Blue (Hebrew, _tᵉkêleth_):

Symbolized heaven, divinity, and God's transcendent glory. It reminded the High Priest and the people of God's heavenly origin and His majestic, unapproachable holiness, connecting the earthly sanctuary to the divine realm. *

Purple (Hebrew, _ʼargâmân_):

A luxurious color associated with royalty, majesty, and kingly authority. It pointed to God as the ultimate King and the High Priest's role in serving this supreme Sovereign, emphasizing the divine authority under which he operated. *

Scarlet (Hebrew, _shânîy_ / _tôwlâʻ_):

A vibrant red, often associated with life, blood, and sacrifice. It powerfully prefigured the atonement and the ultimate sacrifice that would be made for sin, highlighting the life-giving power of blood in the context of covenant and expiation, a theme deeply explored in Leviticus 17:11. Together, these colors on the pomegranates conveyed the divine, royal, and atoning aspects of God's character and the High Priest's mediatorial function, pointing to the multifaceted nature of God's redemptive plan.

What number verse is Exodus 39:24 in the Bible?

Exodus 39:24 is the 2,689th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Exodus 39:24 sits at position 2,689.

39:2339:23

Exodus 39:24

39:2539:25

Translation

King James Version

And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen.

Ask

KJV (with Strong's)

And they made ^H6213 upon the hems ^H7757 of the robe ^H4598 pomegranates ^H7416 of blue ^H8504, and purple ^H713, and scarlet ^{H8144 H8438}, and twined ^H7806 linen.

Ask

Complete Jewish Bible

On the bottom hem they made pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet, and woven linen;

Ask

Berean Standard Bible

They made pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely spun linen on the lower hem of the robe.

Ask

American Standard Version

And they made upon the skirts of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen.

Ask

World English Bible Messianic

They made on the skirts of the robe pomegranates of blue, purple, scarlet, and twined linen.

Ask

Geneva Bible (1599)

And they made vpon the skirts of the robe pomegranates, of blewe silke, and purple, and skarlet, and fine linen twined.

Ask

Young's Literal Translation

and they make on the hems of the upper robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, twined.

Ask

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Exodus 39:24 meticulously details the crafting of the High Priest's robe, specifically the pomegranates adorning its hem, fashioned from blue, purple, and scarlet threads, along with twined linen. This verse is part of the larger narrative describing the faithful execution of God's precise instructions for the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, underscoring the divine demand for order, beauty, and symbolic richness in worship. It highlights the High Priest's unique role and the profound spiritual truths embedded in every aspect of his consecrated attire, demonstrating the Israelites' obedience to the divine blueprint.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Exodus 39:24 is situated within the latter portion of the book of Exodus, specifically chapters 35-40, which chronicle the actual construction of the Tabernacle and the making of the priestly garments. This section stands in direct fulfillment of the detailed commands given by God earlier in chapters 25-31. The repetition of instructions followed by their meticulous execution emphasizes Israel's obedience and the divine origin of the Tabernacle's design. The robe described here is the outer garment of the High Priest, worn beneath the ephod, and its specific design, including the pomegranates and bells (though bells are not mentioned in this specific verse, they are inextricably linked to the pomegranates on the hem), was first commanded in Exodus 28:33-34. This precise adherence to God's pattern for sacred service underscores the High Priest's unique mediatorial role. The narrative flow from divine command to human construction highlights the covenant relationship and the importance of exact fidelity to God's revealed will, culminating in the glory of God filling the Tabernacle in Exodus 40.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Tabernacle served as God's portable dwelling place among His people, Israel, during their wilderness wanderings, symbolizing His presence and accessibility. The High Priest, Aaron, and his successors, were divinely appointed mediators between God and Israel, tasked with performing sacred rituals and sacrifices on behalf of the nation. Their garments were not merely functional clothing but were imbued with profound symbolic meaning, distinguishing them as set apart for holy service. In the ancient Near East, specific colors like blue, purple, and scarlet were rare and expensive, often associated with royalty, divinity, and wealth, signifying the supreme importance and sacredness of the High Priest's office and the God he served. Pomegranates were also culturally significant, often symbolizing fertility, abundance, and life in the ancient world, making their inclusion on the priestly robe particularly meaningful for a ministry focused on bringing blessings from God to His people and ensuring the spiritual vitality of the nation.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout Exodus. Firstly, it exemplifies Divine Prescription and Human Obedience. The meticulous detail in God's commands and Israel's faithful execution underscores the importance of obedience to divine revelation, a recurring motif from Exodus 25 through Exodus 40. Secondly, the verse highlights Holiness and Mediation. The High Priest's garments, including the robe, were designed to set him apart as holy for his mediatorial role between a holy God and an unholy people, a theme central to the purpose of the Tabernacle itself as seen in Exodus 29:43-46. Lastly, the rich Symbolism and Foreshadowing in the colors and pomegranates points to deeper theological truths. These elements were not merely aesthetic but conveyed profound messages about God's character, His covenant, and ultimately, foreshadowed the perfect High Priest and ultimate sacrifice to come, as hinted in the broader sacrificial system outlined in Leviticus 1-7.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

