Exodus 39:23
Exodus 39:23 in Multiple Translations
with an opening in the center of the robe like that of a garment, with a collar around the opening so that it would not tear.
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.
and the hole of the robe in the midst thereof, as the hole of a coat of mail, with a binding round about the hole of it, that it should not be rent.
With a hole at the top in the middle, like the hole in the coat of a fighting-man, edged with a band to make it strong.
with an opening in the middle at the top. They stitched a woven collar around the opening to strengthen it so it wouldn't tear.
And the hole of the robe was in the middes of it, as the coller of an habergeon, with an edge about the coller, that it shoulde not rent.
and the opening of the upper robe [is] in its midst, as the opening of a habergeon, a border [is] to its opening round about, it is not rent;
The opening of the robe in the middle of it was like the opening of a coat of mail, with a binding around its opening, that it should not be torn.
And there was a hole in the midst of the robe, as the hole of an habergeon, with a band around the hole, that it should not rend.
And little bells of the purest gold, which they put between the pomegranates at the bottom of the tunick round about:
It had an opening through which the priest would put his head. They sewed a border around this opening, to prevent the material from tearing.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 39:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 39:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/פִֽי
הַ/מְּעִ֥יל
בְּ/תוֹכ֖/וֹ
כְּ/פִ֣י
תַחְרָ֑א
שָׂפָ֥ה
לְ/פִ֛י/ו
סָבִ֖יב
לֹ֥א
יִקָּרֵֽעַ
וּ/פִֽי
peh
H6310
lip
Conj | N-ms
הַ/מְּעִ֥יל
mᵉʻîyl
H4598
robe
Art | N-ms
בְּ/תוֹכ֖/וֹ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms | Suff
כְּ/פִ֣י
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms
תַחְרָ֑א
tachărâʼ
H8473
breastplate
N-ms
שָׂפָ֥ה
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fs
לְ/פִ֛י/ו
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms | Suff
סָבִ֖יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִקָּרֵֽעַ
qâraʻ
H7167
to tear
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 39:23
וּ/פִֽי
peh
H6310
"lip"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
הַ/מְּעִ֥יל
mᵉʻîyl
H4598
"robe"
Art | N-ms
A meil was a robe or outer garment worn by men of rank, including kings and high priests. It was also worn by David's daughters and is mentioned in various KJV translations as a cloak or coat.
Definition: 1) robe 1a) a garment worn over a tunic by men of rank 1b) a long garment worn by David's daughters 1c) a garment of the high priest 1d) (fig.) of attributes
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: cloke, coat, mantle, robe. See also: Exodus 28:4; 1 Samuel 24:5; Psalms 109:29.
בְּ/תוֹכ֖/וֹ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
כְּ/פִ֣י
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
תַחְרָ֑א
tachărâʼ
H8473
"breastplate"
N-ms
A breastplate was a type of armor worn for protection, like a linen vest. In the Bible, it is mentioned as a piece of armor worn by soldiers, and the Hebrew word for it means 'a linen corslet'.
Definition: corselet
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: habergeon. See also: Exodus 28:32; Exodus 39:23.
שָׂפָ֥ה
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fs
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
לְ/פִ֛י/ו
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
סָבִ֖יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִקָּרֵֽעַ
qâraʻ
H7167
"to tear"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to tear or rend something, and can be used literally or figuratively, as in the case of reviling or enlarging the eyes. In the book of the Prophet Joel, it describes the heavens being torn open. It can also describe the action of wild beasts.
Definition: 1) to tear, tear in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tear, rend 1a2) to tear away or out 1a3) to tear, rend asunder 1a3a) to make wide or large (of eyes) 1a3b) to rend open (of heavens) 1a4) to tear, rend (of wild beasts) 1b) (Niphal) to be rent, be split asunder
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cut out, rend, [idiom] surely, tear. See also: Genesis 37:29; 2 Kings 5:8; Psalms 35:15.
Study Notes — Exodus 39:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Additional Priestly Garments
21Then they tied the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue yarn, so that the breastpiece was above the waistband of the ephod and would not swing out from the ephod, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
22They made the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, the work of a weaver,
23with an opening in the center of the robe like that of a garment, with a collar around the opening so that it would not tear.
24They made pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely spun linen on the lower hem of the robe. 25They also made bells of pure gold and attached them around the hem between the pomegranates,Exodus 39:23 Summary
This verse talks about the robe that the high priest wore, which had an opening in the center with a collar around it to prevent it from tearing. This robe represents the perfect and sinless nature of Christ, who was without blemish. Just like the robe had to be carefully constructed to prevent it from tearing, we must also be careful to live our lives in a way that honors God and does not 'tear' our relationship with Him, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 and Ephesians 4:1-3. By following God's commands and living a life of obedience, we can be 'clothed' in Christ and reflect His perfection and sinlessness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the opening in the center of the robe?
The opening in the center of the robe, similar to that of a garment, represents the humanity of Christ, who was fully human and fully divine, as seen in Hebrews 2:14-18 and Philippians 2:5-8.
Why was a collar placed around the opening of the robe?
The collar around the opening of the robe was to prevent it from tearing, symbolizing the perfection and sinlessness of Christ, who was without blemish, as stated in 1 Peter 1:19.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the book of Exodus?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the construction of the tabernacle and the priestly garments, which symbolize the relationship between God and His people, as seen in Exodus 25:8 and Hebrews 8:1-5.
What can we learn from the attention to detail in the construction of the robe?
The attention to detail in the construction of the robe, as seen in Exodus 39:23, teaches us about the importance of diligence and obedience in our service to God, as commanded in Colossians 3:23-24 and Matthew 5:16.
Reflection Questions
- What does the robe represent in my life, and how can I ensure that I am properly 'clothed' for service to God?
- How can I apply the principle of diligence and attention to detail in my own life and service to God?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'tearing' or coming apart, and how can I apply the principles of this verse to repair and restore them?
- How does the concept of the robe and its construction relate to the idea of being 'clothed in Christ' as seen in Galatians 3:27?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 39:23
[See comments on Exodus 39:2].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 39:23
They made shoulderpieces for it, to couple it together: by the two edges was it coupled together. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 39:23
XXXIX. THE MAKING OF THE HOLY .(1-31) This section corresponds to Exodus 28:5-40, but does not follow exactly the same order. Exodus 39:2-7 correspond to Exodus 39:5-12 of Exodus 28; Exodus 39:8-21 to Exodus 39:13-28; Exodus 39:22-26 to Exodus 39:31-35; but after this a dislocation occurs. Exodus 39:27-29 correspond to Exodus 39:39-42 of Exodus 28, and Exodus 39:30-31 to Exodus 39:36-38. It is not clear why any change was made. The order observed in Exodus 28 seems preferable.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 39:23
Verse 23. As the hole of a habergeon] The habergeon or hauberk was a small coat of mail, something in form of a half shirt, made of small iron rings curiously united together. It covered the neck and breast, was very light, and resisted the stroke of a sword. Sometimes it went over the whole head as well as over the breast. This kind of defensive armour was used among the Asiatics, particularly the ancient Persians, among whom it is still worn. It seems to have been borrowed from the Asiatics by the Norman crusaders.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 39:23
22–26 (Exodus 28:31-35 a). The robe of the ephod.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 39:23
THE HOLY OF THE PRIESTS, Exodus 39:1-31 See notes on Exodus 28. ALL BROUGHT TO MOSES AND , Exodus 39:32-43.