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Exodus 39:31 - Blue thread crowns holiness.

Exodus 39:31 - שמות 39:31

Hebrew Text

וַיִּתְּנוּ עָלָיו פְּתִיל תְּכֵלֶת לָתֵת עַל־הַמִּצְנֶפֶת מִלְמָעְלָה כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

And they tied to it a lace of blue, to fasten it on the mitre above; as the Lord commanded Moshe.

Transliteration

Vayitnu alav petil techelet latet al-hamitznefet milma'ala ka'asher tzivah Adonai et-Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּתְּנ֤וּ עָלָיו֙ פְּתִ֣יל תְּכֵ֔לֶת לָתֵ֥ת עַל־הַמִּצְנֶ֖פֶת מִלְמָ֑עְלָה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וַיִּתְּנ֤וּ עָלָיו֙ פְּתִ֣יל תְּכֵ֔לֶת לָתֵ֥ת עַל־הַמִּצְנֶ֖פֶת מִלְמָ֑עְלָה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The P'til Techelet (Blue Thread) on the Tzitz (Headplate)

The verse describes the placement of a p'til techelet (blue thread) on the tzitz (headplate) of the kohen gadol (High Priest), as commanded by Hashem to Moshe. Rashi (Shemot 28:37) explains that this blue thread was used to secure the tzitz to the mitznefet (turban), ensuring it remained firmly in place above the kohen gadol's forehead.

Symbolism of Techelet

The color techelet carries deep spiritual significance. The Talmud (Menachot 43b) teaches that techelet resembles the sea, which resembles the sky, which in turn resembles the kisei hakavod (Divine Throne). Thus, wearing techelet serves as a constant reminder of Hashem's presence and mitzvot. Rambam (Hilchot Tzitzit 2:1) emphasizes that techelet inspires awe and directs one’s thoughts toward heavenly matters.

The Tzitz as a Kapparah (Atonement)

The tzitz bore the inscription "Kodesh LaHashem" (Holy to Hashem). The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 38:4) teaches that it served as an atonement for azut panim (brazenness or arrogance), particularly in matters of holiness. The placement of the techelet above the forehead symbolizes elevating one’s thoughts toward purity and humility before Hashem.

Halachic Precision in Fulfilling the Mitzvah

The phrase "ka'asher tzivah Hashem et Moshe" (as Hashem commanded Moshe) underscores the importance of exactness in performing mitzvot. The Sforno notes that every detail of the kohen gadol’s garments had to align precisely with Divine instruction, reflecting the principle of hiddur mitzvah (beautifying commandments). This teaches that even seemingly minor details in avodat Hashem (Divine service) carry profound significance.

  • Rashi: The techelet served a practical purpose—securing the tzitz—while also embodying spiritual symbolism.
  • Rambam: Techelet elevates human consciousness by connecting earthly actions to heavenly ideals.
  • Talmud (Zevachim 88b): The kohen gadol’s garments atoned for specific sins; the tzitz remedied arrogance in sacred matters.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 43b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the commandment of wearing a thread of blue (tekhelet) in the fringes (tzitzit), connecting it to the priestly garments as described in the verse.
📖 Zevachim 19a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the proper fulfillment of commandments related to the priestly garments, emphasizing the importance of following divine instructions precisely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the blue thread (techelet) mentioned in Exodus 39:31?
A: The blue thread (techelet) was a special dyed woolen cord attached to the High Priest's mitre (turban). According to Rashi and the Talmud (Menachot 42b), techelet represents the color of the sea and sky, reminding us of Hashem's heavenly throne and divine commandments.
Q: Why was the techelet placed on the High Priest's mitre?
A: The techelet on the mitre served as a constant reminder of the High Priest's sacred duties before Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8:1) explains that all priestly garments were meant to bring honor and splendor to the service in the Temple, with the techelet being a prominent visual reminder of holiness.
Q: Does the commandment about techelet apply today?
A: While the mitre with techelet was specifically for the High Priest in the Temple, there is a separate commandment (Numbers 15:38) for all Jews to wear techelet threads on the corners of their garments (tzitzit). The Talmud (Menachot 43a) discusses this mitzvah, though the exact method of producing authentic techelet was lost for centuries. Some contemporary authorities permit using certain blue dyes identified as authentic techelet.