King James Version

What Does Exodus 39:25 Mean?

Exodus 39:25 in the King James Version says “And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates upon the hem of the robe, round about betwe... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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;

Exodus 39:25 · KJV


Context

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.

27

And they made coats of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Golden bells (פַּעֲמֹנֵי זָהָב, pa'amonei zahav) placed between the pomegranates create an alternating pattern. The bells announced the high priest's movements in the Holy Place, signaling that he lived (if he died, the bells would cease). This teaches that Christ's priesthood is evidenced by active intercession—He 'ever liveth to make intercession' (Hebrews 7:25). The gold material signifies that this witness to priestly life comes from divine (not human) origin. Bells and fruit together teach that ministry requires both witness (sound) and substance (fruit).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The bells served a practical purpose—those outside the Holy Place could hear the high priest moving inside, assuring them he still lived. Rabbinic tradition suggests a rope tied to the priest's ankle to retrieve his body if God struck him dead, though this tradition lacks biblical support.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's living intercession (evidenced by active witness) assure believers of ongoing priestly ministry?
  2. What does the combination of bells (witness) and fruit (substance) teach about balanced ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ1 of 15

And they made

H6213

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

הַפַּֽעֲמֹנִ֜ים2 of 15

bells

H6472

a bell (as struck)

זָהָ֣ב3 of 15

gold

H2091

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

טָה֑וֹר4 of 15

of pure

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

וַיִּתְּנ֨וּ5 of 15

and put

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת6 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַפַּֽעֲמֹנִ֜ים7 of 15

bells

H6472

a bell (as struck)

בְּת֖וֹךְ8 of 15

between

H8432

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

הָֽרִמֹּנִֽים׃9 of 15

the pomegranates

H7416

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

עַל10 of 15
H5921

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

שׁוּלֵ֤י11 of 15

upon the hem

H7757

a skirt; by implication, a bottom edge

הַמְּעִיל֙12 of 15

of the robe

H4598

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

סָבִ֔יב13 of 15

round about

H5439

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

בְּת֖וֹךְ14 of 15

between

H8432

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

הָֽרִמֹּנִֽים׃15 of 15

the pomegranates

H7416

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


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 39:25 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 39:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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