New International Versionwith an opening for the head in its center. There shall be a woven edge like a collar around this opening, so that it will not tear.
New Living Translationwith an opening for Aaron’s head in the middle of it. Reinforce the opening with a woven collar so it will not tear.
English Standard VersionIt shall have an opening for the head in the middle of it, with a woven binding around the opening, like the opening in a garment, so that it may not tear.
Berean Standard Biblewith an opening at its top in the center. Around the opening shall be a woven collar with an opening like that of a garment, so that it will not tear.
King James BibleAnd there shall be an hole in the top of it, in the midst thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of an habergeon, that it be not rent.
New King James VersionThere shall be an opening for his head in the middle of it; it shall have a woven binding all around its opening, like the opening in a coat of mail, so that it does not tear.
New American Standard BibleThere shall be an opening at its top in the middle of it; around its opening there shall be a binding of woven work, like the opening of a coat of mail, so that it will not be torn.
NASB 1995“There shall be an opening at its top in the middle of it; around its opening there shall be a binding of woven work, like the opening of a coat of mail, so that it will not be torn.
NASB 1977“And there shall be an opening at its top in the middle of it; around its opening there shall be a binding of woven work, as it were the opening of a coat of mail, that it may not be torn.
Legacy Standard BibleThere shall be an opening at its top in the middle of it; around the edge of its opening there shall be a binding of woven work, like the opening of a coat of mail, so that it will not be torn.
Amplified BibleThere shall be an opening at its top in the center [for the head], with a binding of woven work around the opening, like the opening in a coat of armor, so that it will not tear or fray.
Christian Standard BibleThere should be an opening at its top in the center of it. Around the opening, there should be a woven collar with an opening like that of body armor so that it does not tear.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThere should be an opening at its top in the center of it. Around the opening, there should be a woven collar with an opening like that of body armor so that it does not tear.
American Standard VersionAnd it shall have a hole for the head in the midst thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of a coat of mail, that it be not rent.
Contemporary English Versionwith an opening in the center for his head. Be sure to bind the material around the collar to keep it from wearing out.
English Revised VersionAnd it shall have a hole for the head in the midst thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of a coat of mail, that it be not rent.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationMake an opening for the head in the center with a reinforced edge (like a leather collar) all around it to keep it from tearing.
Good News TranslationIt is to have a hole for the head, and this hole is to be reinforced with a woven binding to keep it from tearing.
International Standard VersionThere is to be an opening at its top, in the middle, with a woven binding around the opening like the opening of a coat of mail so that it cannot be torn.
NET BibleThere is to be an opening in its top in the center of it, with an edge all around the opening, the work of a weaver, like the opening of a collar, so that it cannot be torn.
New Heart English BibleIt shall have a hole for the head in its midst: it shall have a binding of woven work around its hole, as it were the hole of a coat of mail, that it not be torn.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd there shall be a hole in the top of it, in the midst of it: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as the hole of an habergeon, that it be not rent. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblewith an opening at its top in the center. Around the opening shall be a woven collar with an opening like that of a garment, so that it will not tear.
World English BibleIt shall have a hole for the head in the middle of it. It shall have a binding of woven work around its hole, as it were the hole of a coat of mail, that it not be torn. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the opening for his head has been in its midst; there is a border for its opening all around—the work of a weaver—[and] there is as the opening of a [linen] habergeon for it; it is not torn.
Young's Literal Translation and the opening for its head hath been in its midst, a border is to its opening round about, work of a weaver, as the opening of a habergeon there is to it; it is not rent.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the mouth of its head shall be in the midst of it: the lip shall be before it round about a plaited work, as the mouth of a coat of mail shall be to it: it shall not rend. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIn the midst whereof above shall be a hole for the head, and a border round about it woven, as is wont to be made in the outmost parts of garments, that it may not easily be broken.
Catholic Public Domain Versionand the head will be above its middle, with a hem woven around it, just as is usually made at the end parts of a garment, so that it may not be easily broken.
New American BibleIt shall have an opening for the head in the center, and around this opening there shall be a selvage, woven as at the opening of a shirt, to keep it from being torn.
