King James Version

What Does Exodus 39:27 Mean?

Exodus 39:27 in the King James Version says “And they made coats of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons, — study this verse from Exodus chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 39:27 · KJV


Context

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,

28

And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined linen,

29

And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet , of needlework ; as the LORD commanded Moses.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The tunics (כֻּתֳּנוֹת, kutanot, coats) of fine linen for Aaron and his sons emphasize shared priestly dignity—all priests, not just the high priest, received fine garments. The שֵׁשׁ (shesh, fine linen) symbolizes righteousness (Revelation 19:8). While Aaron's additional garments marked his unique high priestly role, the common tunic showed that all priests needed righteous covering. This prefigures believers' common priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)—all receive Christ's righteousness, though offices differ. The plural 'his sons' indicates that priestly ministry continues through successive generations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The priestly tunics, worn next to the skin, provided basic covering before the more elaborate outer garments were added. The fine linen's purity requirement (no mixed fibers, Leviticus 19:19) emphasized holiness. All priests shared this foundational garment, emphasizing their common consecration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the common tunic for all priests illustrate that all believers share Christ's righteousness equally?
  2. What does fine linen for every priest teach about the dignity God confers on all His ministers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֛וּ1 of 8

And they made

H6213

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

אֶת2 of 8
H853

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

הַכָּתְנֹ֥ת3 of 8

coats

H3801

a shirt

שֵׁ֖שׁ4 of 8

of fine linen

H8336

bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה5 of 8

work

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

אֹרֵ֑ג6 of 8

of woven

H707

to plait or weave

לְאַֽהֲרֹ֖ן7 of 8

for Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וּלְבָנָֽיו׃8 of 8

and for his sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or


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 39:27 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 39:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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