and the turban of fine linen, and the caps of fine linen, and the linen undergarments of fine twined linen,
English Standard Version (ESV)
While listing the priests' garments, the focus on "fine twined linen" for the undergarments and girdles highlights that even the most hidden clothing was made with the highest quality, signifying that all service to God, visible or not, demands purity and excellence. This wasn't just about outward appearance but about a deep-seated devotion reflected in every detail.
and the turban of fine linen, and the caps of fine linen, and the linen undergarments of fine twined linen,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage details the completion of the priestly garments, specifically mentioning the linen items worn by both Aaron and his sons. It follows the extensive accounts of how each piece of the Tabernacle and its furnishings were constructed according to God's precise instructions, culminating in the finished work being presented to Moses for his inspection and approval.
Ever wonder why religious leaders wear specific attire? In ancient Israel, it wasn't just about looking the part; it was deeply symbolic.
Exodus 39 details the finished construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, including the special garments for Aaron and his sons. Verse 28 focuses on headwear and undergarments, highlighting specific items:
These weren't everyday clothes. They were finely made from linen and twined linen, signifying purity and holiness. The different headwear distinguished the High Priest from the other priests, emphasizing order and roles within God's service. This attention to detail shows that even the attire of those serving God was meant to reflect His holiness and set them apart.
Linen was the fabric of choice for the Tabernacle and its priests. What makes this material so significant in God's eyes?
The repeated emphasis on 'fine linen' and 'fine twined linen' throughout the description of the priestly garments is crucial.
Purity and Holiness
Linen, derived from the flax plant, was considered a clean and pure material. Its use for the priests, who were to approach a holy God, underscored the necessity of purity in God's presence. It symbolized a life cleansed and set apart for divine service.
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The Work of Saints
In the New Testament, this symbolism is expanded. Revelation 19:8 states that 'fine linen, bright and clean' is given to believers to wear, representing the 'righteous acts of the saints.' This shows a continuity of meaning: the purity required in the Old Testament sanctuary points forward to the spiritual purity Christ gives to His people.
Understand the original words
mitsnepheth · Hebrew Noun
A headpiece worn by the high priest, symbolizing authority and holiness. It was part of the set of garments that marked the high priest for his unique, mediator-like role before God.
miknsey bad · Hebrew Noun phrase
Articles of clothing worn by priests during service to cover their nakedness, ensuring modesty and ceremonial purity before the LORD. They emphasize the necessity of holiness in the most intimate aspects of life when serving God.
This passage directly details the instructions for the linen garments, including the turban (mitre) for the High Priest and the caps (bonnets) and breeches for Aaron and his sons, setting the standard that Exodus 39 describes as being fulfilled.
Leviticus 16:4This verse describes the specific linen garments the High Priest would wear when entering the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement, highlighting the sacred purpose and purity required of these linen garments.
Ezekiel 44:17-18Centuries later, the prophet Ezekiel reiterates the requirement for priests to wear linen garments, including linen breeches and headbands, when ministering at the Temple, showing the enduring significance of this practice for holiness and service.
Revelation 19:8This New Testament passage uses the imagery of fine linen, clean and bright, to represent the righteous deeds of the saints, echoing the purity and holiness symbolized by the priests' linen attire in the Tabernacle.
cambridgeExodus 39:28: "And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined linen,"
28 . the mitre ] the turban (for the high-priest); see on Exodus 28:39 . the goodly headtires ] the ornamental caps (for ‘caps,’ see on Exodus 28:40 ); lit. the ornaments of (i.e. consisting in ; G.-K. § 128m) caps . Pe’çr , ‘ornament,’ is however itself also specialized in the sense of ornamental cap : see Ezekiel 24:17 ; Ezekiel 44:18 (‘tires,’—of the priests, as here). The ca…
calvinExodus 39:1-43: "And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses."
And they made two other golden rings, and put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the fore-part of it, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.
Fecerunt praeterea duos alios annulos aureos, quos posuerunt in duabus oris ephod inferne,a fronte i…
While listing the priests' garments, the focus on "fine twined linen" for the undergarments and girdles highlights that even the most hidden clothing was made with the highest quality, signifying that all service to God, visible or not, demands purity and excellence. This wasn't just about outward appearance but about a deep-seated devotion reflected in every detail.
This passage details the completion of the priestly garments, specifically mentioning the linen items worn by both Aaron and his sons. It follows the extensive accounts of how each piece of the Tabernacle and its furnishings were constructed according to God's precise instructions, culminating in the finished work being presented to Moses for his inspection and approval.
This passage details the completion of the priestly garments, specifically mentioning the linen items worn by both Aaron and his sons. It follows the extensive accounts of how each piece of the Tabernacle and its furnishings were constructed according to God's precise instructions, culminating in the finished work being presented to Moses for his inspection and approval.
"and the turban of fine linen, and the caps of fine linen, and the linen undergarments of fine twined linen," — While listing the priests' garments, the focus on "fine twined linen" for the undergarments and girdles highlights that even the most hidden clothing was made with the highest quality, signifying tha…
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Last reviewed October 2026