King James Version

What Does Exodus 39:41 Mean?

Exodus 39:41 in the King James Version says “The cloths of service to do service in the holy place, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons' garment...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The cloths of service to do service in the holy place, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons' garments, to minister in the priest's office.”

Exodus 39:41 · KJV

Context

39

The brasen altar, and his grate of brass, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,

40

The hangings of the court, his pillars, and his sockets, and the hanging for the court gate, his cords, and his pins, and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the congregation,

41

The cloths of service to do service in the holy place, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons' garments, to minister in the priest's office.

42

According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work.

43

And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.

Read Exodus 39 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'cloths of service' (בִּגְדֵי הַשְּׂרָד, bigdei haSerod, garments for ministering) and 'holy garments for Aaron...and his sons' emphasize that ministry requires proper attire. The distinction between service clothes (general ministry) and Aaron's specific garments teaches that all ministry requires covering, but leadership bears additional accountability. The phrase 'to minister in the priest's office' (לְכַהֵן, lechahen, to serve as priest) connects garments to function—they enabled qualified ministry. Christ, clothed perfectly, enables believers' priestly service (1 Peter 2:5, 9).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The completed priestly garments, listed as the final crafted items before Moses' inspection, represented the culmination of months of skilled work. These garments transformed ordinary men into consecrated priests qualified to approach God on Israel's behalf—the clothing itself had sacred function, not mere decoration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do priestly garments enabling ministry prefigure Christ's righteousness qualifying believers for service?
  2. What does the distinction between general service clothes and Aaron's unique garments teach about degrees of accountability?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
אֶת1 of 14
H853

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

בִּגְדֵ֥י2 of 14

“The cloths”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

הַשְּׂרָ֖ד3 of 14

“of service”

H8278

stitching (as pierced with a needle)

לְשָׁרֵ֣ת4 of 14

“to do service”

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙5 of 14

“in the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

אֶת6 of 14
H853

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

בִּגְדֵ֥י7 of 14

“The cloths”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙8 of 14

“in the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לְאַֽהֲרֹ֣ן9 of 14

“for Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן10 of 14

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְאֶת11 of 14
H853

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

בִּגְדֵ֥י12 of 14

“The cloths”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

בָנָ֖יו13 of 14

“and 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

לְכַהֵֽן׃14 of 14

“to minister in the priest's office”

H3547

to officiate as a priest; figuratively, to put on regalia

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 39:41 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 39:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 31:10Exodus 39:1Exodus 28:2

Places in This Verse

Holy Place 1Special Place24 verses across 4 books
View all places in Exodus 39 →

Test Your Knowledge

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