Exodus 39:26

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

A bell {H6472} and a pomegranate {H7416}, a bell {H6472} and a pomegranate {H7416}, round about {H5439} the hem {H7757} of the robe {H4598} to minister {H8334} in; as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

that is, bell, pomegranate, bell, pomegranate, all the way around the hem of the robe for service - as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

alternating the bells and pomegranates around the lower hem of the robe to be worn for ministry, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

American Standard Version

a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, upon the skirts of the robe round about, to minister in; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:26 meticulously details the construction of the high priest's robe, specifically the alternating bells and pomegranates adorning its hem. This verse, part of the concluding accounts of the Tabernacle's construction, underscores the divine precision and absolute obedience required in the execution of God's sacred blueprint for worship, ensuring every element of the priestly attire was fashioned exactly "as the LORD commanded Moses" for the holy ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the final chapters of the book of Exodus (chapters 35-40), which meticulously describe the actual construction and assembly of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, along with the priestly garments. These chapters serve as a direct fulfillment of the detailed instructions given by God earlier in the book, particularly in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). The specific instructions for the high priestly garments, including the "robe of the ephod" and its unique hem, were initially given in [Exodus 28:33-35](/exodus/28-33 "Exodus 28:33-35 - The Bells and Pomegranates on the Robe"). The recurring phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout these concluding chapters (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 - Obedience in the Ephod"), [Exodus 39:21](/exodus/39-21 "Exodus 39:21 - Obedience in the Breastpiece"), [Exodus 39:32](/exodus/39-32 "Exodus 39:32 - Completion of the Tabernacle Work")) functions as a literary refrain, emphasizing the absolute fidelity of Moses and the skilled craftsmen (like Bezalel and Oholiab, introduced in [Exodus 31:1-6](/exodus/31-1 "Exodus 31:1-6 - Bezalel and Oholiab Called")) to God's precise divine blueprint.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle served as the central place of worship for ancient Israel, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people. The high priest, represented by Aaron and his descendants, held the most sacred office, mediating between God and the Israelites. His garments were not merely attire but sacred vestments, meticulously designed by divine command to signify his consecrated status, his role as mediator, and the holiness of the God he served. The bells and pomegranates on the hem of the robe of the ephod had both practical and symbolic significance. From a practical standpoint, the sound of the bells (as implied in [Exodus 28:35](/exodus/28-35 "Exodus 28:35 - The Bells Announce the High Priest's Presence")) would announce the high priest's movements within the Holy Place and especially when he approached the Most Holy Place, ensuring his life was preserved in the presence of God. Symbolically, pomegranates were widely recognized in the ancient Near East as symbols of fertility, abundance, and life due to their numerous seeds and rich juice, often appearing in art and architecture. Their inclusion on the high priest's robe would have signified the fruitfulness, blessing, and spiritual vitality that should characterize the priestly ministry and flow from God to His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bell (Hebrew, _pa'amon'_):** This word refers to a small, clapper-type bell. Its root is often associated with striking or sounding. In the context of the high priest's robe, the bell's primary function was to produce sound, announcing the high priest's presence as he moved within the sacred space of the Tabernacle. This audible signal was crucial, as it signified that the high priest was alive and properly ministering before the Lord, a matter of life and death when approaching the holy presence of God.
* **Pomegranate (Hebrew, _rimmon'_):** This term designates the fruit of the pomegranate tree, known for its distinctive shape, deep red color, and numerous seeds. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, pomegranates were potent symbols of fertility, abundance, prosperity, and life. Their inclusion on the high priest's robe likely symbolized the spiritual fruitfulness, blessing, and life that God intended to flow through the priestly ministry to the nation of Israel. It represented the spiritual vitality and abundance that should characterize God's people.
* **Minister (Hebrew, _sharat'_):** While not explicitly in the KJV text of 39:26, the phrase "to minister [in]" implies the Hebrew verb _sharat_, which means "to serve," "to minister," or "to attend upon." It often refers to sacred service, particularly priestly or Levitical duties. This highlights that the purpose of the robe and its adornments was not merely aesthetic but functional, enabling the high priest to perform his consecrated duties in a manner pleasing and acceptable to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate":** This precise repetition emphasizes the alternating pattern of the ornaments around the hem of the robe. It highlights the meticulous detail and specific order commanded by God, underscoring the divine precision required in all aspects of Tabernacle construction and priestly attire. The dual nature of the adornment (auditory and visual, symbolic of presence and fruitfulness) is central.
* **"round about the hem of the robe":** This specifies the exact placement of the bells and pomegranates. They were not randomly placed but strategically positioned along the lower edge of the high priest's blue robe, ensuring they would be visible and audible as he moved. This placement underscored their functional and symbolic importance in his sacred duties.
* **"to minister [in]":** This phrase clarifies the purpose of these specific adornments. They were integral to the high priest's ability to perform his sacred duties within the Tabernacle. The sound of the bells ensured his presence was known, preventing his death when entering God's presence, while the pomegranates symbolized the life and blessing inherent in his consecrated service. The garments were not for personal glory but for the glory of God and the benefit of His people.
* **"as the LORD commanded Moses":** This concluding phrase, a recurring motif throughout the Tabernacle accounts, serves as a powerful affirmation of divine authority and human obedience. It stresses that every detail, no matter how small, was executed precisely according to God's explicit instructions, underscoring the faithfulness of Moses and the craftsmen, and the absolute necessity of adhering to God's revealed will in worship and service.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 39:26 employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is prominently featured with the phrase "A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate," which not only describes the alternating pattern but also emphasizes the meticulous and precise nature of God's instructions and their faithful execution. This repetition reinforces the idea of divine order and the importance of exact adherence to the blueprint. **Symbolism** is central to the verse's meaning, with both the "bell" and the "pomegranate" carrying rich connotations. The bells symbolize the high priest's audible presence, accountability, and the reverence required in God's holy presence, while the pomegranates symbolize fruitfulness, abundance, and the spiritual life that flows from consecrated ministry. The entire ensemble of the high priest's garments, of which these elements are a part, functions as a form of **metonymy** or **synecdoche**, where the parts (the bells and pomegranates) represent the whole office and function of the high priest, signifying his holiness, consecration, and the divine authority under which he ministered. The recurring phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" acts as a **refrain**, underscoring the theme of obedience and divine authority throughout the Tabernacle construction narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:26, with its meticulous detail concerning the high priest's vestments, profoundly illustrates God's character as a God of order, precision, and holiness. It reveals that God cares deeply about the details of worship and service, not as arbitrary rules, but as expressions of His own perfect nature and as means to ensure proper reverence and access to His presence. The high priest's bells and pomegranates were not merely decorative; they were functional and symbolic, signifying the life-giving and life-preserving nature of consecrated ministry. This passage underscores that true worship and service must be conducted according to God's revealed will, emphasizing obedience, accountability, and spiritual fruitfulness as essential components of approaching a holy God.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle")
* [Leviticus 8:30](/leviticus/8-30 "Leviticus 8:30 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons")
* [Deuteronomy 4:2](/deuteronomy/4-2 "Deuteronomy 4:2 - Do Not Add or Subtract from God's Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Levitical priesthood and the Tabernacle system have been fulfilled in Christ, the principles embedded in Exodus 39:26 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. As members of God's "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Royal Priesthood")), we are called to a life of consecration and service that reflects God's holiness and brings Him glory. The bells on the high priest's robe remind us that our "walk" and conduct in the world should be discernible, marked by a clear testimony of God's presence in our lives. Our actions and words should "ring out" with the truth of the Gospel, demonstrating our accountability to God and our reverence for His name. Similarly, the pomegranates call us to spiritual fruitfulness, reminding us that our lives should bear the fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")), bringing blessing to others and reflecting the abundant life found in Christ. This verse also teaches us the importance of obedience to God's commands, recognizing that God cares about the details of our lives and our service. Our reverence for Him should translate into a faithful adherence to His Word in all areas, ensuring that our lives are lived "as the LORD commanded."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in God's commands for the Tabernacle garments inform our understanding of His character and our approach to worship today?**
* **In what ways can our lives, as believers, audibly "ring" with the presence of God, and how can we ensure our "fruit" is evident to those around us?**
* **Considering the high priest's role, how does our own "priesthood" in Christ call us to a life of consecration and faithful service?**

