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Exodus 39:27 - Priestly garments' divine craftsmanship

Exodus 39:27 - שמות 39:27

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעֲשׂוּ אֶת־הַכָּתְנֹת שֵׁשׁ מַעֲשֵׂה אֹרֵג לְאַהֲרֹן וּלְבָנָיו׃

English Translation

And they made coats of fine linen of woven work for Aharon, and for his sons,

Transliteration

Vaya'asu et-hakotnot shesh ma'aseh oreg le'Aharon ulevanav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֛וּ אֶת־הַכׇּתְנֹ֥ת שֵׁ֖שׁ מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה אֹרֵ֑ג לְאַהֲרֹ֖ן וּלְבָנָֽיו׃
וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֛וּ אֶת־הַכׇּתְנֹ֥ת שֵׁ֖שׁ מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה אֹרֵ֑ג לְאַהֲרֹ֖ן וּלְבָנָֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Significance of the Linen Coats

The verse describes the making of the ketonet (כָּתְנֹת), the linen coats for Aharon and his sons, as part of their priestly garments. According to Rashi (Shemot 28:39), these coats were woven from fine linen (shesh, שֵׁשׁ), symbolizing purity and humility. The material and craftsmanship reflect the sanctity required for those serving in the Mishkan.

Symbolism of the Woven Garments

The phrase ma'aseh oreg (מַעֲשֵׂה אֹרֵג) indicates that the coats were intricately woven. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 8:12) explains that the weaving process itself was a sacred act, performed with intention (kavanah) for the service of Hashem. The Ibn Ezra adds that the seamless weaving (similar to the ketonet passim of Yosef) signifies unity and wholeness in the priesthood.

Purpose and Function

  • Modesty and Covering: The Talmud (Zevachim 17b) teaches that the ketonet served to atone for improper thoughts, emphasizing the need for inner purity alongside outward sanctity.
  • Distinction of the Kohanim: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 38:4) highlights that these garments set the priests apart, marking their unique role in divine service.
  • Reflection of Divine Light: The Zohar (Terumah 141a) suggests the linen's whiteness symbolizes divine mercy and the illumination of the soul in sacred service.

Comparison to Other Priestly Garments

Unlike the ornate ephod or choshen, the ketonet was simpler, teaching that humility is foundational to leadership. The Kli Yakar (Shemot 28:2) notes that while outer garments displayed splendor, the linen coat—closest to the body—represented inner refinement.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse about the linen coats for Aharon and his sons mean?
A: This verse describes the special garments made for Aharon the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) and his sons, who served in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The linen coats (ketonet) were part of the sacred priestly clothing required for service. Rashi explains that these garments were woven from fine linen (shesh) and were made with special craftsmanship to honor their holy role.
Q: Why were the priests required to wear special linen garments?
A: The Torah teaches that the priests' garments were necessary for their service in the Mishkan (and later the Temple). The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8) explains that these garments brought honor and splendor to the divine service. The linen material (shesh) symbolized purity, as linen does not come from an animal source, reflecting the elevated spiritual state required for the priests' duties.
Q: What can we learn from the description of the priests' garments?
A: The detailed description teaches us the importance of hiddur mitzvah (beautifying commandments). Just as the priests' garments were made with fine materials and craftsmanship, we learn to perform mitzvot with care and beauty. The Talmud (Shabbat 133b) derives from this the principle 'This is my G-d and I will glorify Him' - we should strive to perform mitzvot in the most beautiful way possible.
Q: Do the priestly garments have any significance today?
A: While we don't have the Temple service today, the garments remind us of the importance of dressing appropriately for sacred occasions. Many have the custom to wear special clothing for prayer and Shabbat, reflecting this idea. The Midrash (Tanchuma Tetzaveh 11) also teaches that the garments atoned for various sins, reminding us that our actions and intentions should always strive for spiritual elevation.