Exodus 39:31
Exodus 39:31 in Multiple Translations
Then they fastened to it a blue cord to mount it on the turban, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten it on high upon the mitre; as the LORD commanded Moses.
And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten it upon the mitre above; as Jehovah commanded Moses.
It was fixed to the head-dress by a blue cord, as the Lord had given orders to Moses.
They tied a blue cord to it to attach it to the front of the turban, as the Lord had ordered Moses to do.
And they tied vnto it a lace of blewe silke to fasten it on hie vpon the miter, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
and they put on it a ribbon of blue, to put [it] on the mitre above, as Jehovah hath commanded Moses.
They tied to it a lace of blue, to fasten it on the turban above, as the LORD commanded Moses.
And they tied to it a lace of blue, to fasten it on high upon the miter; as the LORD commanded Moses.
So all the work of the tabernacle and of the roof of the testimony was finished: and the children of Israel did all things which the Lord had commanded Moses.
They fastened this to the front of the turban by a blue cord, just as Yahweh had commanded Moses/me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 39:31
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 39:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּתְּנ֤וּ
עָלָי/ו֙
פְּתִ֣יל
תְּכֵ֔לֶת
לָ/תֵ֥ת
עַל
הַ/מִּצְנֶ֖פֶת
מִ/לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
צִוָּ֥ה
יְהוָ֖ה
אֶת
מֹשֶֽׁה
וַ/יִּתְּנ֤וּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עָלָי/ו֙
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
פְּתִ֣יל
pâthîyl
H6616
cord
N-ms
תְּכֵ֔לֶת
tᵉkêleth
H8504
blue
N-fs
לָ/תֵ֥ת
nâthan
H5414
to give
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/מִּצְנֶ֖פֶת
mitsnepheth
H4701
turban
Art | N-fs
מִ/לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Prep | Prep | Adv | Suff
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
צִוָּ֥ה
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מֹשֶֽׁה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 39:31
וַ/יִּתְּנ֤וּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
עָלָי/ו֙
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פְּתִ֣יל
pâthîyl
H6616
"cord"
N-ms
This word refers to a cord or thread, like something used for tying. It appears in Exodus 28:28, where it describes the threads used in priestly garments. It is a twisted thread or cord.
Definition: cord, thread (twisted)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: bound, bracelet, lace, line, ribband, thread, wire. See also: Genesis 38:18; Exodus 39:21; Ezekiel 40:3.
תְּכֵ֔לֶת
tᵉkêleth
H8504
"blue"
N-fs
Describes the color blue or violet, obtained from a specific type of mussel, used to dye fabrics in Exodus 28. It is a distinct color in the biblical spectrum.
Definition: 1) violet, violet stuff 1a) violet thread 1b) violet stuff or fabric 2) (TWOT) blue (covering spectrum from brilliant red through deep purple)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: blue. See also: Exodus 25:4; Exodus 39:1; Jeremiah 10:9.
לָ/תֵ֥ת
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/מִּצְנֶ֖פֶת
mitsnepheth
H4701
"turban"
Art | N-fs
Mitsnepheth is a turban or diadem worn by high priests and kings, symbolizing their official status.
Definition: turban (of the high priest)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: diadem, mitre. See also: Exodus 28:4; Exodus 39:28; Ezekiel 21:31.
מִ/לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Prep | Prep | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
צִוָּ֥ה
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מֹשֶֽׁה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
Study Notes — Exodus 39:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Additional Priestly Garments
29and the sash of finely spun linen, embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
30They also made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and they engraved on it, like an inscription on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD.
31Then they fastened to it a blue cord to mount it on the turban, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
32So all the work for the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, was completed. The Israelites did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 33Then they brought the tabernacle to Moses: the tent with all its furnishings, its clasps, its frames, its crossbars, and its posts and bases;Exodus 39:31 Summary
This verse is about the Israelites following God's instructions to make a special hat, or turban, for the priest to wear. They attached a blue cord to it, so it could be tied to the turban, just like God told them to in Exodus 28:37. This shows how important it is to obey God's commands, even in small details, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:1, where the LORD reminds the Israelites to carefully follow His commands. By doing so, we demonstrate our love and respect for Him, as Jesus teaches in John 14:15.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the blue cord in Exodus 39:31?
The blue cord was used to mount the holy crown on the turban, symbolizing the priest's role in representing God to the people, as seen in Exodus 28:36-38, where the LORD commands Moses to make a plate engraved with 'HOLY TO THE LORD' to be worn by the high priest.
Why did the Israelites have to follow the LORD's commands exactly?
The Israelites had to follow the LORD's commands exactly because it was a matter of obedience and worship, as stated in Deuteronomy 12:32, where the LORD warns against adding or subtracting from His commands, and in Exodus 40:16, where Moses carefully follows the LORD's instructions to set up the tabernacle.
What does the turban represent in Exodus 39:31?
The turban represents the priest's authority and position before God, as seen in Exodus 29:6, where the LORD instructs Moses to place the turban on Aaron's head, symbolizing his anointing as high priest.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Exodus?
This verse relates to the broader theme of Exodus by highlighting the Israelites' obedience to God's commands, which is a central theme throughout the book, as seen in Exodus 19:5, where the LORD establishes His covenant with the Israelites, and in Exodus 40:17, where the tabernacle is set up according to God's instructions.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to 'mount it on the turban' in a spiritual sense, and how can I apply this to my own life?
- How does the use of a blue cord in this verse relate to the idea of being 'set apart' for God's service, as seen in Leviticus 20:26?
- What can I learn from the Israelites' attention to detail in following God's commands, and how can I apply this to my own walk with God, as encouraged in Matthew 28:20?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, demonstrate my commitment to following God's commands in my daily life, as exhorted in Joshua 1:8?
- How does the idea of wearing a symbol of holiness, like the plate engraved with 'HOLY TO THE LORD', impact my understanding of my own role as a believer, as described in 1 Peter 2:9?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 39:31
[See comments on Exodus 39:2].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 39:31
And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten it on high upon the mitre; as the LORD commanded Moses. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 39:31
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.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 39:31
31. upon the turban above] Comp. on Exodus 28:37.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 39:31
THE HOLY OF THE PRIESTS, Exodus 39:1-31 See notes on Exodus 28. ALL BROUGHT TO MOSES AND , Exodus 39:32-43.