Exodus 39:25
And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates upon the hem of the robe, round about between the pomegranates;
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
And they made
H6213
וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
And they made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
זָהָ֣ב
gold
H2091
זָהָ֣ב
gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
3 of 15
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
טָה֑וֹר
of pure
H2889
טָה֑וֹר
of pure
Strong's:
H2889
Word #:
4 of 15
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
וַיִּתְּנ֨וּ
and put
H5414
וַיִּתְּנ֨וּ
and put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽרִמֹּנִֽים׃
the pomegranates
H7416
הָֽרִמֹּנִֽים׃
the pomegranates
Strong's:
H7416
Word #:
9 of 15
a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
סָבִ֔יב
round about
H5439
סָבִ֔יב
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
13 of 15
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
Historical Context
The bells served a practical purpose—those outside the Holy Place could hear the high priest moving inside, assuring them he still lived. Rabbinic tradition suggests a rope tied to the priest's ankle to retrieve his body if God struck him dead, though this tradition lacks biblical support.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's living intercession (evidenced by active witness) assure believers of ongoing priestly ministry?
- What does the combination of bells (witness) and fruit (substance) teach about balanced ministry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Golden bells (פַּעֲמֹנֵי זָהָב, pa'amonei zahav) placed between the pomegranates create an alternating pattern. The bells announced the high priest's movements in the Holy Place, signaling that he lived (if he died, the bells would cease). This teaches that Christ's priesthood is evidenced by active intercession—He 'ever liveth to make intercession' (Hebrews 7:25). The gold material signifies that this witness to priestly life comes from divine (not human) origin. Bells and fruit together teach that ministry requires both witness (sound) and substance (fruit).