Exodus 28:42
And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:
Original Language Analysis
וַֽעֲשֵׂ֤ה
And thou shalt make
H6213
וַֽעֲשֵׂ֤ה
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מִכְנְסֵי
breeches
H4370
מִכְנְסֵי
breeches
Strong's:
H4370
Word #:
3 of 11
(only in dual) drawers (from concealing the private parts)
לְכַסּ֖וֹת
to cover
H3680
לְכַסּ֖וֹת
to cover
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
בְּשַׂ֣ר
their nakedness
H1320
בְּשַׂ֣ר
their nakedness
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
6 of 11
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
עֶרְוָ֑ה
H6172
עֶרְוָ֑ה
Strong's:
H6172
Word #:
7 of 11
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)
מִמָּתְנַ֥יִם
from the loins
H4975
מִמָּתְנַ֥יִם
from the loins
Strong's:
H4975
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
9 of 11
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Cross References
Ezekiel 44:18They shall have linen bonnets upon their heads, and shall have linen breeches upon their loins; they shall not gird themselves with any thing that causeth sweat.Leviticus 16:4He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.Leviticus 6:10And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar.Exodus 39:28And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined linen,
Historical Context
These undergarments (מִכְנְסֵי־בָד, mikhnesey-bad) were required for priests serving at the altar or entering the tabernacle. The specific coverage area ensured total modesty—nakedness in God's presence was absolutely forbidden and would result in death.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's righteousness cover not only public sins but private, hidden shame?
- What does covering 'from loins to thighs' teach about grace covering our ability to produce works?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Linen breeches (undergarments) 'to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs.' Even hidden parts must be covered—no nakedness before God. Since the Fall, nakedness represents shame (Genesis 3:7). These linen undergarments picture how Christ's righteousness covers even our most private sins, our hidden shame. Nothing is exposed before God when clothed in Christ. The linen extends 'from loins to thighs'—reproductive/generative capacity is covered, suggesting that even our ability to produce (works) comes from grace-covering.