Exodus 39:27

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And they made {H6213} coats {H3801} of fine linen {H8336} of woven {H707} work {H4639} for Aaron {H175}, and for his sons {H1121},

Complete Jewish Bible

They made the tunics of finely woven linen for Aharon and his sons,

Berean Standard Bible

For Aaron and his sons they made tunics of fine linen, the work of a weaver,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:27 meticulously details the fabrication of the linen coats for Aaron and his sons, serving as the foundational undergarments for their sacred priestly service. This verse is part of the broader narrative in Exodus 39, which chronicles the precise and faithful execution of all divine instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its accompanying priestly vestments, underscoring God's demand for purity, order, and absolute obedience in worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 39:27 is situated within the concluding chapters of Exodus, specifically detailing the actual construction of the Tabernacle and the making of the priestly garments. The entire chapter, from [Exodus 39:1](/exodus/39-1 "Exodus 39:1 - Making the Priestly Garments") to [Exodus 39:43](/exodus/39-43 "Exodus 39:43 - Completion of the Work"), emphasizes the meticulous adherence to God's previously given instructions, often repeating the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses." This verse, along with [Exodus 39:28-29](/exodus/39-28 "Exodus 39:28-29 - Priestly Turban and Breeches"), specifically describes the garments of the ordinary priests and the basic undergarments for the High Priest, Aaron, following the detailed specifications outlined in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Instructions for Priestly Garments"). The placement here highlights the transition from divine blueprint to tangible reality, showcasing the Israelites' faithfulness in fulfilling every aspect of the sacred commission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, priestly attire was not merely functional but deeply symbolic, distinguishing the priests and signifying their consecrated status. The "coats of fine linen" (Hebrew: *kuttĕnōt šēš*) were the innermost garments, worn directly against the body, symbolizing the purity and humility required for those who ministered in the presence of a holy God. Unlike the more ornate outer garments, these simple linen tunics underscored the fundamental requirement of inner cleanliness and moral uprightness for priestly service. The use of "fine linen" (*šēš*), a costly and high-quality material often associated with royalty and sacred contexts (cf. [Genesis 41:42](/genesis/41-42 "Genesis 41:42 - Joseph's Garments of Fine Linen")), further emphasized the sacredness of the priestly office and the divine origin of their calling. The meticulous craftsmanship implied by "woven work" reflects the high standards God expected for all elements of Tabernacle service, from the grandest furnishings to the most basic priestly attire.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Coats (Hebrew, _kuttĕnōt'_):** These were tunics or shirts, the basic undergarments worn by the priests. Unlike the more elaborate ephod or breastplate, the *kuttĕnōt* were simple, full-length garments, symbolizing the foundational purity and humility required for all who ministered before God. Their simplicity contrasted with the ornate outer garments, emphasizing that even the most basic elements of priestly service were divinely prescribed and significant.
* **Fine linen (Hebrew, _šēš'_):** This term refers to high-quality, pure white linen, likely imported from Egypt. It was a costly and prized material, consistently associated with purity, holiness, and divine presence throughout the Old Testament (e.g., the Tabernacle curtains in [Exodus 26:1](/exodus/26-1 "Exodus 26:1 - Tabernacle Curtains")). Its use for the priestly garments underscored the absolute necessity of moral and ritual purity for those who approached God on behalf of the people.
* **Woven work (Hebrew, _maʿăśēh ʾōrēḡ'_):** This phrase indicates skilled craftsmanship, specifically the work of a weaver. It implies that these garments were not merely sewn but intricately woven, likely as a single piece or with seamless construction. This detail highlights the precision and artistry demanded by God for even the most basic priestly attire, reflecting the divine standard of excellence and the sacredness of every aspect of Tabernacle service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they made coats":** This refers to the skilled artisans, specifically Bezalel and Oholiab and those working under them, who were gifted by God with wisdom and understanding for all the work of the Tabernacle ([Exodus 31:1-6](/exodus/31-1 "Exodus 31:1-6 - Bezalel and Oholiab Appointed")). The act of "making" signifies the faithful execution of God's detailed commands, transforming divine blueprints into tangible reality.
* **"[of] fine linen":** The material chosen, "fine linen" (*šēš*), was of superior quality and notably white. This choice was not arbitrary but profoundly symbolic, representing purity, holiness, and righteousness. Priests, as mediators between a holy God and His people, had to embody these qualities in their very attire.
* **"[of] woven work":** This phrase emphasizes the method of construction, indicating that the garments were meticulously crafted by skilled weavers. This detail underscores the divine expectation for excellence and precision in all aspects of worship and service, reflecting the perfect order and beauty of God Himself. It suggests a seamless or expertly constructed garment, fit for sacred use.
* **"for Aaron, and for his sons":** This specifies the recipients of these garments. Aaron was the High Priest, and his sons were the ordinary priests. These linen coats were the basic, innermost layer worn by all priests during their service, signifying their common call to purity and service, regardless of their specific rank within the priesthood.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Metonymy**, where "coats of fine linen" stand for the entire priestly office and the purity required for it. The garments themselves are not merely clothing but symbols of the consecrated status and the moral and ritual cleanliness essential for approaching God. There is also an underlying **Emphasis** on divine command and obedience, which is a pervasive theme throughout [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - The Completion of the Tabernacle and Priestly Garments"). The meticulous detail given to even these basic garments highlights God's demand for absolute precision and faithfulness in carrying out His instructions, reinforcing the sanctity of the Tabernacle service. The consistent use of specific materials like "fine linen" also functions as **Symbolism**, where the material itself carries inherent theological meaning related to purity and holiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:27, in its description of the priests' linen coats, profoundly connects to the broader biblical themes of holiness, purity, and the necessity of proper preparation for divine service. The meticulous attention to detail in crafting these garments underscores God's absolute standard for those who draw near to Him. It teaches that access to God is not casual but requires a divinely ordained approach, marked by consecration and moral purity. This Old Testament pattern foreshadows the ultimate purity and perfect access provided through Christ, yet it also calls believers to a life of holiness, recognizing our identity as a "royal priesthood" in the New Covenant.

