Exodus 39:31 Meaning and Explanation
“And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten it on high upon the mitre; as the LORD commanded Moses.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A blue cord was attached to the plate to secure it to the high priest's turban.
The Context of Exodus 39:31
The crown plate is secured to the mitre with a blue cord.
What Does Exodus 39:31 Mean?
The blue cord—again connecting to heaven and to the tabernacle's dominant color—held the gold plate firmly in place on the mitre. It ensured that the declaration of holiness would not slip or shift but remain visible and centered on the high priest's forehead throughout his work.
By using a simple blue cord to fasten an inscription of pure gold, the design showed that the medium was secondary to the message. The 'Holiness to the Lord' was what mattered; the blue cord was merely the means of securing it. This hierarchy of values—truth over ornament—was built into the very construction of the crown.
Exodus 39:31 in the Original Language
lace (פְּתִיל) — a cord or thread; blue (תְּכֶלֶת) — heaven's color, the color of God's presence
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 39:31
What does Exodus 39:31 mean?
A blue cord was attached to the plate to secure it to the high priest's turban.
What is the context of Exodus 39:31?
The crown plate is secured to the mitre with a blue cord.