made (Hebrew, ʻâsâh', H6213): From the primitive root H6213, meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." This word emphasizes the active, deliberate, and precise craftsmanship involved in creating the priestly garments. It signifies the meticulous execution of God's instructions, not merely a casual construction, highlighting the Israelites' obedience and the divine standard of excellence required for sacred objects.
robe (Hebrew, mᵉʻîyl', H4598): Meaning "an upper and outer garment; cloke, coat, mantle, robe." This refers to the specific outer garment of the High Priest, worn beneath the ephod. Its description here underscores its significance as a distinct piece of the High Priest's holy attire, designed according to divine specifications to visually distinguish him for his consecrated service.
pomegranates (Hebrew, rimmôwn', H7416): Referring to "a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)." This confirms that the pomegranates on the robe were not actual fruit but intricately crafted, artificial ornaments. Their inclusion, alternating with golden bells (as specified elsewhere), points to their symbolic rather than literal function, representing fruitfulness, abundance, and the blessings associated with the High Priest's ministry.

Verse Breakdown

"And they made upon the hems of the robe": This phrase initiates the description of the specific adornment. "They" refers to the skilled craftsmen, particularly Bezalel and Oholiab, and their assistants, who were divinely gifted for this task. The "robe" (Hebrew, mᵉʻîyl) was the High Priest's blue outer garment, worn under the ephod. The "hems" (or skirts) were the lowest edge, indicating that these decorative elements were visible and, in conjunction with the bells (mentioned in Exodus 28:33-34), audible as the High Priest moved within the sanctuary. This detail underscores the importance of every aspect of the divine pattern, down to the very edge of the garment.
"pomegranates [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, [and] twined [linen]": This specifies the materials and colors used to create the pomegranates themselves. They were not actual fruit but intricately woven representations using threads dyed with these significant colors. "Blue" (Hebrew, tᵉkêleth) symbolized the heavens and divinity; "purple" (Hebrew, ʼargâmân) represented royalty and majesty; and "scarlet" (Hebrew, shânîy and tôwlâʻ) powerfully prefigured life, blood, and atonement. "Twined linen" (Hebrew, shesh mavtza') refers to fine, pure white linen, symbolizing purity, righteousness, and the holiness required for divine service. The combination of these colors and materials on the pomegranates created a vibrant, symbolic tapestry representing God's character, His covenant, and the High Priest's mediatorial role, particularly in bringing forth spiritual fruit and blessing.

