King James Version

What Does Exodus 28:32 Mean?

Exodus 28:32 in the King James Version says “And there shall be an hole in the top of it, in the midst thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And there shall be an hole in the top of it, in the midst thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of an habergeon, that it be not rent.”

Exodus 28:32 · KJV

Context

30

And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.

31

And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all of blue.

32

And there shall be an hole in the top of it, in the midst thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of an habergeon, that it be not rent.

33

And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet , round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about: hem: or, skirts

34

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

Read Exodus 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
An opening for the head with a woven binding 'as it were the hole of an habergeon' (coat of mail), ensuring it won't tear. The reinforced opening shows that even the point of entry/exit receives special attention—no weak points in God's provision. The comparison to armor suggests strength, protection, durability. Christ's priestly garments (righteousness, salvation) are battle-tested and tear-proof—they cannot fail under pressure or be destroyed by opposition (Isaiah 59:17).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The woven binding (שָׂפָה, saphah, lip/edge) around the opening created a finished, reinforced edge that prevented tearing during the putting on and taking off of the garment, as well as during active service.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the reinforced opening represent Christ's righteousness that cannot tear or fail?
  2. What does the comparison to armor teach about the durability of Christ's priestly work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְהָיָ֥ה1 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּפִ֥י2 of 16

“And there shall be an hole”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

רֹאשׁ֖וֹ3 of 16

“in the top”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

בְּתוֹכ֑וֹ4 of 16

“of it in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

שָׂפָ֡ה5 of 16

“thereof it shall have a binding”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

יִֽהְיֶה֩6 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּפִ֥י7 of 16

“And there shall be an hole”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

סָבִ֜יב8 of 16

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה9 of 16

“work”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

אֹרֵ֗ג10 of 16

“of woven”

H707

to plait or weave

כְּפִ֥י11 of 16

“And there shall be an hole”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

תַחְרָ֛א12 of 16

“of an habergeon”

H8473

a linen corslet (as white or hollow)

יִֽהְיֶה13 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לּ֖וֹ14 of 16
H0
לֹ֥א15 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִקָּרֵֽעַ׃16 of 16

“that it be not rent”

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Exodus 28:32 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 Exodus 28:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 4:3-16John 19:23-24Nehemiah 4:16Job 41:26Exodus 39:282 Chronicles 26:14

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