Exodus 39:4 - Kohen's sacred garment connection

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Hebrew Text

כְּתֵפֹת עָשׂוּ־לוֹ חֹבְרֹת עַל־שְׁנֵי קצוותו [קְצוֹתָיו] חֻבָּר׃

English Translation

They made shoulderpieces for it, joined on: by the two edges was it joined on.

Transliteration

Ktefot asu-lo khovrot al-shnei ktzotav khubar.

Hebrew Leining Text

כְּתֵפֹ֥ת עָֽשׂוּ־ל֖וֹ חֹבְרֹ֑ת עַל־שְׁנֵ֥י (קצוותו) [קְצוֹתָ֖יו] חֻבָּֽר׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot/Exodus 28:7) describes the construction of the Efod, a sacred garment worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). The shoulderpieces (Kesefot) were an integral part of the Efod, designed to hold the breastplate (Choshen) in place.

Explanation of the Shoulderpieces

Rashi explains that the shoulderpieces were two straps made of the same material as the Efod (gold, blue, purple, and scarlet wool, and fine linen). These straps were attached to the Efod at its two upper corners, forming a sort of "shoulder harness" that rested on the Kohen Gadol's shoulders.

Symbolism of the Shoulderpieces

According to the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 38:8), the shoulderpieces symbolize the bearing of responsibility. The Kohen Gadol carries the weight of the Jewish people on his shoulders, much like the two tablets of the Ten Commandments were carried by Moshe. The Talmud (Zevachim 88b) further connects the shoulderpieces to the concept of teshuvah (repentance), as the Kohen Gadol atones for the sins of the nation.

Technical Details of the Joining

Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 9:9): The shoulderpieces were woven into the Efod itself, not sewn on separately, ensuring durability and unity in the garment.
Ibn Ezra: The phrase "by the two edges was it joined" indicates that the shoulderpieces were connected at both ends—one end to the Efod and the other to the Choshen.

Spiritual Lessons

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that the joining of the shoulderpieces teaches the importance of unity in serving Hashem. Just as the straps were firmly connected, so too must the Jewish people be united in their devotion to Torah and mitzvot. The shoulderpieces also remind us of the collective responsibility each Jew has toward the spiritual welfare of the community.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 39:4 mean when it talks about the shoulderpieces of the priestly garments?
A: This verse describes part of the making of the Kohen Gadol's (High Priest's) ephod (apron-like garment). The shoulderpieces were two straps that connected the front and back of the ephod at the shoulders. Rashi explains that these were made of the same woven material as the ephod itself and were joined together at the top.

Q: Why were the shoulderpieces of the ephod important?
A: The shoulderpieces held the choshen (breastplate) in place and also bore two shoham stones engraved with the names of the 12 tribes (Exodus 28:9-12). The Talmud (Yoma 72b) teaches that these shoulderpieces atoned for sins, showing how the Kohen Gadol carried the spiritual burden of the nation.

Q: What can we learn from how the ephod's shoulderpieces were joined?
A: The fact that the shoulderpieces were 'joined on the two edges' teaches us about unity and connection. The Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 3) notes that just as the garment's parts were carefully joined, so too must the Jewish people remain united. The shoulderpieces connecting front and back also symbolize how leaders must connect with all parts of the community.