Exodus 28:39

KJV

And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre [of] fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle [of] needlework.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt embroider {H7660} the coat {H3801} of fine linen {H8336}, and thou shalt make {H6213} the mitre {H4701} of fine linen {H8336}, and thou shalt make {H6213} the girdle {H73} of needlework {H7551}{H4639}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are to weave the checkered tunic of fine linen, make a turban of fine linen, and make a belt, the work of a weaver in colors.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to weave the tunic with fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion an embroidered sash.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt weave the coat in checker work of fine linen, and thou shalt make a mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make a girdle, the work of the embroiderer.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 28:39 provides precise divine instructions for three foundational components of the High Priest's sacred attire: the intricately embroidered coat of fine linen, the pure linen mitre, and the skillfully crafted girdle of needlework. These garments, meticulously designed by God, were indispensable for Aaron's consecrated role, symbolizing the purity, holiness, and solemn dignity required for his unique ministry in the Tabernacle before the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 28:39 is an integral part of a comprehensive block of divine commands delivered to Moses on Mount Sinai, specifically detailing the construction of the Tabernacle and the sacred vestments for the Aaronic priesthood, spanning [Exodus chapters 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle and Priesthood Instructions"). Following the overarching directive in [Exodus 28:2](/exodus/28-2 "Exodus 28:2 - Purpose of Priestly Garments") to create "holy garments for Aaron your brother for glory and for beauty," the chapter systematically outlines each piece of priestly attire. This particular verse focuses on the innermost layer (the coat), the headwear (the mitre), and a functional yet decorative accessory (the girdle). These items represent the foundational elements of the High Priest's uniform, worn directly against his body, thereby emphasizing the profound and intimate connection between the priest's personal consecration and his sacred office. The exhaustive nature of these instructions underscores God's meticulousness in establishing the precise protocols for approaching His holy presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, priestly vestments commonly served to denote status, function, and the specific deity being served. However, the Israelite priestly garments, as meticulously described in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments"), were distinct due to their divine origin and profound symbolic meaning. Unlike the often opulent and sometimes idolatrous attire of pagan priests, the Israelite vestments were designed by God Himself to reflect His holiness and the purity demanded for proper worship. The consistent use of "fine linen" (Hebrew: _shêsh_) was highly significant; it was a costly and esteemed material, frequently associated with royalty and sacred contexts throughout Egypt and the broader region, symbolizing purity, high status, and ceremonial cleanliness. The detailed requirements for "embroider" and "needlework" (as specified in [Exodus 28:39](/exodus/28-39 "Exodus 28:39 - High Priest's Garments")) would have necessitated the expertise of highly skilled artisans, reflecting the dedication of Israel's finest craftsmanship to the service of God. These divinely ordained garments visually set the Israelite priesthood apart, distinguishing them as consecrated mediators tasked with maintaining ritual purity and order within the Tabernacle worship, as comprehensively detailed in the instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and service found in [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-40 - Tabernacle Construction and Service").
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 28:39 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. The primary theme is **Holiness and Purity**, emphasized by the repeated use of "fine linen" and the meticulous instructions for the garments. These vestments visually communicated the absolute necessity of ceremonial and moral purity for anyone approaching God's presence, reflecting God's own holy character. Another key theme is **Divine Order and Authority**, as the precise design and materials were not left to human discretion but were divinely commanded, establishing a strict protocol for worship and the priestly office. This highlights God's sovereignty and His right to dictate the terms of His worship. Furthermore, the beauty and craftsmanship of the garments point to the theme of **Glory and Beauty in Worship**, underscoring that service to God should be conducted with excellence and reverence, reflecting His inherent glory. The garments also subtly introduce the theme of **Mediation**, as the High Priest, properly attired, served as the consecrated representative of the people before God, foreshadowing the ultimate mediator. These themes are foundational to understanding Israel's covenant relationship with God and the nature of true worship, as seen throughout the instructions for the Tabernacle and its services in [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-40 - Tabernacle and Priestly Instructions").