Lexical Summary mitsnepheth: Turban, Headdress Original Word: מִצְנֶפֶת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance diadem, mitre From tsanaph; a tiara, i.e. Official turban (of a king or high priest) -- diadem, mitre. see HEBREW tsanaph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tsanaph Definition turban (of the high priest) NASB Translation turban (12). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִצְנֶ֫פֶת noun feminine turban of high priest; — absolute ׳מ Ezekiel 21:31, מִצְנָ֑פֶת Exodus 28:37; Exodus 29:6; construct מִצְנֶ֫פֶת Leviticus 16:4; — turban of linen Exodus 28:4,37 (twice in verse); Exodus 28:39; Exodus 29:6 (twice in verse); Exodus 39:28,31; Leviticus 8:9 (twice in verse); Leviticus 16:4; sign of royalty Ezekiel 21:31. צנק (√ of following; compare Samaritan Topical Lexicon Object and Function The מִצְנֶפֶת (mitznefet) is the distinctive turban or miter worn by Israel’s high priest, forming part of the divinely prescribed vestments that set him apart for service in the sanctuary. Wound from fine twisted linen, it enclosed the head, providing a dignified crown-like appearance while anchoring the gold plate engraved “Holy to the LORD.” Biblical Occurrences Twelve verses employ the term. Nine belong to the Exodus–Leviticus narrative of the tabernacle (Exodus 28:4, 28:37, 28:39; 29:6; 39:28, 39:31; Leviticus 8:9 twice; 16:4). The last appears in Ezekiel 21:26. Each setting reinforces either the institution, implementation, or prophetic removal of the high-priestly headpiece. Selected quotations: Materials and Craftsmanship Crafted from “fine linen” (Exodus 28:39; 39:28), the turban exemplifies purity, radiance, and skillful work “of a weaver.” Linen’s whiteness visually separated the high priest from common service, while its cool texture served the practical need for comfort in the desert climate. The plate of pure gold, suspended by a blue cord, announced holiness and connected the headpiece to the heavenly hue that permeated the sanctuary curtains. Priestly Symbolism 1. Holiness: The engraving “Holy to the LORD” rested upon the forehead, signifying that the high priest represented the nation in a state of consecrated acceptance (Exodus 28:38). Consecration and Service During the seven-day ordination (Leviticus 8) Moses placed the turban on Aaron only after donning the tunic, robe, ephod, and breastpiece, highlighting its climactic importance. Without it, the high priest could not enter the Holy Place, for the uncovered head signaled incomplete sanctification. Day of Atonement On Yom Kippur (Leviticus 16:4) the high priest exchanged his ornate garments for simpler “holy linen garments.” Even then the linen turban remained essential, reminding Israel that atonement hinges on holiness rather than outward splendor. Prophetic Imagery Ezekiel’s oracle against the prince of Judah declares, “Remove the turban and take off the crown” (Ezekiel 21:26). The simultaneous loss of priestly turban and royal crown portrays total judgment; priesthood and kingship would be suspended until the One came “whose right it is” (verse 27). Messianic Fulfillment Hebrews presents Jesus as the true High Priest who “has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Though the earthly mitznefet crowned Aaron, Jesus bears the eternal title of holiness, needing no engraved plate. In His passion the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns, a cruel counterfeit, yet through resurrection He now wears many diadems (Revelation 19:12), uniting priestly purity and royal sovereignty foreshadowed by the turban. Devotional Insights • Holiness is foundational: Like the plate on the turban, the believer’s mind is to be continuously marked “Holy to the LORD” (Romans 12:1-2). The mitznefet stands as a vivid testimony to God’s demand for holiness, His provision of a mediator, and His ultimate plan to crown His people with the righteousness secured by the Great High Priest. Forms and Transliterations הַמִּצְנֶ֔פֶת הַמִּצְנֶ֖פֶת הַמִּצְנֶ֜פֶת הַמִּצְנֶ֣פֶת הַמִּצְנָ֑פֶת הַמִּצְנָֽפֶת׃ המצנפת המצנפת׃ וּבְמִצְנֶ֥פֶת ובמצנפת מִצְנֶ֣פֶת מצנפת ham·miṣ·nā·p̄eṯ ham·miṣ·ne·p̄eṯ hammiṣnāp̄eṯ hammiṣnep̄eṯ hammitzNafet hammitzNefet miṣ·ne·p̄eṯ miṣnep̄eṯ mitzNefet ū·ḇə·miṣ·ne·p̄eṯ ūḇəmiṣnep̄eṯ uvemitzNefetLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 28:4 HEB: וּכְתֹ֥נֶת תַּשְׁבֵּ֖ץ מִצְנֶ֣פֶת וְאַבְנֵ֑ט וְעָשׂ֨וּ NAS: of checkered work, a turban and a sash, KJV: coat, a mitre, and a girdle: INT: tunic of checkered A turban sash shall make Exodus 28:37 Exodus 28:37 Exodus 28:39 Exodus 29:6 Exodus 29:6 Exodus 39:28 Exodus 39:31 Leviticus 8:9 Leviticus 8:9 Leviticus 16:4 Ezekiel 21:26 12 Occurrences |
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shut up or in, and perhaps Ethiopic 
hedge about, PräBASi. 374; compare also Arabic 
bind, restrain, straighten, Syriac 
(in Lexicons; usually throw)).