New Revised Standard VersionIt shall have an opening for the head in the middle of it, with a woven binding around the opening, like the opening in a coat of mail, so that it may not be torn. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd there shall be an opening in the top of it, in the midst thereof; and it shall have a binding of woven work round about the opening of it, hemmed on the edge so that it may not be torn.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd the opening of its top will have within it a lip; it will be for the opening encircling the work, woven like a mouth; it shall be of cord that it will not rip. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it shall have a hole for the head in the midst thereof; it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of a coat of mail that it be not rent.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd the opening of it shall be in the middle having a fringe round about the opening, the work of the weaver, woven together in the joining of the same piece that it might not be rent.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Additional Priestly Garments31You are to make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, 32withan openingat its topin the center.Around the openingshall bea wovencollarwith an openinglike thatof a garment,so thatitwill nottear.33Make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn all the way around the lower hem, with gold bells between them,…
Cross References Leviticus 21:10The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair hang loose or tear his garments.
John 19:23-24When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided His garments into four parts, one for each soldier, with the tunic remaining. It was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. / So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it. Instead, let us cast lots to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill the Scripture: “They divided My garments among them, and cast lots for My clothing.” So that is what the soldiers did.
Matthew 27:35When they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments by casting lots.
Hebrews 4:14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess.
Hebrews 7:26-28Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. / Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself. / For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.
Leviticus 8:7-9He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him. / Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece. / Moses also put the turban on Aaron’s head and set the gold plate, the holy diadem, on the front of the turban, as the LORD had commanded him.
Leviticus 16:4He is to wear the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments. He must tie a linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are holy garments, and he must bathe himself with water before he wears them.
1 Samuel 2:18-19Now Samuel was ministering before the LORD—a boy wearing a linen ephod. / Each year his mother would make him a little robe and bring it to him when she went with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice.
2 Samuel 6:14And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD,
2 Chronicles 26:19Uzziah, with a censer in his hand to offer incense, was enraged. But while he raged against the priests in their presence in the house of the LORD before the altar of incense, leprosy broke out on his forehead.
Isaiah 61:10I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Zechariah 3:4So the angel said to those standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes!” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.”
Revelation 1:13and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest.
Revelation 19:13-16He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. / The armies of heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and pure, follow Him on white horses. / And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. ...
Numbers 15:38-39“Speak to the Israelites and tell them that throughout the generations to come they are to make for themselves tassels for the corners of their garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. / These will serve as tassels for you to look at, so that you may remember all the commandments of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by following your own heart and your own eyes.
Treasury of Scripture And there shall be an hole in the top of it, in the middle thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of an habergeon, that it be not rent. as it were Exodus 39:28 And a mitreof fine linen, and goodly bonnetsof fine linen, and linen breechesof fine twined linen, 2 Chronicles 26:14 And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slingsto cast stones. Nehemiah 4:16 And it came to pass from that time forth,that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulerswere behind all the house of Judah. that it be not rent John 19:23,24 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and alsohis coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout… Ephesians 4:3-16 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace… Jump to Previous BandBindingBorderBrokenCenterCoatCollarEdgeEdgedFighting-ManGarmentHabergeonHeadHoleMailMiddleMidstOpeningRendRentRoundStrongThereofTopTornWeaverWorkWovenJump to Next BandBindingBorderBrokenCenterCoatCollarEdgeEdgedFighting-ManGarmentHabergeonHeadHoleMailMiddleMidstOpeningRendRentRoundStrongThereofTopTornWeaverWorkWovenExodus 28 1.Aaron and his sons are set apart for the priest's office2.Holy garments are appointed6.The ephod and girdle15.The breast-plate with twelve precious stones30.The Urim and Thummim31.The robe of the ephod, with pomegranates and bells36.The plate of the mitre39.The embroidered coat40.The garments for Aaron's sonswith an opening at its top in the centerThis phrase describes the design of the high priest's ephod, a sacred garment worn during priestly duties. The central opening signifies the importance of the garment's function, allowing it to be worn over the head, symbolizing the priest's role as a mediator between God and the people. The centrality of the opening may also reflect the central role of the priesthood in Israel's worship and covenant relationship with God. This design is practical, ensuring the garment can be worn securely and comfortably during priestly duties. Around the opening shall be a woven collar
The woven collar around the opening serves both a functional and symbolic purpose. Functionally, it reinforces the garment, preventing wear and tear, which is crucial for a garment meant to be used repeatedly in sacred rituals. Symbolically, the collar represents the strength and integrity required of the priestly office. The craftsmanship involved in weaving the collar reflects the care and precision required in serving God, paralleling the meticulous nature of the Law given to Israel. with an opening like that of a garment
This comparison to a common garment suggests that while the ephod is a sacred item, it is also practical and functional. The design is intentional, ensuring that the ephod is durable and fit for the high priest's active role. This phrase may also imply that the sacred and the ordinary are interconnected, as the priestly garments, though unique, share similarities with everyday clothing, reminding the priest of his humanity and the need for humility before God. so that it will not tear
The instruction to prevent tearing underscores the importance of maintaining the garment's integrity. In biblical symbolism, tearing can represent division or destruction, as seen in the tearing of the temple veil at Jesus' crucifixion (Matthew 27:51), which signified the end of the separation between God and humanity. For the high priest's garment, preventing tears ensures that the priest remains whole and unblemished in his service, reflecting the holiness and perfection required in approaching God. This also prefigures the unblemished nature of Christ, our High Priest, who mediates the new covenant without flaw or imperfection. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the priestly garments from God on Mount Sinai. 2. AaronThe brother of Moses, who was appointed as the first high priest of Israel. The instructions for the garments were specifically for him and his descendants. 3. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, for whom the priestly garments were a symbol of holiness and separation. 4. TabernacleThe dwelling place of God among His people, where the priests would serve wearing these garments. 5. Priestly GarmentsSpecial clothing designed for the high priest, symbolizing purity, holiness, and the unique role of the priesthood. Teaching Points Holiness and SeparationThe design of the priestly garments, including the seamless opening, signifies the holiness and separation required of those who serve God. As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness. Attention to DetailGod's instructions for the garments were precise, indicating that He cares about the details of our worship and service. We should strive for excellence in our service to God, paying attention to the details in our spiritual lives. Symbolism of the GarmentsThe garments were not just functional but symbolic of the priest's role as a mediator between God and the people. As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, representing Him to the world. Protection and PreservationThe woven edge around the opening was to prevent tearing, symbolizing the need for protection and preservation in our spiritual walk. We must guard our hearts and maintain the integrity of our faith. Christ as Our High PriestThe high priest's garments point to Jesus, our ultimate High Priest, who intercedes for us. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that Christ has made a way for us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Exodus 28:32?
2.Why was the robe's "opening...like a collar" significant for the priest's role?
3.How does Exodus 28:32 emphasize the importance of following God's detailed instructions?
4.What connections exist between Exodus 28:32 and the New Testament priesthood of believers?
5.How can we apply the principle of obedience from Exodus 28:32 today?
6.In what ways does Exodus 28:32 reflect God's care for worship and holiness?
7.Why does Exodus 28:32 emphasize the robe's construction with a reinforced opening?
8.How does the robe's design in Exodus 28:32 reflect God's attention to detail?
9.What is the significance of the robe's seamless opening in Exodus 28:32?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 28?
11.Exodus 28:2-5: Where did nomadic Israelites supposedly in the desert acquire the costly fabrics, precious stones, and gold for such elaborate garments?
12.Why does Exodus 32:25-28 record the killing of about three thousand people, and is there any historical or archaeological support for such a large-scale event?
13.Exodus 39:22-26: Are there historical or archaeological records to confirm that such finely woven robes, bells, and pomegranates could have been produced by this group at that time?
14.What does the Bible say about God versus Satan?What Does Exodus 28:32 Mean Text in its settingExodus 28:31-32 sits in the middle of God’s instructions for the high priest’s garments. Immediately after telling Moses, “Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth” (v. 31), the Lord adds: “There shall be an opening for the head in its center. Around the opening there shall be a woven collar, like the opening of a garment, so that it will not tear.” (Exodus 28:32) The verse is sandwiched between further directions on pomegranates, bells, and the turban (Exodus 28:33-37), showing that every thread of the priest’s attire mattered to God (cf.Exodus 25:40).