### FAQ
**Why did the high priest wear bells on his robe?**

Answer: The bells on the high priest's robe served both a practical and a symbolic purpose. Practically, as stated in [Exodus 28:35](/exodus/28-35 "Exodus 28:35 - The Bells Announce the High Priest's Presence"), their sound announced his presence as he moved within the Holy Place and especially when he entered the Most Holy Place. This was crucial for his safety, as it signified that he was alive and properly ministering before the Lord, preventing him from dying in God's holy presence. Symbolically, the bells represented accountability, reverence, and the audible testimony of his consecrated service. His every movement in God's presence was to be acknowledged.

**What was the significance of the pomegranates?**

Answer: Pomegranates, with their numerous seeds and rich juice, were ancient symbols of fertility, abundance, prosperity, and life. On the high priest's robe, they likely symbolized the spiritual fruitfulness, blessing, and life that God intended to flow through the priestly ministry to the nation of Israel. They represented the spiritual vitality and abundance that should characterize God's people and the blessings that come from faithful service and obedience to God's commands.

**Why is the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" repeated so often in Exodus?**

Answer: The recurring phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" (seen throughout [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - The Priestly Garments Made") and [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected")) serves as a powerful theological and literary refrain. It primarily emphasizes the divine authority behind every detail of the Tabernacle's construction and the priestly garments. It highlights Moses' unwavering obedience and the meticulous faithfulness of the craftsmen in executing God's precise blueprint. This repetition underscores that the Tabernacle was not a human invention but a divinely ordained dwelling place for God, built exactly according to His will, thereby ensuring its sanctity and efficacy in mediating between God and His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 39:26, with its detailed description of the high priest's robe, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. The Levitical high priest, with his bells and pomegranates, was a shadow and a type of the perfect priesthood to come. The bells, which announced the high priest's presence and ensured his life in God's holy presence, foreshadowed Christ's perfect and acceptable presence before the Father, not needing bells to signify His life, for He is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). Jesus, through His perfect obedience ([Hebrews 5:8-9](/hebrews/5-8 "Hebrews 5:8-9 - Jesus Learned Obedience")) and once-for-all sacrifice, entered the true heavenly sanctuary, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, securing an eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ Our High Priest")). His ministry is always acceptable to God. The pomegranates, symbolizing fruitfulness and abundance, are supremely fulfilled in Christ, who is the source of all spiritual life and blessing. He came to give us "life, and have it more abundantly" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")), and through Him, we bear much fruit ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - I Am the Vine, You Are the Branches")). Unlike the Levitical priests who died and were replaced, Jesus holds His priesthood permanently, because He lives forever, continually interceding for us ([Hebrews 7:23-25](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23-25 - Jesus Our Permanent High Priest")). Thus, the meticulous details of the high priest's robe point us to the flawless, eternal, and perfectly fruitful ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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 28:34

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

Song Of Solomon 6:7

As a piece of a pomegranate [are] thy temples within thy locks.

Song Of Solomon 4:13

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

Song Of Solomon 4:3

Thy lips [are] like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech [is] comely: thy temples [are] like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks.

Matthew 9:20

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind [him], and touched the hem of his garment:

Deuteronomy 22:12

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