Exodus 39:23 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →An opening at the neck of the robe was reinforced with a band to prevent the fabric from tearing.
The Context of Exodus 39:23
The neckline of the robe is reinforced to prevent tearing.
What Does Exodus 39:23 Mean?
The robe needed an opening for the priest to slip it over his head, but an unfinished opening would weaken the fabric. A reinforcing band—essentially a binding or hem—was woven around the neckline to distribute stress and prevent the robe from splitting or unraveling during wear.
The comparison to the hole of a habergeon (a sleeveless mail garment) suggests a snug, secure opening. Just as a soldier's armor was constructed to withstand physical stress, the priest's robe was engineered to withstand the repetitive movements of daily ministry. Function and durability went hand in hand.
Exodus 39:23 in the Original Language
habergeon (שִׁרְיוֹן) — a sleeveless mail coat, suggesting a well-defined opening; rend (קָרַע) — to tear or split
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 39:23
What does Exodus 39:23 mean?
An opening at the neck of the robe was reinforced with a band to prevent the fabric from tearing.
What is the context of Exodus 39:23?
The neckline of the robe is reinforced to prevent tearing.