King James Version
What Does Exodus 28:33 Mean?
“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”
Context
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.
35
And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the LORD, and when he cometh out, that he die not.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(33) **Pomegranates.**—The pomegranate was a favourite ornament in Assyria, but not in Egypt. It appears from Joshua 7:21 that the fabrics of Babylon were carried by the merchants into Syria at a date not much later than this, whence we may conclude that they circulated also in Arabia and Egypt.
**Bells of gold.**—The bell is also more Assyrian than Egyptian. Its use as an article of priestly costume has no direct parallel, nor are bells known to have been employed in the religious services of any ancient nation. The statement that Persian kings wore bells rests upon no sufficient authority. We seem to have here the introduction of an entirely new religious usage.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 28:33 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 28:33
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge