King James Version

What Does Exodus 39:29 Mean?

Exodus 39:29 in the King James Version says “And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet , of needlework ; as the LORD commanded Moses. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 39:29 · KJV


Context

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.

30

And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like to the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

31

And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten it on high upon the mitre; as the LORD commanded Moses.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The girdle of embroidered needlework (מַעֲשֵׂה רֹקֵם, ma'aseh roqem, work of embroiderer) combining fine linen with blue, purple, and scarlet creates a sash for service. The אַבְנֵט (avnet, sash/girdle) symbolizes readiness for active ministry—servants girded their robes for work (Luke 12:35; John 13:4-5). The embroidered colors (heaven, royalty, sacrifice) bound around the waist teach that ministry requires divine enablement secured to the minister. The 11th 'as the LORD commanded Moses' emphasizes sustained obedience through detailed instructions. Christ, girded with faithfulness (Isaiah 11:5), perfectly served.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The embroidered girdle, more ornate than a simple cord, demonstrated the dignity of priestly service. Girding long robes at the waist enabled vigorous activity (running, working) that flowing garments would hinder. The priest's girded readiness symbolized prepared service before God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does 'girding' for ministry illustrate the need for believers to prepare themselves for faithful service?
  2. What does Christ being 'girded with faithfulness' teach about His perfect readiness to minister?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְֽאֶת1 of 15
H853

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

הָאַבְנֵ֞ט2 of 15

And a girdle

H73

a belt

שֵׁ֣שׁ3 of 15

linen

H8336

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

מָשְׁזָ֗ר4 of 15

of fine twined

H7806

to twist (a thread of straw)

וּתְכֵ֧לֶת5 of 15

and blue

H8504

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

וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן6 of 15

and purple

H713

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

וְתוֹלַ֥עַת7 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

שָׁנִ֖י8 of 15

and scarlet

H8144

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

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה9 of 15
H4639

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

רֹקֵ֑ם10 of 15

of needlework

H7551

to variegate color, i.e., embroider; by implication, to fabricate

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר11 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֥ה12 of 15

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֖ה13 of 15

as the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת14 of 15
H853

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

מֹשֶֽׁה׃15 of 15

Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver


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 39:29 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 39:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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