“You shall weave the coat in checker work of fine linen, and you shall make a turban of fine linen, and you shall make a sash embroidered with needlework.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While the verse describes the priestly garments, the "coat" and "sash" were likely not even visible under the more elaborate outer robes like the ephod and breastplate. This emphasizes that God's design for worship included meticulous attention to hidden details, not just what is seen on the surface.
“You shall weave the coat in checker work of fine linen, and you shall make a turban of fine linen, and you shall make a sash embroidered with needlework.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage continues the detailed instructions for the high priest's sacred garments, following the description of the more elaborate outer pieces like the ephod and breastplate. It specifies the weaving and embroidery of the fine linen tunic, the turban, and the sash, which were essential parts of the priestly attire worn during worship. These instructions focus on the final layers of the high priest's clothing, completing the ensemble meant for "glory and for beauty" as they served God.
Exodus 28:39 describes specific garments for the High Priest, focusing on the fine linen coat, turban, and sash. What makes these details significant?
The text emphasizes detailed craftsmanship: a "checker work" coat, a fine linen turban, and an embroidered sash. This wasn't just about fashion; it was about preparing for sacred service.
These weren't just clothes; they were vestments, each detail carefully prescribed by God. They pointed to the perfect, holy service that the High Priest, and ultimately Christ, would perform.
Beyond the threads and stitches, these garments held profound symbolic meaning for the High Priest and for all of Israel. What did they represent?
The garments worn by the High Priest were more than just attire; they were a visual theology. They served as constant reminders of God's holiness and the mediator's role.
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While the Levitical priesthood was a temporary type, these garments pointed forward to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, whose righteousness clothes believers and whose mediation is perfect.
Understand the original words
kuttoneth · Hebrew Noun
A woven garment, often made of fine linen; biblically associated with purity, righteousness, and the appropriate attire for those serving in the presence of the Lord.
shesh · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Material of high quality and prestige; biblically, fine linen is consistently associated with holiness, purity, and the righteous garments required for priestly or heavenly service.
abnet · Hebrew Noun
A belt or girdle; biblically represents readiness for action, service, and the binding together of the priest's garments for formal ministry.
This passage provides a parallel description of the creation of the high priest's tunic, turban, and sash, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship and materials used, which were the same as described here in chapter 28.
Leviticus 8:7This verse directly mentions Aaron and his sons being clothed with the tunic and girt with the sash, showing the practical application of the instructions given in Exodus 28.
Ezekiel 44:17-19This later prophecy describes the garments for priests serving in the future temple, emphasizing linen garments for modesty and holiness, which echoes the principles behind the Exodus instructions.
Revelation 19:8This New Testament passage describes the bride of Christ having fine linen, bright and clean, as her clothing, drawing a symbolic connection between the purity and righteousness represented by the priests' linen garments and the holiness of believers in Christ.
pulpitExodus 28:39: "And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework."
Verse 39. - THE TUNIC AND GIRDLE. From the outer garments, which were the most important and distinctive, a transition is now made to the inner ones, in which there was nothing very remarkable. The linen drawers are for the present omitted, as not peculiar to the high priest. Directions are given for the tunic and the girdle. The former is t…
calvinExodus 28:1-43: "And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons."
And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even. Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.
Tu vero accerse ad to Aharonem fratre…
While the verse describes the priestly garments, the "coat" and "sash" were likely not even visible under the more elaborate outer robes like the ephod and breastplate. This emphasizes that God's design for worship included meticulous attention to hidden details, not just what is seen on the surface.
This passage continues the detailed instructions for the high priest's sacred garments, following the description of the more elaborate outer pieces like the ephod and breastplate. It specifies the weaving and embroidery of the fine linen tunic, the turban, and the sash, which were essential parts of the priestly attire worn during worship. These instructions focus on the final layers of the high priest's clothing, completing the ensemble meant for "glory and for beauty" as they served God.
This passage continues the detailed instructions for the high priest's sacred garments, following the description of the more elaborate outer pieces like the ephod and breastplate. It specifies the weaving and embroidery of the fine linen tunic, the turban, and the sash, which were essential parts of the priestly attire worn during worship. These instructions focus on the final layers of the high priest's clothing, completing the ensemble meant for "glory and for beauty" as they served God.
"“You shall weave the coat in checker work of fine linen, and you shall make a turban of fine linen, and you shall make a sash embroidered with needlework." — While the verse describes the priestly garments, the "coat" and "sash" were likely not even visible under the more elaborate outer robes like the ephod and breastplate. This emphasizes that God's des…
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Last reviewed October 2026