King James Version

What Does Exodus 28:33 Mean?

Exodus 28:33 in the King James Version says “And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet , round about the hem...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Exodus 28:33 · KJV

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.

Read Exodus 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet on the robe's hem, alternating with golden bells. Pomegranates symbolize fruitfulness, abundance, life—the fruit of Christ's ministry. The three colors (heaven, royalty, sacrifice) show that fruitful ministry flows from His divine origin, His regal authority, and His atoning death. The hem represents the lowest, most humble part, yet bears the most fruit—Christ's humility produces abundant life for His people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pomegranates in ancient Israel represented fertility and abundance, with hundreds of seeds in each fruit. The embroidered or woven pomegranates on the hem created a beautiful, fruit-laden border visible with every step the high priest took.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does fruit appearing on the 'hem' (humblest part) illustrate that Christ's humility produces abundant life?
  2. What does the pomegranate's many seeds teach about the multiplication of fruit from Christ's work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ1 of 15

“of it thou shalt make”

H6213

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

עַל2 of 15
H5921

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

שׁוּלָ֖יו3 of 15

“And beneath upon the hem”

H7757

a skirt; by implication, a bottom edge

רִמֹּנֵי֙4 of 15

“pomegranates”

H7416

a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)

תְּכֵ֤לֶת5 of 15

“of blue”

H8504

the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith

וְאַרְגָּמָן֙6 of 15

“and of purple”

H713

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

וְתוֹלַ֣עַת7 of 15
H8438

a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl

שָׁנִ֔י8 of 15

“and of scarlet”

H8144

crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it

עַל9 of 15
H5921

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

שׁוּלָ֖יו10 of 15

“And beneath upon the hem”

H7757

a skirt; by implication, a bottom edge

סָבִֽיב׃11 of 15

“round about”

H5439

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

וּפַֽעֲמֹנֵ֥י12 of 15

“thereof and bells”

H6472

a bell (as struck)

זָהָ֛ב13 of 15

“of gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

בְּתוֹכָ֖ם14 of 15

“between”

H8432

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

סָבִֽיב׃15 of 15

“round about”

H5439

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

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 28:33 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 14:20Exodus 39:24-261 Kings 7:182 Kings 25:17

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