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Exodus 39:30 - Holy crown for Divine service?

Exodus 39:30 - שמות 39:30

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעֲשׂוּ אֶת־צִיץ נֵזֶר־הַקֹּדֶשׁ זָהָב טָהוֹר וַיִּכְתְּבוּ עָלָיו מִכְתַּב פִּתּוּחֵי חוֹתָם קֹדֶשׁ לַיהוָה׃

English Translation

And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like the engravings of a signet, Holiness to the Lord.

Transliteration

Vaya'asu et-tzitz nezer hakodesh zahav tahor vayichtevu alav mikhtav pituchei chotam kodesh lahashem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֛וּ אֶת־צִ֥יץ נֵֽזֶר־הַקֹּ֖דֶשׁ זָהָ֣ב טָה֑וֹר וַיִּכְתְּב֣וּ עָלָ֗יו מִכְתַּב֙ פִּתּוּחֵ֣י חוֹתָ֔ם קֹ֖דֶשׁ לַיהֹוָֽה׃
וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֛וּ אֶת־צִ֥יץ נֵֽזֶר־הַקֹּ֖דֶשׁ זָהָ֣ב טָה֑וֹר וַיִּכְתְּב֣וּ עָלָ֗יו מִכְתַּב֙ פִּתּוּחֵ֣י חוֹתָ֔ם קֹ֖דֶשׁ לַיהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Tzitz: The Golden Plate of Holiness

The verse describes the creation of the tzitz, the golden plate worn on the forehead of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest), inscribed with the words "קֹדֶשׁ לַיהוָה" (Kodesh LaHashem)—"Holiness to the Lord." This plate served as a constant reminder of the sanctity of the divine service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 28:36) explains that the phrase "פִּתּוּחֵי חוֹתָם" (engravings of a signet) means the letters were raised, not sunken, as was typical for seal engravings. This method ensured the words remained clearly visible, emphasizing the perpetual sanctity of the Kohen Gadol's role.

Symbolism of the Tzitz

  • Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:1) teaches that the tzitz atoned for improper thoughts or arrogance during Temple service, as the forehead symbolizes boldness and intention.
  • The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 38:8) compares the tzitz to a crown, representing the Kohen Gadol’s role as an intermediary between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem.

The Inscription: "Kodesh LaHashem"

The phrase "קֹדֶשׁ לַיהוָה" signifies total dedication to divine service. Rabbeinu Bachya (Shemot 28:36) notes that the gold's purity and the engraving's permanence reflect the unchanging holiness required of the Kohen Gadol.

Halachic Significance

The Talmud (Zevachim 88b) states that the tzitz was essential for the validity of certain korbanot (offerings). Without it, sacrifices brought in impurity would not be fully atoned for, highlighting its role in maintaining the Mishkan's sanctity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 19b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the sanctity of the priestly garments, particularly the golden plate (tzitz) and its inscription.
📖 Shabbat 63b
Mentioned in a discussion about the proper way to write sacred inscriptions, comparing it to the engraving on the tzitz.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'plate of the holy crown' mentioned in Exodus 39:30?
A: The 'plate of the holy crown' (Hebrew: צִיץ נֵזֶר־הַקֹּדֶשׁ) refers to the golden headplate worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) on his forehead. According to Rashi, it was a thin gold plate engraved with the words 'Holy to the Lord' (קֹדֶשׁ לַיהוָה) and was tied to the High Priest's turban with blue cords.
Q: Why was 'Holy to the Lord' engraved on the High Priest's headplate?
A: The inscription 'Holy to the Lord' (קֹדֶשׁ לַיהוָה) on the High Priest's headplate served as a constant reminder of the sanctity of his role and his dedication to serving Hashem. The Talmud (Zevachim 88b) explains that this plate also atoned for any improper thoughts or arrogance that might arise while performing the sacred service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
Q: How was the engraving on the headplate made?
A: The verse describes the engraving as being like 'the engravings of a signet' (פִּתּוּחֵי חוֹתָם). Rashi explains that this means the letters were raised from the gold plate, not sunken into it. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:1) adds that the engraving was done with great skill to ensure the letters were clearly visible and durable.
Q: What is the significance of the headplate being made of pure gold?
A: Pure gold (זָהָב טָהוֹר) symbolizes the highest level of purity and sanctity, fitting for an object worn by the Kohen Gadol in the service of Hashem. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 38:8) teaches that gold represents the splendor of the Divine Presence, and its use in the Mishkan's vessels, including the headplate, reflects the honor due to Hashem.
Q: Can we learn any practical lessons from the High Priest's headplate today?
A: Yes! Although we no longer have the Temple service, the message of the headplate remains relevant. The Chofetz Chaim teaches that just as the High Priest carried the words 'Holy to the Lord' on his forehead, we should strive to sanctify our thoughts and actions in all aspects of life, remembering that we are to serve Hashem with purity and dedication in everything we do.