Exodus 39:23
And there was an hole in the midst of the robe, as the hole of an habergeon, with a band round about the hole, that it should not rend.
Original Language Analysis
לְפִ֛יו
And there was an hole
H6310
לְפִ֛יו
And there was an hole
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
1 of 10
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
בְּתוֹכ֖וֹ
in the midst
H8432
בְּתוֹכ֖וֹ
in the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
3 of 10
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
לְפִ֛יו
And there was an hole
H6310
לְפִ֛יו
And there was an hole
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
4 of 10
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
שָׂפָ֥ה
with a band
H8193
שָׂפָ֥ה
with a band
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
6 of 10
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
לְפִ֛יו
And there was an hole
H6310
לְפִ֛יו
And there was an hole
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
7 of 10
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
סָבִ֖יב
round about
H5439
סָבִ֖יב
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
8 of 10
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
Historical Context
A habergeon (coat of mail) had a carefully finished opening to prevent tearing when put on/off. The comparison demonstrates that even the robe's opening received special reinforcement. The prohibition against tearing contrasts with Levitical laws where torn garments could disqualify priests from service.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the prohibition against the robe tearing symbolize Christ's perfect, unbreakable priesthood?
- What comfort comes from Christ's ministry never failing or being torn, unlike human priests?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The robe's opening 'in the midst' with a reinforced edge 'as the hole of an habergeon' (כְּפִי תַחְרָא, kefi tachra, like a coat of mail opening) with a binding 'that it should not rend' (לֹא יִקָּרֵעַ, lo yikarea) teaches perfection's preservation. The Hebrew קָרַע (qara, to tear) recalls the tearing of priestly or kingly garments in grief or judgment (2 Kings 18:37; Matthew 26:65). The high priest's robe must never tear, symbolizing Christ's perfect, unbreakable ministry. Unlike human priests who fail, Christ's priesthood endures forever (Hebrews 7:24).