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Coat (Hebrew, _kᵉthôneth'_):** This term (H3801) refers to the innermost garment, a tunic or shirt worn directly against the body. Its inclusion as an embroidered piece of fine linen signifies that even the most basic layer of the High Priest's attire was to be crafted with care and symbolic purity. It represents the personal sanctity and foundational righteousness required of the one who ministers before God.
* **Mitre (Hebrew, _mitsnepheth'_):** This word (H4701) specifically denotes the High Priest's distinctive turban or tiara, distinguishing it from the simpler head coverings of the common priests. Its construction from fine linen and its unique design underscore the High Priest's elevated status, authority, and consecrated role as the chief mediator and representative of Israel before the Lord.
* **Fine Linen (Hebrew, _shêsh'_):** This term (H8336) refers to a high-grade, bleached linen, often associated with royalty and sacred contexts. Its exceptional whiteness and purity consistently symbolize holiness, righteousness, and ceremonial cleanliness throughout the Tabernacle instructions. For the High Priest's garments, it emphasizes the moral and ritual purity essential for ministering in God's presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen":** This command refers to the _kethoneth_, the long, inner tunic worn by the High Priest. The instruction to "embroider" (H7660 _shâbats_) it signifies that even this foundational garment, worn closest to the body, was to be adorned with intricate, possibly checkered or interwoven, patterns. This detail highlights God's demand for beauty and excellence in every aspect of priestly service, emphasizing that the priest's very being, symbolized by his innermost garment, must be consecrated and adorned for divine service. The material, "fine linen," underscores the theme of purity and holiness required for approaching a holy God.
* **"and thou shalt make the mitre [of] fine linen":** The _mitsnepheth_, or turban, was the High Priest's distinctive head covering. Its construction from "fine linen" reinforces the theme of purity and the consecrated nature of the High Priest's mind and thoughts as he performed his duties. This mitre was also the base upon which the golden plate inscribed "Holiness to the LORD" (as detailed in [Exodus 28:36-38](/exodus/28-36 "Exodus 28:36-38 - The Holy Crown")) would be affixed, signifying the High Priest's dedication and the sacredness of his mental faculties in service.
* **"and thou shalt make the girdle [of] needlework":** The _ʼabnêṭ_, or girdle, was a sash that cinched the coat, providing both practical support and symbolic meaning. The term "needlework" (H7551 _râqam_ and H4639 _maʻăseh_) implies intricate, possibly multi-colored, patterns, indicating that even this functional item was to be a work of art, reflecting the highest quality of craftsmanship dedicated to God. The girdle symbolized readiness for service, strength, and the ability to perform the demanding priestly duties, with its decorative nature adding to the overall glory and beauty of God's appointed worship.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 28:39, along with the broader instructions for the Tabernacle and priestly garments, makes extensive use of **Symbolism**. The "fine linen" consistently symbolizes purity, holiness, and righteousness, reflecting the moral and ceremonial cleanliness required of those who minister before God. The meticulous instructions for "embroider" and "needlework" emphasize **Divine Meticulousness** and **Excellence**, underscoring that worship and service to God are not arbitrary but must be performed with the highest quality and according to His precise revealed will. This attention to detail also highlights the **Sacredness** of the priestly office and the divine order established for Israelite worship, creating a visual and tactile representation of spiritual truths.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The detailed instructions for the High Priest's garments in Exodus 28:39 reveal profound theological truths about God's character and His relationship with humanity. The emphasis on "fine linen," "embroidered," and "needlework" points to God's demand for holiness, purity, and excellence in all aspects of worship and service. These garments were not merely decorative; they were essential for the High Priest to properly represent the people before a holy God and to embody the consecrated nature of his office. They foreshadow the need for a perfect mediator and the spiritual attire required for approaching God, a theme that resonates throughout biblical theology, culminating in the New Covenant.

* [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")
* [Revelation 19:8](/revelation/19-8 "Revelation 19:8 - Righteousness of the Saints")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The specific instructions for the High Priest's coat, mitre, and girdle in Exodus 28:39 serve as a timeless reminder of God's profound regard for holiness, order, and beauty in worship. While the Levitical priesthood and its physical garments have been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles remain vitally relevant for believers today. We are called to approach God not with external finery, but with an internal purity of heart and a commitment to spiritual excellence in our lives and service. Our "garments" are now spiritual: the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and the virtues of the Holy Spirit cultivated within us. This verse challenges us to consider the quality of our spiritual "attire" as we live out our faith, ensuring that our lives reflect the glory and beauty of the God we serve, always striving for the excellence that honors Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does the meticulous detail of God's instructions for the priestly garments challenge my understanding of worship and service today?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of "purity" and "holiness" in my daily life, reflecting the symbolic "fine linen" of the High Priest's attire?**
* **What does "excellence" in ministry and service look like for me today, considering the "embroidered" and "needlework" quality demanded by God for His sacred purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why were these specific garments—the coat, mitre, and girdle—so important for the High Priest?**

Answer: These garments were crucial because they were part of the divinely ordained attire that distinguished the High Priest and enabled him to perform his sacred duties in the Tabernacle. The coat (Hebrew: _kᵉthôneth_) was the foundational inner garment, symbolizing the priest's personal purity and the holiness required for his office. The mitre (Hebrew: _mitsnepheth_) was his distinctive headwear, upon which the golden plate inscribed "Holiness to the LORD" was affixed (as described in [Exodus 28:36-38](/exodus/28-36 "Exodus 28:36-38 - The Holy Crown")), signifying his consecrated status and unique role as the chief mediator. The girdle (Hebrew: _ʼabnêṭ_) was a sash that held the coat in place, symbolizing readiness for service and the strength to perform his duties. Together, these items represented the High Priest's complete consecration and the solemnity of his office, ensuring he was properly attired to approach a holy God on behalf of the people, as commanded in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments").

**What is the significance of "fine linen" being used for these garments?**

Answer: "Fine linen" (Hebrew: _shêsh_) was a highly valued, pure white, and durable material, often associated with royalty and sacred contexts in the ancient world. Its consistent use for the High Priest's garments, as well as for parts of the Tabernacle itself (e.g., the curtains in [Exodus 26:1](/exodus/26-1 "Exodus 26:1 - Tabernacle Curtains")), carries deep symbolic meaning. It primarily represents purity, holiness, and righteousness. For the High Priest, it underscored the absolute necessity of ceremonial and moral cleanliness to minister in the presence of God. It visually communicated the sacredness of his person and his office, setting him apart as one consecrated for divine service and reflecting the spotless nature of the God he served.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The intricate details of the High Priest's garments in Exodus 28:39, particularly the emphasis on fine linen, embroidery, and needlework, find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. As our great High Priest, Jesus did not need earthly garments to signify His purity; His inherent righteousness and sinlessness are perfect. The "fine linen" of the Old Testament priesthood foreshadows the spotless purity of Christ, who was "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ's Perfect Priesthood")). Unlike Aaron, who wore garments that symbolized a holiness he could not perfectly embody, Jesus is the very embodiment of holiness. His "girdle of needlework" is His readiness and strength to accomplish salvation, and His "mitre" is His divine authority and headship over all creation. He entered the true, heavenly sanctuary not with the blood of animals or the vestments of human design, but with His own precious blood, securing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). Through His perfect sacrifice, He has clothed believers with His own righteousness, making us a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), spiritually adorned with the "fine linen" of the saints' righteous acts ([Revelation 19:8](/revelation/19-8 "Revelation 19:8 - Righteousness of the Saints")), enabling us to draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith ([Hebrews 10:22](/hebrews/10-22 "Hebrews 10:22 - Drawing Near to God")).

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

Psalms 45:14

She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.