King James Version

What Does Exodus 28:42 Mean?

Exodus 28:42 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness ; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness ; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach: their: Heb. flesh of their nakedness reach: Heb. be”

Exodus 28:42 · KJV

Context

40

And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.

41

And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office. consecrate: Heb. fill their hand

42

And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness ; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach: their: Heb. flesh of their nakedness reach: Heb. be

43

And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.

Read Exodus 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Linen breeches (undergarments) 'to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs.' Even hidden parts must be covered—no nakedness before God. Since the Fall, nakedness represents shame (Genesis 3:7). These linen undergarments picture how Christ's righteousness covers even our most private sins, our hidden shame. Nothing is exposed before God when clothed in Christ. The linen extends 'from loins to thighs'—reproductive/generative capacity is covered, suggesting that even our ability to produce (works) comes from grace-covering.

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Historical & Cultural Context

These undergarments (מִכְנְסֵי־בָד, mikhnesey-bad) were required for priests serving at the altar or entering the tabernacle. The specific coverage area ensured total modesty—nakedness in God's presence was absolutely forbidden and would result in death.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's righteousness cover not only public sins but private, hidden shame?
  2. What does covering 'from loins to thighs' teach about grace covering our ability to produce works?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַֽעֲשֵׂ֤ה1 of 11

“And thou shalt make”

H6213

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

לָהֶם֙2 of 11
H0
מִכְנְסֵי3 of 11

“breeches”

H4370

(only in dual) drawers (from concealing the private parts)

בָ֔ד4 of 11

“them linen”

H906

flaxen thread or yarn; hence, a linen garment

לְכַסּ֖וֹת5 of 11

“to cover”

H3680

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

בְּשַׂ֣ר6 of 11

“their nakedness”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

עֶרְוָ֑ה7 of 11
H6172

nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)

מִמָּתְנַ֥יִם8 of 11

“from the loins”

H4975

properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins

וְעַד9 of 11
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

יְרֵכַ֖יִם10 of 11

“even unto the thighs”

H3409

the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side

יִֽהְיֽוּ׃11 of 11
H1961

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

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 28:42 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 28:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 6:10Ezekiel 44:18Leviticus 16:4Exodus 39:28Revelation 3:18Exodus 20:26

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