Exodus 39:25

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

And they made {H6213} bells {H6472} of pure {H2889} gold {H2091}, and put {H5414} the bells {H6472} between {H8432} the pomegranates {H7416} upon the hem {H7757} of the robe {H4598}, round about {H5439} between {H8432} the pomegranates {H7416};

Complete Jewish Bible

and they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates all the way around the hem of the robe - between the pomegranates,

Berean Standard Bible

They also made bells of pure gold and attached them around the hem between the pomegranates,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:25 meticulously describes the crafting of the high priestly robe, specifically detailing the precise arrangement of pure gold bells alternating with pomegranates along its hem. This verse is part of the larger account of the Tabernacle's construction, emphasizing the craftsmen's faithful and exact adherence to God's divine instructions given to Moses, thereby underscoring the sacredness and profound symbolic significance of every element of the High Priest's attire for his mediatorial role.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter portion of the book of Exodus, specifically chapters 35-40, which describe the actual construction and erection of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, along with the priestly garments. These chapters serve as the fulfillment of the detailed divine blueprints and commands God had previously given to Moses on Mount Sinai in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Instructions"). Exodus 39, in particular, focuses on the making of the holy garments for Aaron and his sons, meticulously following the instructions outlined in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Instructions for Priestly Garments"). The specific command for the bells and pomegranates on the High Priest's blue robe (the *me'il*) is found in [Exodus 28:33-34](/exodus/28-33-34 "Exodus 28:33-34 - Bells and Pomegranates on the Robe"), highlighting the consistent theme of divine precision and human obedience throughout the Tabernacle narrative. The recurring phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" (e.g., [Exodus 39:1](/exodus/39-1 "Exodus 39:1 - Making the Garments"), [Exodus 39:5](/exodus/39-5 "Exodus 39:5 - Obedience in Craftsmanship"), [Exodus 39:7](/exodus/39-7 "Exodus 39:7 - Fulfillment of Instructions")) underscores the absolute faithfulness of the artisans and leaders in executing God's will.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Tabernacle served as the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among His people. It was the central hub of their worship and the place where atonement for sins was made. The High Priest, uniquely chosen from the tribe of Levi and the lineage of Aaron, held the paramount mediatorial role, representing the people before God and God before the people. His garments were not merely attire but sacred vestments, each element imbued with symbolic meaning, signifying his consecrated status and the gravity of his office. The meticulous design, including the bells and pomegranates, ensured that the High Priest's approach into the Holy Place was conducted with the utmost reverence and according to divine protocol. The sound of the bells, as specified in [Exodus 28:35](/exodus/28-35 "Exodus 28:35 - Purpose of the Bells"), was crucial for his safety, signaling his presence to the Lord and preventing his death due to an unauthorized or irreverent approach to God's holy presence. This emphasis on precise ritual and sacred space was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, but in Israel, it was uniquely tied to the holiness of Yahweh and His specific covenant demands, distinguishing His worship from pagan practices.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Holiness and Purity**, as evidenced by the "pure gold" and the strict adherence to God's precise instructions for sacred objects. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Mediatorial Priesthood**, emphasizing the unique and consecrated role of the High Priest as the sole authorized intermediary between God and Israel. The garments themselves are integral to his ability to perform this role. Thirdly, the meticulous detail reinforces the theme of **Obedience and Faithfulness** in carrying out God's commands, a recurring motif throughout the Tabernacle construction narrative (e.g., [Exodus 39:43](/exodus/39-43 "Exodus 39:43 - Moses' Approval")). Finally, the symbolic nature of the bells and pomegranates introduces themes of **Divine Presence and Blessing**, where the audible signal of the bells ensures the High Priest's life in God's presence, and the pomegranates symbolize the fruitfulness and abundance that flow from a right relationship with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pure (Hebrew, _ṭâhôwr'_):** This adjective (H2889) signifies a state of being "pure" in a physical, chemical, ceremonial, or moral sense. Here, applied to "gold," it emphasizes the unadulterated quality of the material, signifying the highest standard of excellence and sacredness required for objects associated with God's presence. This purity reflects God's own unblemished holiness and the uncompromised nature of the worship He demands.
