Exodus 28:33
And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about:
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ
of it thou shalt make
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ
of it thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שׁוּלָ֖יו
And beneath upon the hem
H7757
שׁוּלָ֖יו
And beneath upon the hem
Strong's:
H7757
Word #:
3 of 15
a skirt; by implication, a bottom edge
רִמֹּנֵי֙
pomegranates
H7416
רִמֹּנֵי֙
pomegranates
Strong's:
H7416
Word #:
4 of 15
a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)
תְּכֵ֤לֶת
of blue
H8504
תְּכֵ֤לֶת
of blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
5 of 15
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
וְתוֹלַ֣עַת
H8438
וְתוֹלַ֣עַת
Strong's:
H8438
Word #:
7 of 15
a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl
שָׁנִ֔י
and of scarlet
H8144
שָׁנִ֔י
and of scarlet
Strong's:
H8144
Word #:
8 of 15
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שׁוּלָ֖יו
And beneath upon the hem
H7757
שׁוּלָ֖יו
And beneath upon the hem
Strong's:
H7757
Word #:
10 of 15
a skirt; by implication, a bottom edge
סָבִֽיב׃
round about
H5439
סָבִֽיב׃
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
11 of 15
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
זָהָ֛ב
of gold
H2091
זָהָ֛ב
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
13 of 15
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
Historical Context
Pomegranates in ancient Israel represented fertility and abundance, with hundreds of seeds in each fruit. The embroidered or woven pomegranates on the hem created a beautiful, fruit-laden border visible with every step the high priest took.
Questions for Reflection
- How does fruit appearing on the 'hem' (humblest part) illustrate that Christ's humility produces abundant life?
- What does the pomegranate's many seeds teach about the multiplication of fruit from Christ's work?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet on the robe's hem, alternating with golden bells. Pomegranates symbolize fruitfulness, abundance, life—the fruit of Christ's ministry. The three colors (heaven, royalty, sacrifice) show that fruitful ministry flows from His divine origin, His regal authority, and His atoning death. The hem represents the lowest, most humble part, yet bears the most fruit—Christ's humility produces abundant life for His people.