Original Word: פַעֲמֹן
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: pa`amon
Pronunciation: pah-ah-MONE
Phonetic Spelling: (pah-am-one')
KJV: bell
NASB: bell, bells
Word Origin: [from H6471 (פַּעַם פַּעֲמָה - times)]

1. a bell (as struck)

bell

From pa'am; a bell (as struck) -- bell.

see HEBREW pa'am

Word Origin
from paam
Definition
bell (on high priest's robe)
NASB Translation
bell (3), bells (3).

מַּעֲמֹן noun [masculine] bell, on high-priest's robe (from its stroke, beat); — ׳פ absolute Exodus 39:26 (twice in verse); construct זָחָב ׳פ Exodus 28:34 (twice in verse); plural הַמַּעֲמֹנִים Exodus 39:25, construct מַּעֲמֹנֵי זָהָב Exodus 28:33; Exodus 39:25. מַּעֲנֵחַ see ׳צָֽפְנַת פ.

Overview

The Hebrew term פַעֲמֹן appears only seven times, all within the instructions for and description of the high priest’s robe in Exodus. Scripture consistently portrays these small gold bells as integral to the priestly garment that enabled Aaron—and, by extension, every subsequent high priest—to minister safely and acceptably before the LORD in the sanctuary.

Biblical Occurrences and Context

• Exodus 28:33–35 records the original command: gold bells were to alternate with fabric pomegranates “around the lower hem of the robe all around, so that the sound of it will be heard when he goes in before the LORD and when he comes out, so that he will not die.”
• Exodus 39:25–26 affirms the faithful execution of that design in the tabernacle’s construction phase.

These verses form a literary inclusio, first prescribing and then fulfilling the pattern—highlighting that Israel’s obedience in even the smallest detail was essential for covenant worship.

Design and Placement on the High Priest’s Robe

The bells hung on the hem of the blue robe (the me‘il) worn beneath the ephod. Alternate placement with pomegranates produced a visual and audible rhythm: fruit (symbol of life and holiness) alternating with sound (symbol of testimony). Each bell was crafted of pure gold, matching the precious metals elsewhere in the priestly vestments and emphasizing worthiness in approaching the presence of God.

Theological Significance

1. Audible Witness of Life: The continuous ringing proclaimed that the mediator was alive and ministering. In Israel’s sacrificial system, life and death motifs are frequent; the bells testified that atonement was being made without the priest perishing.
2. Holiness Required in God’s Presence: The warning “so that he will not die” (Exodus 28:35) underscores divine holiness. The priest’s every step required consecration; even his movement produced a sanctified sound.
3. Corporate Assurance: Because only the high priest entered the Holy Place, the bells reassured the listening people outside the veil that intercession was active and acceptable on their behalf.

Typological Foreshadowing of Christ

Hebrews portrays Jesus Christ as the greater High Priest who “lives forever to intercede” (Hebrews 7:25). The bells’ perpetual sound anticipates the ceaseless, living intercession of the risen Christ. Moreover, just as each bell was attached to the finished garment of blue—a color often associated with heaven—the believer hears in the gospel the assurance that our Mediator ministers continually in the heavenly sanctuary.

Historical and Cultural Background

Small metal bells were common in ancient Near Eastern cultic and secular contexts, sometimes apotropaic (warding off evil). Scripture, however, reorients their purpose: rather than magic, the bells serve as covenantal symbols tied to divine command. Archaeological discoveries in Jerusalem have unearthed a tiny gold bell dating to the Second Temple period, consistent with the biblical description and suggesting continuity of the priestly attire into later history.

Liturgical Function

Though Exodus does not restrict the robe to the Day of Atonement, later Jewish tradition associated its use especially with that occasion. The sound accompanied entry behind the veil, marking each stage of the ritual—approach, offering, and withdrawal. In effect, the bells framed the entire liturgy with audible markers of holiness.

Lessons for Contemporary Ministry

• Integrity in Detail: God values precise obedience; even seemingly small elements like bells mattered.
• Audible Testimony: Ministry should produce discernible evidence—“fruit” (pomegranates) and “sound” (bells)—that points others to ongoing priestly work.
• Assurance of Access: As believers share the gospel and pray in Jesus’ name, we echo the bells’ message that our Mediator lives and our approach to God is secure.

Key References

Exodus 28:33–35; Exodus 39:25–26; Hebrews 7:23–28; Hebrews 9:24.

הַפַּֽעֲמֹנִ֜ים הפעמנים וּפַעֲמֹנֵ֥י ופעמני פַּֽעֲמֹ֥ן פַּעֲמֹ֣ן פַּעֲמֹ֤ן פַעֲמֹנֵ֖י פעמן פעמני faamoNei hap·pa·‘ă·mō·nîm happa‘ămōnîm happaamoNim pa‘ămōn p̄a‘ămōnê p̄a·‘ă·mō·nê pa·‘ă·mōn paaMon ū·p̄a·‘ă·mō·nê ufaamoNei ūp̄a‘ămōnêInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts