Exodus 28:42

42 And make for them undergarments of linen to cover naked flesh; they will be from loins to thigh.

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 And for the sons of Aaron you will make tunics, and you will make for them sashes and headdresses; you will make them for glory and for splendor.

41 And you will clothe them--Aaron, your brother, and his sons with him--and you will anoint them and {ordain them} and consecrate them, and they will serve as priests for me.

42 And make for them undergarments of linen to cover naked flesh; they will be from loins to thigh.

43 And they will be on Aaron and on his sons when they come to the tent of assembly or when they approach the altar to serve in the sanctuary, so that they will not bear guilt and die. [It is] a lasting statute for him and for his offspring after him.