Bible Dictionaries
Hem

Holman Bible Dictionary

The border of a cloth article doubled back and stitched down to prevent the cloth from unraveling. Biblical references to the “hem” of a garment refer more generally to its edge or border. The border of Aaron's high priestly robe was decorated with blue, purple, and scarlet pomegranates and gold bells (Exodus 28:31-35; Exodus 39:22-26 ). Sometimes the woof (the verticle filling threads in woven cloth) were left long to prevent unraveling. The result of these long threads was a fringed border. The fringe on the corners of their garments was to remind the Israelites of the law of God (Numbers 15:38-39 ). The fringed “hem” of Jesus' garment conveyed healing power to those who in faith touched it (Matthew 9:20; Matthew 14:36; Mark 6:56; Luke 8:44 ).