Deuteronomy 22:12

(6) FRINGED GARMENTS (Deuteronomy 22:12)

12 Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four borders of thy vestures, wherewith thou coverest thyself.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 22:12

371.

Is Numbers 15:37-41 a commentary on this verse?

372.

How was the purpose of this practice perverted? Cf. Matthew 23:5.

AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 22:12

12 You shall make yourselves tassels on the four corners of your cloak with which you cover yourself. [Numbers 15:37-40.].

COMMENT 22:12

The Hebrew word for fringe (gadil) occurs only in the plural in scripture. Gesenius has intertwined threads, twisted work. Baumgartner remarks that the basic meaning is twist firmly, and defines it tassel here. This definition is followed by most modern translators, as well as the I.S.B.E.

In Numbers 15:37-41 this law is also given,[40] and note the purpose: as reminders of God's commandments.

[40] A different Heb. word is used in Numbers, but it seems obvious that the same law is being discussed.

As in the case of the exhortation to keep God's word ever before them (Deuteronomy 6:6-9), the purpose and spirit of this exhortation was lost in the effort to be seen of men (see Matthew 23:5). The borders of their garments, rather than being reminders of God's law, became reminders of their ostentation and pride. [Compare notes on Deuteronomy 6:8.] Albert Barnes remarks, This fringe was commanded in order to distinguish them from other nations, and that they might remember to keep the commandments of God. The Pharisees made them broader than other people [i.e., even other Hebrews] wore them, to show that they had peculiar respect for the law.

These tassels are apparently what the woman with the issue of blood touched when she touched the border of Christ's garment (Matthew 9:20), a gesture which also healed those who were sick in the area of Gennesaret (Matthew 14:34-36).