Exodus 28:37

KJV

And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt put {H7760} it on a blue {H8504} lace {H6616}, that it may be upon the mitre {H4701}; upon the forefront {H6440}{H4136} of the mitre {H4701} it shall be.

Complete Jewish Bible

Fasten it to the turban with a blue cord, on the front of the turban,

Berean Standard Bible

Fasten to it a blue cord to mount it on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt put it on a lace of blue, and it shall be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 28:37 provides meticulous instructions for the placement of the golden plate, inscribed with "HOLINESS TO THE LORD," upon the High Priest's mitre. This verse, a critical component of God's detailed directives for the sacred priestly garments, underscores the divine imperative for the High Priest to visibly embody and perpetually declare God's absolute holiness. This prominent display was essential to ensure that his service and the offerings presented by the people of Israel were acceptable and consecrated before the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the comprehensive instructions for the High Priest's garments, detailed in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - The Priestly Garments"). Specifically, it follows the command in [Exodus 28:36](/exodus/28-36 "Exodus 28:36 - The Golden Plate Inscription") to craft a plate of pure gold and engrave upon it the profound declaration, "HOLINESS TO THE LORD." Verse 37 then precisely dictates the method and location of attaching this plate to the High Priest's turban. The subsequent verse, [Exodus 28:38](/exodus/28-38 "Exodus 28:38 - Bearing the Iniquity of Holy Things"), elucidates the High Priest's crucial role in bearing the iniquity of Israel's holy offerings, thereby making them acceptable to God through his consecrated representation. The entire chapter emphasizes the non-negotiable requirement for precise obedience to divine instructions for proper worship and mediation, highlighting the sacredness of approaching a holy God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The divine commands for the Tabernacle and its associated priesthood were delivered to Moses at Mount Sinai, laying the foundational framework for Israelite worship and their unique relationship with Yahweh. While various ancient Near Eastern cultures had priestly classes whose attire often conveyed status and connection to their deities, Israel's priestly garments, particularly those of the High Priest, were distinct in their divinely revealed design and symbolic depth. Unlike garments designed for human grandeur, these emphasized holiness, atonement, and the High Priest's role as a representative mediator. The High Priest served as the preeminent intercessor between God and Israel, uniquely permitted to enter the Most Holy Place once annually on the Day of Atonement, as prescribed in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement"). The prominent display of "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" on his forehead served as a constant, visible reminder that he was utterly set apart for God's service, and that his very person, in his priestly capacity, was consecrated to the Lord, thereby making him a fitting representative for a nation called to reflect God's holiness ([Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")).
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 28:37 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and His demand for holiness from those who approach Him. The golden plate on the High Priest's forehead served as a perpetual visual sermon on this truth. Closely related is the theme of **Mediation and Atonement**, as the High Priest's consecrated state, symbolized by the plate, enabled him to bridge the gap between a holy God and an imperfect people, making their offerings acceptable. This verse also highlights **Divine Authority and Precision**, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail in establishing worship, underscoring that worship must be conducted strictly according to His revealed will. Finally, it foreshadows the concept of **Representation**, where one individual (the High Priest) stands on behalf of an entire community before God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mitre (Hebrew, _mitsnepheth'_):** This term refers specifically to the High Priest's distinctive turban or tiara, a more elaborate and formal head covering than the caps worn by the ordinary priests. As defined by Strong's `H4701`, it is an "official turban (of a king or high priest)." Its design and the placement of the gold plate upon its "forefront" underscored its significance and visibility. The mitre, as a central piece of the High Priest's regalia, symbolized his unique authority and consecrated status as the chief mediator for Israel before God.
* **Blue (Hebrew, _tᵉkêleth'_):** As per Strong's `H8504`, this refers to "the cerulean mussel, i.e. the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith." This costly and rare dye produced a vibrant blue or violet-blue color. In ancient Israel, this color was highly symbolic, often associated with heaven, divinity, and royalty, signifying the sacred and heavenly origin of the High Priest's calling and the divine nature of the holiness he represented.
* **Forefront (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** From Strong's `H6440`, this word, typically translated "face," is used here (with the prepositional prefix `mûwl`, Strong's `H4136`, meaning "opposite" or "front") to denote the most prominent, forward-facing part of the mitre. The instruction for the plate to be on the "forefront" highlights its intended visibility. It was not to be hidden but prominently displayed, serving as a constant, undeniable declaration of God's holiness and the High Priest's consecrated status to all who beheld him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt put it on a blue lace":** This initial clause specifies the precise method of attachment for the golden plate (previously described in [Exodus 28:36](/exodus/28-36 "Exodus 28:36 - The Golden Plate Inscription")). The "blue lace" (Hebrew: _pəṯîl təḵēleṯ_), made of a precious and symbolically rich material, was the divinely ordained means by which the plate was secured. This detail emphasizes the sacredness and heavenly origin of the entire ensemble, ensuring that even the means of attachment reflected divine instruction and purpose.
* **"that it may be upon the mitre":** This phrase indicates the specific item to which the plate was to be attached: the High Priest's distinctive turban. Placing it directly onto the mitre signified that the declaration of "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" was an integral and inseparable part of the High Priest's identity, his office, and his very person. The mitre itself symbolized his unique authority and consecrated role in mediating for Israel.
* **"upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be":** This concluding phrase reinforces and clarifies the exact positioning, ensuring the plate's maximum visibility. The "forefront" implies a prominent, unmissable display, making the inscription a clear and constant proclamation to all who saw the High Priest. This meticulous instruction underscores the public and undeniable nature of the holiness required for divine service and the High Priest's representative function.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Symbolism** extensively, where the physical elements of the priestly garments represent profound spiritual realities. The "blue lace" symbolizes heaven, divinity, and purity, connecting the High Priest's earthly role to a heavenly calling and the divine source of his consecration. The "mitre" itself is a potent symbol of authority, distinction, and sacred office. Most profoundly, the golden plate with its inscription "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" is the quintessential symbol of God's absolute purity and the High Priest's necessary dedication to Him. There is also a strong element of **Emphasis** achieved through repetition and precise detail. The verse reiterates the exact placement ("upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre"), underscoring the critical importance of the plate's visibility and its profound message. This meticulous instruction highlights the divine insistence on the High Priest's public declaration of holiness and the non-negotiable standard for approaching God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 28:37 profoundly underscores the foundational theological theme of divine holiness and the absolute necessity of consecration for approaching God. The High Priest, bearing the inscription "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" on his forehead, served as a living emblem of the purity and set-apartness required for mediation between a holy God and His people. This visible declaration was not merely ceremonial; it was intrinsically linked to his ability to "bear the iniquity of the holy things" ([Exodus 28:38](/exodus/28-38 "Exodus 28:38 - Bearing Iniquity")), thereby ensuring that the offerings of an imperfect people were rendered acceptable to a perfect and unblemished God. This points to the foundational theological truth that God is utterly distinct from sin and requires those who draw near to Him to be consecrated, foreshadowing the ultimate perfect mediator who would perfectly embody and provide this holiness.

* [Leviticus 10:3](/leviticus/10-3 "Leviticus 10:3 - God's Holiness Demands Reverence")
* [Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Our Holy, Blameless High Priest")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Called to Be Holy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The High Priest's mitre, with its prominent inscription, served as a constant, visible reminder of God's absolute holiness and the consecrated nature of the priestly office. For believers today, while we do not wear physical garments, the concept of holiness remains central to our identity and calling. As a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), we are called to live lives set apart for God, bearing His holiness not on a physical plate, but in our character, conduct, and worship. Our commitment to God's purity should be as visible and undeniable in our daily lives as the golden plate was on the High Priest's forehead, influencing our thoughts, words, and actions. This means striving for moral purity, spiritual dedication, and a life that reflects the glory of the God we serve, making our lives a living testimony to His transforming power. We are to be living epistles, known and read by all, visibly displaying the transforming power of God's holiness in a world that desperately needs to see it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways does my life visibly declare "Holiness to the Lord" to those around me, both inside and outside the church?**
* **How does understanding the High Priest's role in bearing the iniquity of the holy things deepen my appreciation for Christ's perfect and complete work on my behalf?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to cultivate a deeper sense of consecration and visibly manifest God's holiness in my daily walk, particularly in areas where I may struggle?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the blue lace in attaching the golden plate?**

Answer: The blue lace served a dual and significant purpose in attaching the golden plate to the High Priest's mitre. Functionally, it was the specific and divinely prescribed means by which the golden plate, inscribed with "HOLINESS TO THE LORD," was securely fastened to the High Priest's turban, ensuring its prominent and stable display. Symbolically, the color blue (_təkēleṯ_) was highly significant in ancient Israel, representing heaven, divinity, and royalty. Its use in this context underscored the sacredness of the High Priest's office and the heavenly origin of his calling, emphasizing that the holiness he bore was not self-derived but from God Himself. The preciousness of the dye also highlighted the immense value and sanctity of the High Priest's role in mediating between a holy God and His people.

**Why was it so important for the golden plate to be on the "forefront" of the mitre?**

Answer: Placing the golden plate on the "forefront" of the High Priest's mitre was crucial because it ensured its maximum visibility to all who saw him. This prominent display was essential for several profound reasons. First, it served as a constant, public declaration of God's absolute holiness, reminding both the High Priest and the people of the divine standard required for worship and interaction with Yahweh. Second, it powerfully signified the High Priest's consecrated status and his unique function as the mediator who bore the iniquity of Israel's holy offerings, thereby making them acceptable before God ([Exodus 28:38](/exodus/28-38 "Exodus 28:38 - Bearing Iniquity")). The plate's visibility emphasized that his entire being, in his priestly capacity, was dedicated and set apart for the Lord, which was indispensable for his representative role before a perfectly holy God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 28:37, with its profound emphasis on the High Priest bearing "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" on his forehead, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is our true and eternal [High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus Our Great High Priest"), who perfectly embodies and eternally declares the holiness of God, not through an engraved plate, but through His very nature as the Son of God and His sinless, blameless life ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Our Holy, Blameless High Priest")). Unlike Aaron, who needed to bear the iniquity of the people's offerings, Jesus, as the spotless [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the iniquity of humanity itself, offering Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). His holiness is inherent, absolute, and eternal, making Him uniquely and perfectly qualified to represent us before the Father and secure our access to God's holy presence ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Through His finished work on the cross, believers are now made holy and righteous in Him, becoming a "holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Holy Priesthood")) who can confidently draw near to God and offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and good deeds that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ ([Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Deeds")).

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

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 29:6

And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.

Exodus 28:31

¶ And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all [of] blue.

Zechariah 3:5

And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by.

Exodus 39:30

And they made the plate of the holy crown [of] pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, [like to] the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

Exodus 39:31

And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten [it] on high upon the mitre; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Numbers 15:38

Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: