Exodus 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.
Original Language Analysis
וְשִׁבַּצְתָּ֙
And thou shalt embroider
H7660
וְשִׁבַּצְתָּ֙
And thou shalt embroider
Strong's:
H7660
Word #:
1 of 10
to interweave (colored) threads in squares; by implication (of reticulation) to inchase gems in gold
שֵׁ֑שׁ
of fine linen
H8336
שֵׁ֑שׁ
of fine linen
Strong's:
H8336
Word #:
3 of 10
bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה
and thou shalt make
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה
and thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מִצְנֶ֣פֶת
the mitre
H4701
מִצְנֶ֣פֶת
the mitre
Strong's:
H4701
Word #:
5 of 10
a tiara, i.e., official turban (of a king or high priest)
שֵׁ֑שׁ
of fine linen
H8336
שֵׁ֑שׁ
of fine linen
Strong's:
H8336
Word #:
6 of 10
bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה
and thou shalt make
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה
and thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
The coat (כְּתֹנֶת, ketonet) was a long tunic with embroidered checkerwork, requiring skilled needlework. Common priests wore plain linen coats, but the high priest's embroidered version reflected his special status and the beauty of his consecration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's 'embroidered' (detailed, intricate) righteousness differ from simplistic moralism?
- What does righteousness as an 'innermost garment' teach about its intimacy with your identity?
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Analysis & Commentary
The embroidered coat of fine linen—the foundational garment worn next to the skin. Fine linen represents righteousness (Revelation 19:8), and this coat's checkered/embroidered pattern suggests beautifully worked righteousness, not plain or simple. Christ's righteousness is intricate, detailed, beautiful—every aspect woven with perfect obedience. This innermost garment prefigures the imputed righteousness believers wear—Christ's perfect life applied to us, closest to our true selves (next to skin).