15:38 - The Blue Thread in Tzitzit"), they were to include a thread of blue (*techelet*), a color associated with divinity and heaven. Their primary purpose was not decorative, but mnemonic: they served as a constant, visual reminder for the Israelites to "remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them" ([Numbers 15:39](/numbers/15-39 "Numbers 15:39 - Purpose of the Fringes")). They were meant to prevent the people from straying after their own hearts and eyes, and instead to remain faithful to God's covenant and live a life of holiness.

**Why did God command such a specific and seemingly minor detail about clothing?**

Answer: God commanded this specific detail because in ancient cultures, clothing often carried significant symbolic meaning and was a public declaration of identity. By mandating the *tzitzit*, God ensured that the Israelites' identity as His covenant people, bound by His laws, was visibly and perpetually reinforced. It was a tangible way to integrate their spiritual obligations into their daily lives. The command underscored the pervasive nature of God's sovereignty and His desire for His people's holiness to be evident in every aspect of their existence, distinguishing them from the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. It was a physical aid to spiritual discipline and remembrance, aiming for holistic obedience that permeated both public and private life.

**Is the commandment to wear fringes still binding on Christians today?**

Answer: No, the literal commandment to wear *tzitzit* is not binding on Christians today. The New Testament teaches that believers are not under the Mosaic Law as a system for salvation or justification ([Romans 6:14](/romans/6-14 "Romans 6:14 - Not Under Law, But Under Grace"); [Galatians 3:23-25](/galatians/3-23-25 "Galatians 3:23-25 - Law as a Guardian")). Jesus fulfilled the Law in its entirety ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), and through faith in Him, we are made righteous. However, the *principles* behind the *tzitzit* remain profoundly relevant. Christians are called to remember God's word, to live distinctively as His people ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Holy Nation")), and to obey His commands out of love, not legal obligation ([John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments")). We are to internalize God's law, allowing the Holy Spirit to write it on our hearts ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant and the Law on the Heart")), so that our lives become a living testimony to Christ's transforming power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 22:12, with its command for fringes as a constant reminder of God's law, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Law, in all its detailed commands and physical reminders, pointed to the need for perfect obedience and holiness, which humanity, in its fallen state, consistently failed to achieve. Jesus, however, is the embodiment of perfect obedience; He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He perfectly kept every command, including the spirit behind the *tzitzit*—a life lived in constant, conscious remembrance and devotion to the Father's will. Furthermore, the fringes themselves, as a physical covering, can be seen as a foreshadowing of the spiritual covering that Christ provides. We are now clothed in His righteousness ([Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation"); [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")), and our identity is found not in external markers or legal adherence but in our union with Him. The Law, once external and requiring physical reminders, is now written on the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit through the new covenant ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant and the Law on the Heart"); [2 Corinthians 3:3](/2_corinthians/3-3 "2 Corinthians 3:3 - Letters Written by the Spirit")). Our "fringes" are no longer threads on a garment, but the indwelling presence of Christ, who enables us to remember and walk in His ways, living a life that glorifies God and testifies to the transforming power of the Gospel ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled in Us")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 23:5

But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

Numbers 15:37

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Numbers 15:41

I [am] the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I [am] the LORD your God.