What does Exodus 28:34 mean?
ESV: a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, around the hem of the robe.
NIV: The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe.
NASB: a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, all around on the hem of the robe.
CSB: so that gold bells and pomegranates alternate around the lower hem of the robe.
NLT: The gold bells and pomegranates are to alternate all around the hem.
KJV: A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about.
NKJV: a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe all around.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Exodus 28:31–39 depicts additional garments worn by Israel's high priest (Exodus 28:1–5). The robe is blue, with a sturdy collar. The robe's hem features alternating golden bells and pomegranates. The turban, a hat of wrapped cloth, includes a golden plate engraved with the expression "Holy to the Lord." The coat is made of linen. The sash—a wide soft belt—features embroidery.
Chapter Summary:
The Lord will assign Aaron and his descendants to be Israel's priests (Numbers 3:10). In this chapter, God describes the priestly garments worn for this office. They are to be beautiful and made with great skill. A high priest's uniform included a breastpiece, a sleeveless smock called an "ephod," as well as a robe, coat, turban, and sash. Other priests wore caps, sashes, coats, and linen underclothes made for their roles. Some items are explained in detail. These garments embody various elements of worship under the Mosaic covenant.
Chapter Context:
Israel arrived at Sinai (Exodus 19:1–3) where God began to declare His laws (Exodus 19:5–6). These began with the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17) and assorted rules (Exodus 21—23). The Lord also explained designs for His sanctuary and its accessories (Exodus 25—27). This chapter specifies how to make priestly garments, beginning with those of the high priest. The following passage shows how to consecrate the priests (Exodus 29) before returning to describe the last items to be constructed (Exodus 30).
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
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