Exodus 39:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And they tied {H5414} unto it a lace {H6616} of blue {H8504}, to fasten {H5414} it on high {H4605} upon the mitre {H4701}; as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and tied a blue cord on it to fasten it to the front of the turban - as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

Then they fastened to it a blue cord to mount it on the turban, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

American Standard Version

And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten it upon the mitre above; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:31 meticulously details the final, crucial step in the preparation of the high priest's sacred headwear: the precise attachment of the gold plate, or "holy crown," to the mitre. This verse underscores the divine precision required in all aspects of Tabernacle construction and priestly garments, emphasizing that every minute detail, down to the color and method of attachment, was specifically commanded by the LORD, ensuring the high priest's attire perfectly symbolized his consecrated role and the holiness of God he represented.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concluding chapters of Exodus (chapters 35-40), which describe the meticulous execution of the Tabernacle's construction and the making of the priestly garments, mirroring the detailed instructions given by God in earlier chapters (Exodus 25-31). Specifically, [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Construction of Priestly Garments") focuses on the completion of the priestly vestments. Verse 31 follows directly from [Exodus 39:30](/exodus/39-30 "The Holy Crown Inscription"), which describes the inscription "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" engraved upon the gold plate. Thus, verse 31 provides the practical, final instruction for how this profoundly significant plate was to be securely fastened to the high priest's mitre, ensuring its prominent display and constant visibility as a symbol of Israel's consecration to Yahweh. The repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout these chapters (e.g., [Exodus 39:1](/exodus/39-1 "Priestly Garments Made"), [Exodus 39:5](/exodus/39-5 "Ephod Details"), [Exodus 39:7](/exodus/39-7 "Shoulder Stones"), [Exodus 39:21](/exodus/39-21 "Breastplate Attachment")) serves as a powerful literary refrain, emphasizing the absolute fidelity of the craftsmen and Moses to God's divine blueprint.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the high priest served as the chief mediator between God and the people, responsible for offering sacrifices and entering the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement. His garments were not merely decorative but were imbued with profound symbolic meaning, distinguishing him and signifying his unique role. The mitre (turban) and the gold plate (often called the "holy crown" or "diadem") were the most prominent parts of his headwear, designed to be seen by all. The "lace of blue" was made from a highly valued dye, often associated with royalty and divinity in the ancient Near East, symbolizing the heavenly origin of the priest's office and the divine nature of the holiness he represented. The meticulous attention to detail in the construction of these garments, as seen in [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Construction of Priestly Garments"), reflected the Israelite understanding of God's absolute holiness and the necessity of precise, reverent worship in His presence. This level of detail was common in ancient Near Eastern temple construction, but here it is uniquely tied to the direct, verbal commands of Yahweh, distinguishing Israelite worship from that of surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 39:31 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the **Sovereignty and Holiness of God**, emphasizing that every detail of worship, even the smallest components like a blue lace, is divinely ordained and reflects God's perfect, holy nature. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Command and Human Obedience**, as the repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Construction of Priestly Garments") validates the faithful execution of God's precise instructions. This obedience is presented as the proper response to God's revelation and the foundation for His dwelling among His people. Thirdly, the verse contributes to the theme of **Mediation and Atonement**, as the high priest's garments, culminating in the "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" inscription, were essential for his role in representing Israel before God and bearing their iniquities ([Exodus 28:38](/exodus/28-38 "Bearing Iniquity")). Finally, the meticulous craftsmanship and the use of precious materials, including the costly blue dye, speak to the theme of **Sacred Space and Sacred Service**, where everything associated with God's presence and worship is set apart and consecrated, reflecting the glory and majesty of Yahweh. The entire narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Tabernacle Instructions") through [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Tabernacle Erected"), reinforces these themes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lace (Hebrew, _pâthîyl'_):** From the root meaning "to twine," this word refers to a thread, cord, or ribbon. In this context, it specifically denotes the string or cord used to attach the gold plate to the mitre. The specification of "blue" (תְּכֵלֶת, _tᵉkêleth_), derived from a costly mollusk, was significant in the ancient Near East, often associated with the heavens, divinity, and royalty. Its use here reinforces the sacred, heavenly nature of the high priest's office and the divine authority under which he served, connecting the earthly garment to its celestial purpose.
* **High (Hebrew, _maʻal'_):** This adverbial term, meaning "upward, above, overhead, from the top," emphasizes the prominent placement of the gold plate. Its position "on high upon the mitre" ensured the visibility of the "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" inscription, making it a constant visual reminder of the priest's consecrated status and the sanctity required for approaching God. This highlights the public and symbolic nature of the high priest's headwear.
* **Mitre (Hebrew, _mitsnepheth'_):** This term refers to a "tiara" or "official turban," specifically the distinctive headwear worn by the high priest. Unlike the turbans of ordinary priests, the high priest's mitre was likely more elaborate and specifically designed to bear the gold plate. Its function was not merely adornment but a vital component of the sacred vestments, signifying the high priest's unique and consecrated role as mediator between God and Israel.
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "(intensively) to constitute, enjoin," this verb signifies a direct, authoritative instruction or order. Its repeated use throughout the Tabernacle accounts (e.g., [Exodus 39:32](/exodus/39-32 "Tabernacle Assembly"), [Exodus 39:42](/exodus/39-42 "Work Completed as Commanded")) underscores the divine origin of the design and the absolute necessity of precise obedience. It highlights that the entire project, down to the smallest detail like a blue lace, was not a human invention but a divinely ordained blueprint for worship and relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they tied unto it a lace of blue,"**: This phrase refers to the skilled craftsmen, Bezalel and Oholiab, and their teams, who were meticulously executing God's commands. The "it" refers to the gold plate (or "holy crown") mentioned in the preceding verse, [Exodus 39:30](/exodus/39-30 "The Holy Crown Inscription"). The "lace of blue" indicates the specific material and color used for attachment, emphasizing the divine prescription for even the smallest components. The blue color, often symbolizing heaven and divinity, visually connects the earthly garment to its heavenly purpose and the divine nature of the high priest's office.
* **"to fasten [it] on high upon the mitre;"**: This specifies the method and prominent placement of the gold plate. The plate was not merely to be placed but securely "fastened," indicating permanence and stability, vital for a sacred object. Its position "on high upon the mitre" (the high priest's turban) ensured its maximum prominence and visibility. This prominent display of the "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" inscription (from [Exodus 39:30](/exodus/39-30 "The Holy Crown Inscription")) was crucial, as it signified the high priest's consecrated status and his role as the representative of a holy people before a holy God.
* **"as the LORD commanded Moses."**: This concluding phrase serves as a divine imprimatur, validating the entire process. It is a recurring refrain throughout the construction narrative of the Tabernacle and its furnishings (e.g., [Exodus 39:32](/exodus/39-32 "Tabernacle Assembly"), [Exodus 39:42](/exodus/39-42 "Work Completed as Commanded")), underscoring the absolute fidelity of the Israelites to God's precise instructions. This emphasizes that every detail, no matter how seemingly minor, was part of God's perfect design for worship and the establishment of His presence among His people, reinforcing the theme of divine authority and human obedience.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 39:31, and indeed throughout the entire Tabernacle construction narrative, is **Repetition**. The phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" (or variations thereof) is a powerful refrain that appears dozens of times across [Exodus 35-40](/exodus/35 "Tabernacle Materials and Craftsmen"). This repetition serves to underscore the divine authority behind every detail of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, emphasizing the absolute obedience of the craftsmen and the Israelites to God's precise instructions. It acts as a theological validation, asserting that the completed work is not merely a human endeavor but a perfect fulfillment of divine will. Furthermore, the entire description of the priestly garments, including the mitre and the gold plate, functions as **Symbolism**. Each component, from the gold to the blue lace, carries profound theological meaning, representing holiness, divine presence, atonement, and the consecrated nature of the high priest's office. The blue lace, specifically, acts as a **Metonymy** for heavenly origin or divine connection, as the color blue itself was widely associated with the sky and deity in the ancient world. The meticulous detail itself can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention to the extraordinary care and precision God demands in matters of worship and holiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:31, though detailing a seemingly small component of the high priest's vestments, powerfully encapsulates several core theological themes: the paramount importance of divine command and human obedience, the pervasive nature of holiness in God's presence, and the meticulousness of God's design for worship. The repeated affirmation "as the LORD commanded Moses" elevates the act of obedience to a central act of worship, demonstrating that true reverence involves faithful adherence to God's revealed will in every detail. The blue lace, connecting the inscribed gold plate to the mitre, visually links the high priest's consecrated role to a heavenly mandate, emphasizing that his authority and function derived solely from God. This divine precision in the Old Covenant foreshadows the ultimate perfection required in the New, where Christ perfectly fulfills all requirements.

* [Deuteronomy 4:2](/deuteronomy/4-2 "Do Not Add or Subtract")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Pattern of Heavenly Things")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail of Exodus 39:31, focusing on a mere lace, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and intentionality, and that His commands, even those seemingly minor, carry significant weight. Our service to God, whether in grand acts or daily routines, should be characterized by a similar attention to detail and a heart of obedience, recognizing that every aspect of our lives can be an act of worship. Just as the high priest's attire was designed to visibly proclaim "HOLINESS TO THE LORD," our lives, as a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "A Royal Priesthood")), are called to reflect God's holiness in a fallen world. This involves not just grand gestures of faith but also the "blue laces" of our daily choices—our integrity in small matters, our faithfulness in hidden tasks, our consistent pursuit of righteousness in every sphere, and our commitment to the seemingly insignificant details of Christian discipleship. The divine command for precise execution underscores that true worship is not about human innovation but about humble submission to God's perfect will, trusting that His design is always superior and purposeful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or service to God might I be overlooking "small" details that God considers important?**
* **How does the meticulousness of God's commands for the Tabernacle challenge my own approach to obedience and worship today, particularly in areas I might deem insignificant?**
* **What "laces of blue" (seemingly minor acts of faithfulness and integrity) in my daily life can I intentionally use to fasten "holiness to the Lord" onto my spiritual walk, making my life a visible testament to His character?**

### FAQ
**Why was a "lace of blue" specifically commanded for the high priest's mitre?**

Answer: The "lace of blue" (Hebrew: _tᵉkêleth_) was specifically commanded because blue was a highly significant and costly color in ancient Israelite culture and the broader ancient Near East. It was a dye derived from a specific mollusk, making it rare and valuable. Symbolically, blue was often associated with the heavens, divinity, and royalty. Its use here was not arbitrary but profoundly symbolic. It served to visually connect the high priest's office and the gold plate inscribed "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" to its divine, heavenly origin. It emphasized that the high priest's authority and his role as mediator were not earthly appointments but were divinely ordained, reflecting the very nature of God and the celestial realm. This meticulous detail underscores God's intentionality in every aspect of the Tabernacle and priestly garments, ensuring they perfectly communicated theological truths about His character and His relationship with His people, as seen throughout the detailed instructions in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Tabernacle Instructions").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 39:31, with its emphasis on the meticulously prepared high priestly garments, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The gold plate, fastened prominently "on high upon the mitre" with a lace of blue, bearing the inscription "HOLINESS TO THE LORD," powerfully prefigured the perfect and eternal High Priest. While the earthly high priest wore a symbol of holiness, Jesus *is* holiness incarnate ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Jesus, a Holy High Priest")). The blue lace, signifying heavenly origin and divine connection, points to Christ's own divine nature and His descent from heaven to earth ([John 3:13](/john/3-13 "Son of Man from Heaven")). Unlike the Levitical priests who had to continually offer sacrifices and wear symbolic garments to approach God, Jesus entered the true heavenly sanctuary once for all, not with symbolic attire, but with His own shed blood ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Christ's Heavenly Sanctuary")). He is the true "High Priest of our confession" ([Hebrews 3:1](/hebrews/3-1 "Christ, Our High Priest")), who perfectly embodies and fulfills all that the Old Testament priesthood and its garments only foreshadowed. Through His perfect obedience and sacrifice, He has made us, His church, a "holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "A Holy Priesthood")), bearing His holiness not on a physical plate, but in our very lives, by His Spirit, as we are conformed to the image of the true, spotless Lamb of God ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Conformed to Christ's Image")).

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.