Deuteronomy - 22:12



12 You shall make yourselves fringes on the four borders of your cloak, with which you cover yourself.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Deuteronomy 22:12.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself.
Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four borders of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself.
Thou shalt make strings in the hem at the four corners of thy cloak, wherewith thou shalt be covered.
Tassels shalt thou make thee on the four corners of thy clothing, wherewith thou coverest thyself.
Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, with which thou coverest thyself.
Fringes thou dost make to thee on the four skirts of thy covering with which thou dost cover thyself.
You shall make you fringes on the four quarters of your clothing, with which you cover yourself.
On the four edges of your robe, with which your body is covered, put ornaments of twisted threads.
Thou shalt make thee twisted cords upon the four corners of thy covering, wherewith thou coverest thyself.
You shall make strings along the hem, at the four corners of your cloak, which covers you.
Fimbrias facies tibi in quatuor oris operimenti tui quo operies te.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

This also was a part of, or accessory to, chastity, to have regard to modesty in dress; for since the thighs were then without covering, a door was thus opened to many improprieties, if the upper garments were not closed, and many, as if by accident, would have abused this, if it had been allowed, as an incentive to licentiousness; for we see that many rush into such excesses of lasciviousness, as to glory in their shame. God, therefore, would have the flaps of their gowns thus drawn together by ties or latchets, that not even by chance could those parts be uncovered, which cannot be decently or modestly looked upon. But if divine provisions were made even with respect to their garments, so that the elect people should cultivate decency, and diligently guard against everything immodest, it is abundantly clear that not only were adulteries condemned, but whatever is repugnant to purity and chastity. This passage is improperly referred to the fringes which were sewed to their garments to renew the recollection of the Law, since decency and delicacy are here alone regarded.

Thou shalt make thee fringes,.... Though a different word is here used from that in Numbers 15:38, yet the same things are intended, and Onkelos translates both by one and the same word, and which is no other than a corruption of the Greek word used in Matthew 23:5. Though there have been some, whom Aben Ezra takes notice of, who supposed that this is a law by itself, and to be observed in the night, as that in Numbers 15:38 was in the day; but these he warmly opposes, and calls them liars:
upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself; upon the four skirts of the uppermost vesture, called Talith; See Gill on Numbers 15:38.

thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters--or, according to some eminent biblical interpreters, tassels on the coverlet of the bed. The precept is not the same as Numbers 15:38.

Fringes - Or laces, or strings, partly to bring the commands of God to their remembrance, as it is expressed, Numbers 15:38, and partly is a public profession of their nation and religion, whereby they might be distinguished from strangers, that so they might be more circumspect to behave as became the people of God, and that they should own their religion before all the world. Thou coverest thyself - These words seem restrictive to the upper garment wherewith the rest were covered.

*More commentary available at chapter level.


Discussion on Deuteronomy 22:12

User discussion of the verse.






*By clicking Submit, you agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use.