* [Hebrews 9:1-10](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-10 - Earthly Sanctuary and its Services")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")
* [Revelation 19:8](/revelation/19-8 "Revelation 19:8 - Fine Linen, Bright and Clean")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The painstaking detail given to the priests' linen coats in Exodus 39:27 serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous nature and His demand for purity and intentionality in worship and service. While we no longer serve under the Old Covenant priesthood, the principles of preparation, purity, and humble obedience remain profoundly relevant for believers today. As a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices and live lives that reflect the holiness of God. This verse challenges us to consider the "garments" of our spiritual lives—our attitudes, motives, and actions—and to ensure they are "woven" with integrity, humility, and a deep respect for God's character and commands. Our service, whether in public ministry or daily life, should be marked by a conscious effort to live purely and faithfully, recognizing that we represent a holy God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or service do I need to pay more meticulous attention to purity and obedience, reflecting God's high standards?**
* **How does the "fine linen" of the priests' garments challenge me to cultivate inner purity and humility in my walk with God?**
* **What "woven work"—the skilled application of my gifts and talents—am I offering to God, and is it done with excellence and intentionality?**

### FAQ
**Why was so much detail given to these seemingly simple linen coats?**

Answer: The extensive detail for the linen coats, as with all Tabernacle elements, underscores God's absolute holiness and His meticulous requirements for approaching Him. These coats were the innermost garments, symbolizing the fundamental purity and humility required for priests. The details emphasized that every aspect of service, even the most basic, was divinely ordained and essential for proper worship. It taught the Israelites, and us, that God is not to be approached casually but with reverence, precision, and a deep understanding of His sacred nature.

**What was the significance of "fine linen" for the priestly garments?**

Answer: "Fine linen" (*šēš*) was a high-quality, pure white material, often associated with royalty and sacred contexts in the ancient world. Biblically, its primary significance is purity and holiness. Its use for the priests' innermost garments visually communicated the moral and ritual purity required for those who ministered in God's presence. It also symbolized righteousness, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the spotless righteousness of Christ and the "fine linen, bright and clean" given to the bride of Christ ([Revelation 19:8](/revelation/19-8 "Revelation 19:8 - Fine Linen, Bright and Clean")).

**Are these specific garments still relevant for believers today?**

Answer: While the physical garments and the Old Covenant priesthood have been fulfilled in Christ, the principles they represent are profoundly relevant. Believers are now part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices. The linen coats symbolize the spiritual purity, humility, and obedience required for all who serve God. We are called to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" ([Ephesians 4:24](/ephesians/4-24 "Ephesians 4:24 - Put on the New Self")), which is our spiritual "fine linen" for service in the New Covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 39:27, with its focus on the pure linen garments for the priests, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The Old Testament priests, clothed in "fine linen" to signify their ritual purity and fitness for service, foreshadowed the ultimate and perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ. Unlike the Levitical priests who needed to be cleansed and clothed in symbolic purity, Christ possessed inherent, unblemished purity and righteousness. He is the Lamb of God, "without blemish or spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Redeemed by the Blood of Christ")), whose perfect life and atoning sacrifice provide the true "fine linen" of righteousness for all who believe. Through His shed blood, He not only purifies us but also clothes us in His own perfect righteousness, enabling us to draw near to God with confidence ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")). The meticulous "woven work" of the linen coats also points to Christ's perfectly executed ministry and His flawless obedience to the Father's will, which culminated in His ultimate priestly act on the cross, making Him "holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - A Perfect High Priest")). He is our great High Priest, who mediates for us not with symbolic garments, but with His own eternal, perfected sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")).

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

Ezekiel 44:18

They shall have linen bonnets upon their heads, and shall have linen breeches upon their loins; they shall not gird [themselves] with any thing that causeth sweat.

Galatians 3:27

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Romans 13:14

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].

Philippians 2:6

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Philippians 2:8

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Exodus 28:39

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.

Exodus 28:42

And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach: