Exodus 39:28

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And a mitre {H4701} of fine linen {H8336}, and goodly {H6287} bonnets {H4021} of fine linen {H8336}, and linen {H906} breeches {H4370} of fine twined {H7806} linen {H8336},

Complete Jewish Bible

the turban of fine linen, the splendid headgear of fine linen, the linen shorts,

Berean Standard Bible

as well as the turban of fine linen, the ornate headbands and undergarments of finely spun linen,

American Standard Version

and the mitre of fine linen, and the goodly head-tires of fine linen, and the linen breeches of fine twined linen,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:28 meticulously details the completion of specific priestly garments for the Tabernacle service: the High Priest's mitre, the ordinary priests' bonnets, and the linen breeches for all priests. Fashioned from fine linen, these items underscore the divine mandate for purity, modesty, and precise adherence to God's instructions in the worship of a holy God, signifying the consecration and distinct role of those who ministered before Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 39:28 is situated within the final section of the book of Exodus, specifically chapters 35-40, which describe the actual construction and completion of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, along with the priestly garments, all according to the detailed blueprints previously given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. This chapter serves as a fulfillment narrative, demonstrating Israel's faithful obedience to every instruction. The preceding verses in [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - Construction of Priestly Garments") (vv. 1-26) describe the making of the ephod and the breastpiece, while the verses immediately following (vv. 29-31) complete the description of the High Priest's belt and the golden plate for the mitre. This meticulous recounting emphasizes the exactness of the execution, mirroring the precision of the divine command found earlier in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments and Consecration").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle and the creation of the priestly garments occurred during Israel's wilderness wanderings, a pivotal period in their formation as a nation under God's covenant. The elaborate nature of these garments, particularly the emphasis on "fine linen" and specific designs, set the Israelite priesthood apart from other ancient Near Eastern religious practices. While other cultures had priests and cultic attire, the Israelite garments were uniquely prescribed by Yahweh, emphasizing His holiness and the need for purity in approaching Him. The linen breeches, in particular, addressed the cultural expectation of modesty and prevented any potential exposure during sacred service at the altar, as explicitly commanded in [Exodus 28:42-43](/exodus/28-42-43 "Exodus 28:42-43 - Command for Linen Breeches"). This attention to detail reflects God's desire for reverence and order in worship, distinguishing His people and their worship from the pagan rituals of surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Prescription and Human Obedience**, showcasing Israel's faithful execution of God's detailed commands for the Tabernacle and its service (compare [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") with [Exodus 35-40](/exodus/35-40 "Exodus 35-40 - Construction of the Tabernacle")). Secondly, the emphasis on "fine linen" and specific garments underscores the theme of **Holiness and Purity** required for approaching a holy God. The priests, as mediators, had to be ritually clean and set apart. Thirdly, the distinct attire for the High Priest and ordinary priests reinforces the theme of **Order and Hierarchy** within God's divinely established system of worship and governance for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mitre (Hebrew, _mitsnepheth'_):** This term refers specifically to the tiara or official turban worn by the High Priest. Unlike the simpler caps of the ordinary priests, the _mitsnepheth_ was an elaborate, wrapped head covering, symbolizing the High Priest's unique and elevated status as the chief mediator between God and Israel. It was designed to hold the golden plate inscribed "Holiness to the LORD," further emphasizing its sacred significance and the High Priest's role as consecrated for God's presence.
* **Bonnet (Hebrew, _migbâʻâh'_):** This term, used in the plural in the verse, refers to the cap-like head coverings for the ordinary priests. Derived from a word suggesting a hemispherical shape, these bonnets distinguished the ordinary priests visually from the High Priest's turban and from the laypeople. Their purpose was to provide a dignified covering and to mark them as consecrated for sacred service, ensuring a proper appearance before God.
* **Fine Twined Linen (Hebrew, _shêsh shâzar'_):** This phrase denotes linen of the highest quality, meticulously spun and twisted into strong, fine threads. The term _shêsh_ refers to bleached stuff, specifically white linen, symbolizing purity, cleanliness, and value. The addition of _shâzar_, meaning "to twist" or "to twine," indicates the superior craftsmanship involved in creating a durable and strong fabric from these fine threads. The repeated emphasis on "fine linen" throughout the descriptions of the Tabernacle and priestly garments (e.g., [Exodus 28:39](/exodus/28-39 "Exodus 28:39 - Description of the Tunic")) highlights the material's purity and its essential nature for those ministering in the presence of a holy God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a mitre [of] fine linen":** This clause specifies the High Priest's distinctive head covering, crafted from the purest and finest quality linen. The mitre was not merely an accessory but a central symbol of his unique office, signifying his elevated role and the profound holiness required for his direct access to God on behalf of the people. Its material underscored the purity demanded for such a sacred mediatorial position.
* **"and goodly bonnets [of] fine linen":** This refers to the head coverings for the ordinary priests, also made of fine linen. While distinct in form from the High Priest's mitre, these bonnets similarly marked the ordinary priests as set apart for sacred service. The term "goodly" (from H6287, _pᵉʼêr_) suggests an embellishment or fancy head-dress, indicating that even the ordinary priests' attire was designed with dignity and beauty, emphasizing their shared requirement for purity and reverence in their duties.
* **"and linen breeches [of] fine twined linen":** This describes the undergarments worn by all priests, both High Priest and ordinary. The material, "fine twined linen," again stresses purity and quality, indicating a fabric that was both delicate and durable. These breeches were essential for modesty, designed to cover the priests' nakedness when they ministered at the altar, ensuring reverence and preventing sacrilege in God's holy presence, as explicitly commanded in [Exodus 28:42](/exodus/28-42 "Exodus 28:42 - Command for Linen Breeches"). This detail highlights God's concern for even the most private aspects of priestly conduct in His holy sanctuary.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 39:28, and indeed throughout the Tabernacle construction narrative, is **Repetition**. The detailed reiteration of materials and specific items, often echoing the commands given in earlier chapters (e.g., [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Instructions for Priestly Garments")), serves to emphasize the precision and exactness of Israel's obedience to God's divine instructions. This repetition reinforces the theme of God's meticulousness and His expectation of faithful adherence to His covenant stipulations. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is deeply embedded in the description. The "fine linen" itself is a powerful symbol of purity, holiness, and righteousness, essential qualities for those who approach a holy God. The distinct head coverings (mitre vs. bonnets) also symbolize the **Hierarchy** and specific roles within the priesthood, reflecting the divine order established for worship. The inclusion of the breeches underscores the symbolic importance of **Modesty** and reverence in the divine presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:28, in its meticulous detail of priestly garments, profoundly underscores the themes of holiness, purity, and divine order in worship. The repeated emphasis on "fine linen" signifies the absolute necessity of ritual and moral purity for those who minister before a holy God. These garments were not merely uniforms but sacred vestments that set the priests apart, identifying them as consecrated mediators between God and His people. The precise adherence to God's instructions in their making highlights the importance of obedience and reverence in all aspects of divine service. This passage teaches us that God cares about the specifics of how we approach Him, demanding both inward purity and outward conformity to His revealed will. The very fabric and form of the attire communicated the gravity and sanctity of their calling.

* [Leviticus 10:3](/leviticus/10-3 "Leviticus 10:3 - God's Holiness and Priestly Conduct")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursuit of Peace and Holiness")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Call to Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 39:28, while describing ancient priestly attire, offers timeless principles for believers today. As a "royal priesthood" (as described in [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Royal Priesthood")), we are called to a life of holiness and distinction, not through outward garments, but through inward purity and righteous living. The meticulous detail in God's commands for the priests' attire reminds us that God is concerned with the specifics of our devotion and service. Our "garments" are now spiritual: putting on Christ's righteousness, living with integrity, and maintaining a pure heart before God. Just as the linen breeches ensured modesty and reverence, so too are we called to conduct ourselves in a manner that honors God in all circumstances, avoiding anything that would bring shame or disrespect to His holy name. This passage challenges us to consider the quality of our spiritual "linen"—are we presenting ourselves to God with diligence, purity, and humble obedience in every area of our lives? It calls us to examine whether our lives reflect the holiness of the God we serve, both in public and in private.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on "fine linen" in priestly garments inform our understanding of purity in Christian life and worship today?**
* **In what ways can we, as a "royal priesthood," demonstrate spiritual "modesty" and reverence in our daily lives and service to God?**
* **What specific areas of my life might need to be "fashioned" more precisely according to God's instructions, reflecting greater obedience and integrity?**

### FAQ
**Why were the priestly garments, especially the linen, so meticulously described and emphasized?**

Answer: The meticulous description of the priestly garments, particularly the repeated emphasis on "fine linen" and "fine twined linen," served several crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscored the **holiness and purity** required for those who ministered in God's presence. Linen, being white and easily washable, symbolized ritual and moral cleanliness, reflecting the character of the God they served. Secondly, it demonstrated the **divine authority and precision** of God's commands; every detail was significant and divinely ordained, demanding exact obedience from the Israelites in their construction and use. Thirdly, the garments served to **distinguish and consecrate** the priests, setting them apart from the common people and identifying them as consecrated individuals dedicated solely to God's service. This attention to detail ensured that worship was conducted with the utmost reverence and order, reflecting the character of a holy God. The instructions for these garments are first given in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Instructions for Priestly Garments"), with chapter 39 detailing their faithful execution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 39:28, with its focus on the pure linen garments of the Old Testament priesthood, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "fine linen" symbolizing purity and righteousness points directly to Christ, who is our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), perfectly pure and without blemish, unlike the Levitical priests who themselves needed atonement. While the earthly priests wore these garments to cover their own imperfections and to perform a temporary mediating role, Jesus, in His perfect humanity and divine nature, required no such covering for Himself. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering a singular, perfect sacrifice that forever purifies His people, making us righteous in God's sight. Through His finished work on the cross, believers are now clothed in His righteousness (as described in [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation")) and are constituted as a "royal priesthood" (as stated in [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Royal Priesthood")), no longer needing the physical linen garments to approach God. Our access to the Father is now direct, through the torn veil of Christ's flesh (as explained in [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")), and our spiritual "garments" are the purity and holiness imputed by His perfect life and atoning death. He is the one who perfectly fulfills the requirements of purity and modesty, allowing us to draw near to God with confidence.

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 28:4

And these [are] the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

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:

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.