Literary Devices

The passage employs rich Symbolism, where the pomegranates, colors (blue, purple, scarlet), and twined linen are not merely decorative but carry profound theological meaning, each element pointing to divine attributes or aspects of the High Priest's ministry. The Repetition of the command to create these items (first in Exodus 28:33-34 and then its meticulous fulfillment in Exodus 39) serves as a powerful literary device to underscore divine precision, the absolute necessity of obedience, and the faithfulness of the Israelites. The meticulous description of the craftsmanship also evokes a sense of Awe and Reverence, highlighting the sacredness of the objects and the divine presence they represent. Furthermore, the vivid Imagery created by the vibrant colors and the detailed construction paints a compelling picture of the beauty, order, and holiness God desires in worship, appealing to the reader's visual imagination and emphasizing the glory of the Tabernacle.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The meticulous detail in the construction of the High Priest's robe, particularly the pomegranates and their vibrant colors, speaks volumes about God's character and His expectations for worship. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent, but one who cares deeply about the order, beauty, and symbolic richness of His sanctuary and the service rendered to Him. The garments were not for human glory but served to distinguish the High Priest as consecrated for a holy task, mediating between a holy God and His people. Every thread and hue pointed to divine attributes—God's heavenly nature, His royalty, and the necessity of atonement—and the High Priest's role in bringing God's blessings and the people's petitions. This foreshadows a greater reality where perfect mediation would be achieved, and a more glorious High Priest would emerge, fulfilling all that these symbols merely pointed towards.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While the physical Tabernacle and the Levitical priesthood are no longer in operation, the principles embedded in Exodus 39:24 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The meticulous care and divine precision demanded in the construction of these sacred garments teach us that God values intentionality, excellence, and reverence in our worship and service. Our approach to God should not be casual or haphazard, but marked by thoughtfulness, diligence, and a desire to honor Him in every detail of our lives, reflecting the seriousness and beauty of our relationship with Him. Just as the High Priest's garments distinguished him and enabled his service, our "spiritual garments"—our character, actions, and attitudes—should reflect the holiness and beauty of Christ within us, demonstrating our consecration to Him. Understanding the rich symbolism of the Old Testament helps us to appreciate the depth of God's redemptive plan and the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus, enriching our spiritual lives and deepening our worship as we seek to live lives worthy of His calling.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous detail in the Tabernacle's construction challenge our approach to worship and service today?
What "spiritual garments" (character, actions, attitudes) do we wear as believers, and how do they reflect Christ's holiness and beauty?
In what ways can we cultivate a deeper appreciation for the symbolic elements within our Christian faith, such as baptism or communion, and how do they point to greater realities?

FAQ

Why were pomegranates chosen for the High Priest's robe?

Answer: Pomegranates were chosen for their rich symbolic meaning in the ancient world. They are known for their many seeds contained within a single fruit, which symbolized fertility, abundance, and the unity of a community (like the twelve tribes of Israel). On the High Priest's robe, alternating with golden bells (as commanded in Exodus 28:33-34), the pomegranates likely symbolized the fruitfulness of the High Priest's ministry—the blessings and spiritual life that would flow from his intercession and service. They also represented the abundance of God's blessings upon His people and the unity of Israel under the covenant. The bells, which announced the High Priest's movements, were a reminder that his life depended on his holy conduct, and the pomegranates underscored the life-giving nature of his consecrated service, signifying spiritual vitality and the blessings of God's presence.

What was the significance of the colors blue, purple, and scarlet used on the pomegranates?

Answer: The colors blue, purple, and scarlet were highly significant and expensive dyes in the ancient Near East, each carrying profound symbolic meaning that contributed to the overall message of the High Priest's sacred garments.

Blue (Hebrew, tᵉkêleth): Symbolized heaven, divinity, and God's transcendent glory. It reminded the High Priest and the people of God's heavenly origin and His majestic, unapproachable holiness, connecting the earthly sanctuary to the divine realm.
Purple (Hebrew, ʼargâmân): A luxurious color associated with royalty, majesty, and kingly authority. It pointed to God as the ultimate King and the High Priest's role in serving this supreme Sovereign, emphasizing the divine authority under which he operated.
Scarlet (Hebrew, shânîy / tôwlâʻ): A vibrant red, often associated with life, blood, and sacrifice. It powerfully prefigured the atonement and the ultimate sacrifice that would be made for sin, highlighting the life-giving power of blood in the context of covenant and expiation, a theme deeply explored in Leviticus 17:11.
Together, these colors on the pomegranates conveyed the divine, royal, and atoning aspects of God's character and the High Priest's mediatorial function, pointing to the multifaceted nature of God's redemptive plan.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The intricate details of the High Priest's robe, particularly the pomegranates fashioned from blue, purple, and scarlet threads, find their ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The High Priest of the Old Covenant, with his elaborate garments, served as a type and shadow pointing to the perfect, eternal High Priest to come. The blue of the pomegranates, symbolizing heaven and divinity, speaks to Jesus' divine nature and heavenly origin, for He is the Son of God who came down from heaven and is truly God. The purple, signifying royalty and majesty, perfectly represents Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose kingdom is eternal and supreme, as proclaimed in Luke 1:33. Most profoundly, the scarlet, associated with blood and sacrifice, foreshadows Christ's atoning work on the cross, where He shed His own blood as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, making propitiation for the sins of the world and redeeming us by His blood. The pomegranates themselves, symbolizing fruitfulness and abundance, are fulfilled in Christ, who is the source of all spiritual fruit (as described in Galatians 5:22-23) and the one through whom we have abundant life. Unlike the Levitical priests who offered sacrifices repeatedly and entered an earthly sanctuary, Jesus, our perfect High Priest, entered the true, heavenly Tabernacle once for all, with His own blood, securing eternal redemption. Thus, every thread and color of the Old Testament priestly garments points to the multifaceted glory and saving work of Christ, who is our perfect access to God.

