Exodus 28:42

42 Make them linen undergarments to cover [their] naked bodies; they must extend from the waist^[a] to the thighs.

Exodus 28:42 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 28:42

And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their
nakedness
Or "the flesh of nakedness" ^F17, that part of the body which ought not to be naked and exposed to view, and which, when it is, causes shame and ridicule; what part is designed is easily gathered from the next clause; great care was taken, in the service of God's house, to preserve decency, prevent immodesty, and to guard against laughter and levity, and the like care should be always taken, (See Gill on Exodus 28:2),

from the loins even unto the thigh they shall reach;
they were to reach above the navel near the heart, and to the end of the thigh, which is the knee, as Maimonides says ^F18; who also observes, that they had strings, but had no opening before or behind, but were drawn up round like a purse; they were a sort of drawers, and somewhat like our sailors' trousers.

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FOOTNOTES:

F17 (hwre rvb) "carnem nuditatis", Montanus, Vatablus, Drusius; "carnem nudam", Junius & Tremellius; "carnem verendorum", Tigurine version; "carnem pudendorum", Piscator.
F18 Cele Hamikdash, c. 8. sect. 18.

Exodus 28:42 In-Context

40 Make tunics, sashes, and headbands for Aaron's sons to [give them] glory and beauty.

41 Put these on your brother Aaron and his sons; then anoint, ordain, and consecrate them, so that they may serve Me as priests.

42 Make them linen undergarments to cover [their] naked bodies; they must extend from the waist to the thighs.

43 These must be [worn by] Aaron and his sons whenever they enter the tent of meeting or approach the altar to minister in the sanctuary [area], so that they do not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and for his descendants after him.

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit loins