* **Bells (Hebrew, _paʻămôn'_):** This noun (H6472), derived from a root meaning "to strike" or "to beat," refers to a bell that produces sound when struck. In this context, these were small, round, pure gold ornaments designed to create an audible signal. Their primary function, as detailed elsewhere, was to announce the High Priest's movements within the Holy Place, ensuring his authorized and reverent presence before the Lord, thus preventing his death.
* **Pomegranates (Hebrew, _rimmôwn'_):** This noun (H7416) refers to the fruit of the pomegranate tree or an artificial ornament resembling it. In the ancient Near East, the pomegranate, with its numerous seeds, was a widely recognized symbol of fertility, abundance, and blessing. On the High Priest's robe, these woven ornaments, crafted from vibrant yarns, likely symbolized the fruitfulness of the priestly ministry, the spiritual prosperity of the nation, and the beauty inherent in God's divine order and covenant blessings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they made bells [of] pure gold":** This clause initiates the description of the specific ornaments, highlighting their precious material—pure gold. The act of "making" (from H6213, _ʻâsâh_) emphasizes the skilled craftsmanship and the diligent obedience involved in translating God's detailed divine instructions into tangible, sacred objects, underscoring the value and holiness attributed to the High Priest's ministry.
* **"and put the bells between the pomegranates":** This specifies the precise, alternating pattern of the bells and pomegranates along the hem of the robe. The verb "put" (from H5414, _nâthan_) indicates the deliberate placement of these elements. This arrangement was not arbitrary but divinely ordained, creating a harmonious and balanced design that visually and symbolically connected the audible aspect of the bells with the visual beauty and fruitfulness of the pomegranates.
* **"upon the hem of the robe, round about between the pomegranates;":** This defines the exact location of these ornaments—on the lower border (H7757, _shûwl_) of the High Priest's blue robe (H4598, _mᵉʻîyl_). The phrase "round about" (H5439, _çâbîyb_) emphasizes that this alternating pattern encircled the entire hem, indicating a continuous and complete design. The repetition of "between the pomegranates" further reinforces the meticulous alternating sequence, ensuring no deviation from the divine blueprint and highlighting the integral relationship between the two symbolic elements.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning and significance. **Repetition** is prominently featured in the phrase "between the pomegranates," which appears twice within the verse. This reiteration serves to emphasize the precise alternating pattern and the meticulous adherence to God's design, underscoring the importance of order, exactness, and divine specificity in sacred worship. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the pure gold bells representing the High Priest's audible, authorized presence before God and the pomegranates symbolizing fruitfulness, abundance, and the blessings associated with God's covenant. The combination of sound and visual beauty creates a rich tapestry of meaning, where each element contributes to a deeper understanding of the High Priest's role. Furthermore, the entire garment, including its specific components, functions as **Synecdoche** (a type of metonymy), where the part (the bells and pomegranates) stands for the whole (the High Priest's sacred office and his mediatorial function). The sound of the bells, in particular, is a synecdoche for the High Priest's very life and authorized presence in the Holy Place, signifying his ritual purity and the divine acceptance of his approach.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:25, in its detailed description of the High Priest's garments, speaks profoundly to the themes of divine holiness, the necessity of mediation, and the beauty of ordered worship. The meticulous crafting of the pure gold bells and pomegranates underscores God's demand for perfection and purity in all that pertains to His presence. The High Priest's attire was not merely ceremonial; it was a visual and auditory declaration of his consecrated role, enabling him to approach a holy God on behalf of an unholy people. This divine order and attention to detail reflect God's character and His desire for humanity to approach Him with reverence, understanding the gravity of His presence. The bells ensured his life and announced his authorized approach, while the pomegranates symbolized the fruitfulness of his ministry, a balance between the proclamation of God's truth and the evidence of spiritual life and blessing.