Copy as

Commentary on Exodus 39 verses 1–31

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.

2 And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

3 And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, with cunning work.

4 They made shoulderpieces for it, to couple it together: by the two edges was it coupled together.

5 And the curious girdle of his ephod, that was upon it, was of the same, according to the work thereof; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen; as the LORD commanded Moses.

6 And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.

7 And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, that they should be stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.

8 And he made the breastplate of cunning work, like the work of the ephod; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

9 It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being doubled.

10 And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row.

11 And the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.

12 And the third row, a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.

13 And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings.

14 And the stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet, every one with his name, according to the twelve tribes.

15 And they made upon the breastplate chains at the ends, of wreathen work of pure gold.

16 And they made two ouches of gold, and two gold rings; and put the two rings in the two ends of the breastplate.

17 And they put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings on the ends of the breastplate.

18 And the two ends of the two wreathen chains they fastened in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod, before it.

19 And they made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, upon the border of it, which was on the side of the ephod inward.

20 And they made two other golden rings, and put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart of it, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.

21 And they did bind the breastplate by his rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.

22 And he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.

23 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.

24 And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen.

25 And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates upon the hem of the robe, round about between the pomegranates;

26 A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister in; as the LORD commanded Moses.

27 And they made coats of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons,

28 And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined linen,

29 And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.

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.

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

In this account of the making of the priests' garments, according to the instructions given (ch. 28), we may observe, 1. That the priests' garments are called here clothes of service, Exo 39:1. Note, Those that wear robes of honour must look upon them as clothes of service; for from those upon whom honour is put service is expected. It is said of those that are arrayed in white robes that they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple, Rev 7:13, Rev 7:15. Holy garments were not made for men to sleep in, or to strut in, but to do service in; and then they are indeed for glory and beauty. The Son of man himself came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. 2. That all the six paragraphs here, which give a distinct account of the making of these holy garments, conclude with those words, as the Lord commanded Moses, Exo 39:5, Exo 39:7, Exo 39:21, Exo 39:26, Exo 39:29, Exo 39:31. The like is not in any of the foregoing accounts, as if in these, more than any other of the appurtenances of the tabernacle, they had a particular regard to the divine appointment, both for warrant and for direction. It is an intimation to all the Lord's ministers to make the word of God their rule in all their ministrations, and to act in observance of and obedience to the command of God. 3. That these garments, in conformity to the rest of the furniture of the tabernacle, were very rich and splendid; the church in its infancy was thus taught, thus pleased, with the rudiments of this world; but now under the gospel, which is the ministration of the Spirit, to affect and impose such pompous habits as the church of Rome does, under pretence of decency and instruction, is to betray the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and to entangle the church again in the bondage of those carnal ordinances which were imposed only till the time of reformation. 4. That they were all shadows of good things to come, but the substance is Christ, and the grace of the gospel; when therefore the substance has come, it is a jest to be fond of the shadow. (1.) Christ is our great high-priest; when he undertook the work of our redemption, he put on the clothes of service - he arrayed himself with the gifts and graces of the Spirit, which he received not by measure - girded himself with the curious girdle of resolution, to go through with his undertaking - charged himself with the curious girdle of resolution, to go through with his undertaking - charged himself with all God's spiritual Israel, bore them on his shoulders, carried them in his bosom, laid them near his heart, engraved them on the palms of his hands, and presented them in the breast-plate of judgment unto his Father. And (lastly) he crowned himself with holiness to the Lord, consecrating his whole undertaking to the honour of his Father's holiness: now consider how great this man is. (2.) True believers are spiritual priests. The clean linen with which all their clothes of service must be made is the righteousness of saints (Rev 19:8), and Holiness to the Lord must be so written upon their foreheads that all who converse with them may see, and say, that they bear the image of God's holiness, and are devoted to the praise of it.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–31. Public domain.

Copy as

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

Copy as

Continue studying Exodus 39:24 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.