Literal instructionsThe detail is straightforward and technical: • “opening … in its center” – a head-hole positioned precisely. • “woven collar” – a reinforced band firmly attached. • “like the opening of a garment” – crafted the way everyday clothing would be finished. • “so that it will not tear” – durability is commanded, not left to chance. A repeat of the same wording inExodus 39:23 confirms the craftsmen obeyed exactly. God’s directions are to be followed, not improved (cf.Exodus 40:16-17).
Reasons for the collarPractical: • Prevents fraying in heavy use during sacrifices (Leviticus 8:7). • Keeps the robe intact so Aaron can minister without distraction. Ceremonial: • Any tear would desecrate garments set apart as “holy to the LORD” (Exodus 28:36). • A torn robe could symbolize brokenness, grief, or judgment (cf.2 Samuel 13:19); the high priest must represent wholeness and peace while entering God’s presence.
Christological foreshadowingThe single, untorn opening looks ahead to the seamless priestly work of Christ: • “Now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom” (John 19:23). • Soldiers gambled for it “so that the Scripture would be fulfilled” (John 19:24, echoingPsalm 22:18). • Hebrews connects Jesus’ unbroken priesthood to His perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:23-24). As the robe could not be ripped, so His saving ministry is unmarred and perpetual.
Lessons for believers• Guard what is holy. If God cared about a collar, how much more our hearts (Proverbs 4:23). • Aim for integrity. A seamless life resists the tearing effects of sin (Ephesians 4:1-3). • Marvel at precision. Scripture’s details invite worship, not indifference (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Rest in our High Priest. Because Christ’s robe—and work—remains intact, “we have this hope as an anchor for the soul” (Hebrews 6:19).
summaryExodus 28:32 commands a reinforced, tear-proof opening in the high priest’s blue robe. Literally, it protected the garment; symbolically, it preserved the dignity and wholeness required for approaching God. The feature points forward to Jesus’ seamless tunic and flawless priesthood, urging believers to cherish holiness, pursue integrity, and trust the One whose ministry can never be torn. (32) As it were the hole of a habergeon.--Linen corselets, or "habergeons," were common in Egypt, and were shaped as is here indicated. The word used for "habergeon," takl?rah,is thought to be Egyptian. Verse 32. - An hole in the top of it. A mere circular hole for the head to go through, unaccompanied by a slit or longitudinal opening. In the midst of it. Midway between the two arm-holes. A binding of woven work round about the hole of it. This would strengthen the edge of the opening) and prevent it from tearing or fraying. The binding was probably sewn on after the frock was woven. As it were the hole of an habergeon. Linen corselets or habergeons have been found in Egypt. They were sometimes covered with metal scales, and were of the make here indicated. (See the author's History of Eg ypt, vol. 1. p. 446.) The word here used for "habergeon" ( takharah) is Egyptian.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew withוְהָיָ֥ה(wə·hā·yāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bean openingפִֽי־(p̄î-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310:The mouth, edge, portion, side, according toat its topרֹאשׁ֖וֹ(rō·šōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7218:The headin the center.בְּתוֹכ֑וֹ(bə·ṯō·w·ḵōw)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8432:A bisection, the centreAround [the opening]סָבִ֜יב(sā·ḇîḇ)Adverb
Strong's 5439:A circle, neighbour, environs, aroundshall beיִֽהְיֶה֩(yih·yeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bea wovenמַעֲשֵׂ֣ה(ma·‘ă·śêh)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4639:An action, a transaction, activity, a product, propertycollarשָׂפָ֡ה(śā·p̄āh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8193:The lip, language, a marginwith an openingלְפִ֨יו(lə·p̄îw)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6310:The mouth, edge, portion, side, according tolike thatכְּפִ֥י(kə·p̄î)Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310:The mouth, edge, portion, side, according toof a garment,תַחְרָ֛א(ṯaḥ·rā)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8473:A linen corsletso that itיִֽהְיֶה־(yih·yeh-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bewill notלֹ֥א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, notear.יִקָּרֵֽעַ׃(yiq·qā·rê·a‘)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7167:To rend
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OT Law: Exodus 28:32 It shall have a hole (Exo. Ex) |
