Exodus 28:42

42 Also make linen undergarments for them, to be worn next to their bodies, reaching from their hips to their 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 “For Aaron’s sons, make tunics, sashes, and special head coverings that are glorious and beautiful.

41 Clothe your brother, Aaron, and his sons with these garments, and then anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they can serve as my priests.

42 Also make linen undergarments for them, to be worn next to their bodies, reaching from their hips to their thighs.

43 These must be worn whenever Aaron and his sons enter the Tabernacle or approach the altar in the Holy Place to perform their priestly duties. Then they will not incur guilt and die. This is a permanent law for Aaron and all his descendants after him.