* [Exodus 28:35](/exodus/28-35 "Exodus 28:35 - The Purpose of the Bells")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Royal Priesthood")
* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intricate design of the High Priest's robe, with its bells and pomegranates, offers profound lessons for believers today. While we no longer live under the Old Covenant's Levitical priesthood, the principles of reverence, intentionality, and the balance between proclamation and spiritual fruit remain vitally relevant. As a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Royal Priesthood")), we are called to approach God with holiness and to represent Him to the world. Our lives should produce both a clear "sound"—a consistent testimony, the bold proclamation of the Gospel, and worship that honors God—and visible "fruit"—the evidence of the Holy Spirit's transforming work in our character, reflected in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). This verse reminds us that God cares about the details of our obedience and the integrity of our walk. Our "garments" of righteousness and our "ministry" should reflect both the truth we speak and the life we live, ensuring our approach to God and our witness to the world are both reverent and fruitful, bringing glory to His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does my "sound" (my words, my testimony, my worship) clearly announce my presence before God and my witness to the world?**
* **What "fruit" of the Spirit is evident in my life, demonstrating the spiritual prosperity and beauty of my walk with Christ?**
* **How does the meticulous detail in God's instructions for the High Priest's garments challenge me to be more intentional and reverent in my own spiritual disciplines and service?**
* **Am I balancing the proclamation of truth with the evidence of a transformed life, much like the bells and pomegranates on the High Priest's robe?**

### FAQ

**Why were the bells on the High Priest's robe so important, and what was their primary function?**

Answer: The bells on the High Priest's robe were critically important for both ritual purity and the High Priest's safety. According to [Exodus 28:35](/exodus/28-35 "Exodus 28:35 - Purpose of the Bells"), "his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the LORD, and when he cometh out, that he die not." This indicates that the sound of the bells served as an audible signal to God that the High Priest was alive, moving, and performing his duties in the Holy Place. It was a constant affirmation of his authorized presence and reverence in God's holy dwelling. Without this audible confirmation, it was believed that he could be struck dead by God for an irreverent or unauthorized approach to the divine presence. The bells thus underscored the immense holiness of God and the strict requirements for approaching Him, ensuring that the High Priest's life was preserved for the continuation of his sacred duties.

**What did the pomegranates symbolize in conjunction with the bells?**

Answer: The pomegranates, woven into the hem of the High Priest's robe in alternation with the bells, carried significant symbolic meaning. As a fruit with many seeds, the pomegranate traditionally symbolized fertility, abundance, and blessing in the ancient world. In the context of the High Priest's garment, they likely represented the fruitfulness of his priestly ministry, the spiritual prosperity and blessings bestowed upon the nation of Israel through his intercession, and the beauty of God's divine design for worship. While the bells represented the "sound" or proclamation of his presence and authorized ministry, the pomegranates represented the "fruit" or visible evidence of spiritual life and blessing. Their alternating pattern suggested a harmonious balance between the High Priest's active service (sound) and the resulting spiritual vitality and abundance (fruit) for the community, reflecting the holistic nature of God's covenant relationship with His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 39:25, with its description of the High Priest's divinely ordained garments, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. The Old Testament High Priest, adorned with bells and pomegranates, served as a type, a shadow of the perfect reality to come ([Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Shadow of Heavenly Things")). The pure gold bells, signaling the High Priest's authorized presence before God, point to Jesus, who, by His own blood, entered the true heavenly sanctuary "once for all" ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")), not needing bells to announce His approach, for He is eternally pure and perfectly acceptable to the Father. His presence before God is not merely audible but eternally effective, ensuring our access to the throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Likewise, the pomegranates, symbolizing fruitfulness and blessing, are fully realized in Christ. His ministry is not merely fruitful but the very source of all spiritual fruit and abundance for His people. He is the true vine, and we are the branches, bearing much fruit through our vital connection to Him ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Jesus the True Vine")). Through His perfect sacrifice and ongoing intercession, Christ provides not only access to God but also the abundant life and spiritual blessings that the Old Covenant symbols could only foreshadow. He is the High Priest whose "sound" of perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice echoes eternally, and whose "fruit" is the salvation and sanctification of His people, a beauty far surpassing any earthly garment.

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 89:15

¶ Blessed [is] the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.

Exodus 28:33

And [beneath] upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates [of] blue, and [of] purple, and [of] scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about:

Exodus 28:34

A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about.

Song Of Solomon 4:13

Thy plants [are] an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard,