King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 22:12 Mean?

Deuteronomy 22:12 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself. quarters: Heb. wing...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself. quarters: Heb. wings”

Deuteronomy 22:12 · KJV

Context

10

Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together.

11

Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together.

12

Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself. quarters: Heb. wings

13

If any man take a wife, and go in unto her, and hate her,

14

And give occasions of speech against her, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman, and when I came to her, I found her not a maid:

Read Deuteronomy 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture—The Hebrew gedilim (fringes/tassels) appears only here; the parallel in Numbers 15:37-41 uses tzitzit. These tassels, attached to garment corners, served as visual reminders of God's commandments. Numbers 15:39 explains: 'that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes.'

The tassels symbolized covenant obedience and identity as God's people. Each time an Israelite saw or touched them, he remembered his calling to holiness. Jesus wore these (Matthew 9:20; 14:36), affirming His observance of the law. The Pharisees made theirs ostentatiously large as displays of piety (Matthew 23:5), perverting the symbol's purpose. The principle: build tangible reminders of God's word into daily life to maintain focus on obedience. For Christians, this might be Scripture memorization, displayed verses, or liturgical practices that anchor faith to God's truth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This command was given to Israel entering Canaan, where they would face constant temptation toward Canaanite practices. The visible tassels created a tangible, daily reminder of covenant identity. Archaeological findings include garments with corner tassels from the Second Temple period. Rabbinic tradition elaborated detailed regulations for tzitzit construction and wearing. Jesus's rebuke of Pharisees for enlarged tassels (Matthew 23:5) shows how a good practice can be corrupted into proud display rather than humble remembrance.

Reflection Questions

  1. What tangible practices or symbols help you maintain daily awareness of God's word and your covenant identity in Christ?
  2. How can you distinguish between legitimate reminders that focus your heart on God versus outward religious displays that feed pride?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
גְּדִלִ֖ים1 of 10

“thee fringes”

H1434

thread, i.e., a tassel or festoon

תַּֽעֲשֶׂה2 of 10

“Thou shalt make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָּ֑ךְ3 of 10
H0
עַל4 of 10
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אַרְבַּ֛ע5 of 10

“upon the four”

H702

four

כַּנְפ֥וֹת6 of 10

“quarters”

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

כְּסֽוּתְךָ֖7 of 10

“of thy vesture”

H3682

a cover (garment); figuratively, a veiling

אֲשֶׁ֥ר8 of 10
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תְּכַסֶּה9 of 10

“wherewith thou coverest”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

בָּֽהּ׃10 of 10
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 22:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 22:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 23:5Numbers 15:37-41

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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