Exodus 39:31
And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten it on high upon the mitre; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Original Language Analysis
לָתֵ֥ת
And they tied
H5414
לָתֵ֥ת
And they tied
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 13
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
עָלָיו֙
H5921
עָלָיו֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
תְּכֵ֔לֶת
of blue
H8504
תְּכֵ֔לֶת
of blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
4 of 13
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
לָתֵ֥ת
And they tied
H5414
לָתֵ֥ת
And they tied
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 13
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַמִּצְנֶ֖פֶת
upon the mitre
H4701
הַמִּצְנֶ֖פֶת
upon the mitre
Strong's:
H4701
Word #:
7 of 13
a tiara, i.e., official turban (of a king or high priest)
מִלְמָ֑עְלָה
it on high
H4605
מִלְמָ֑עְלָה
it on high
Strong's:
H4605
Word #:
8 of 13
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The high positioning 'on high upon the mitre' ensured the golden plate's visibility. The blue cord matched the blue threading throughout the priestly garments, creating visual unity. The turban itself, wound around the head, provided secure attachment for the plate.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the blue cord securing the golden holiness plate illustrate grace undergirding sanctification?
- What does Christ wearing the crown of holiness teach about His qualification as both King and Priest?
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Analysis & Commentary
The blue lace (פְּתִיל תְּכֵלֶת, petil techelet) fastening the golden plate 'on high upon the mitre' positioned the holiness inscription prominently on Aaron's forehead. The blue cord (heavenly authority) securing the gold plate (divine glory) teaches that holiness rests on divine enablement, not human effort. The 12th 'as the LORD commanded Moses' maintains the chapter's emphasis on exact obedience. This crowned holiness prefigures Christ as King-Priest (Zechariah 6:13; Hebrews 7:1-3), whose perfect consecration entitles Him to both throne and altar.