King James Version

What Does Exodus 39:24 Mean?

Exodus 39:24 in the King James Version says “And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and twined linen. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and twined linen.

Exodus 39:24 · KJV


Context

22

And he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.

23

And there was an hole in the midst of the robe, as the hole of an habergeon, with a band round about the hole, that it should not rend.

24

And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and twined linen.

25

And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates upon the hem of the robe, round about between the pomegranates;

26

A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister in; as the LORD commanded Moses.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet adorning the robe's hem symbolize fruitfulness (רִמּוֹן, rimon, pomegranate—abundant seeds). The three colors (heaven, royalty, sacrifice) combine in fruit imagery, teaching that true spiritual fruitfulness requires divine enablement, kingdom authority, and sacrificial service. The pomegranate's many seeds within one fruit illustrate that Christ's one priesthood produces abundant spiritual offspring (Isaiah 53:10-11). The hem placement teaches that even the lowest part of Christ's priestly ministry bears fruit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pomegranates, abundant in ancient Israel, symbolized fertility and blessing throughout the ancient Near East. Their appearance on the high priest's robe, along with their use in temple decoration (1 Kings 7:18-20), connected priestly ministry with life-giving blessing for God's people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do pomegranates (fruitfulness) combined with sacrificial colors teach that spiritual fruit requires costly service?
  2. What does Christ's robe producing abundant spiritual offspring reveal about His priesthood's effectiveness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַֽיַּעֲשׂוּ֙1 of 10

And they made

H6213

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

עַל2 of 10
H5921

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

שׁוּלֵ֣י3 of 10

upon the hems

H7757

a skirt; by implication, a bottom edge

הַמְּעִ֔יל4 of 10

of the robe

H4598

a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)

רִמּוֹנֵ֕י5 of 10

pomegranates

H7416

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

תְּכֵ֥לֶת6 of 10

of blue

H8504

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

וְאַרְגָּמָ֖ן7 of 10

and purple

H713

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

וְתוֹלַ֣עַת8 of 10
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

שָׁנִ֑י9 of 10

and scarlet

H8144

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

מָשְׁזָֽר׃10 of 10

and twined

H7806

to twist (a thread of straw)


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 39:24 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 39:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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