Exodus 28 6

Exodus 28:6 kjv

And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.

Exodus 28:6 nkjv

and they shall make the ephod of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, artistically worked.

Exodus 28:6 niv

"Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen?the work of skilled hands.

Exodus 28:6 esv

"And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and of fine twined linen, skillfully worked.

Exodus 28:6 nlt

"The craftsmen must make the ephod of finely woven linen and skillfully embroider it with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread.

Exodus 28 verses

Exodus 28 6 Meaning

Exodus 28:6 details the primary components and masterful craftsmanship required for the ephod, a significant garment of the High Priest of Israel. It specifies that the ephod must be made from gold threads, blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, meticulously combined with fine twined linen, all fashioned with "cunning work"—indicating exceptional skill and artistic design. This garment was central to the High Priest's ministry, symbolizing purity, divine glory, and the sacred privilege of approaching God on behalf of the people.

Exodus 28 6 Context

Exodus 28 describes the detailed instructions given by God to Moses for making the sacred garments for Aaron and his sons, who would serve as priests in the Tabernacle. This chapter shifts from the Tabernacle's structure to the priestly attire, emphasizing the holiness required of those who approach God. The ephod, alongside the breastplate (which was attached to it), was the most prominent garment of the High Priest. These garments were not merely functional; they were symbolic, setting apart the priests for their sacred duty and representing the people before God. Historically and culturally, the attire of priests in the ancient Near East often distinguished them, but Yahweh's instructions were unique in their precise design, symbolic materials, and their ultimate purpose of facilitating pure worship and mediating a holy God's presence among His chosen people, implicitly countering common pagan priestly practices.

Exodus 28 6 Word analysis

• And they shall make (וְעָשׂוּ - wə-‘āśû): This imperative, "they shall make," denotes a divine command given to the Israelite community, indicating collective responsibility and obedience in preparing what is required for worship. It underscores that the Tabernacle and its associated ministries are a communal effort directed by God.

• the ephod (אֵפוֹד - 'ēphôḏ): A distinctive outer garment worn by the High Priest. Unlike simpler linen ephods worn by ordinary priests or David (1 Sam 2:18, 2 Sam 6:14), this was elaborate, crafted from precious materials, and served as the primary garment to which the breastplate, with the Urim and Thummim, was attached. It symbolized the High Priest's authority and role as mediator.

• of gold (זָהָב - zāhāḇ): Refers to beaten gold thread, meticulously interwoven with the fabrics. Gold throughout the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple) signifies divine glory, purity, holiness, preciousness, and permanence. It speaks of God's unblemished and transcendent nature, indicating that what is dedicated to Him must reflect His ultimate worth.

• of blue (תְּכֵלֶת - tekêleth): A precious, costly dye derived from a marine snail (murex). This color universally symbolizes the heavens, celestial origins, and divine revelation, signifying God's heavenly dwelling and sovereignty. Its presence suggests the spiritual, heavenly nature of the priestly office and worship.

• and of purple (אַרְגָּמָן - 'argāmān): Also a very costly dye, often associated with royalty, majesty, and wealth. It frequently signifies kingship and authority. Its inclusion on the ephod highlights God's supreme kingship and the High Priest's role as a representative of both God's kingdom and the priestly nation (Exod 19:6).

• of scarlet (תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי - tôla‘ath šānî): A brilliant red dye derived from an insect. Scarlet commonly symbolizes life, blood, sacrifice, and atonement in biblical contexts, though it can also be associated with sin (Isa 1:18). On the priestly garments, it powerfully signifies the shedding of blood necessary for atonement and the vibrancy of life that results from God's forgiveness.

• and fine twined linen (שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר - šēš māšəzār): High-quality, white linen from Egypt, known for its purity and smoothness, often meticulously twisted from multiple strands for strength. It symbolizes purity, holiness, and righteousness. Its whiteness points to the required blamelessness for approaching God, and it prefigures the righteousness of saints in Rev 19:8.

• with cunning work (מַחֲשֶׁבֶת חוֹשֵׁב - maḥăšeḇeth ḥôšēḇ): Literally "work of a cunning designer" or "thought-work." This denotes exceptional, artistic skill, intricate design, and painstaking craftsmanship. It signifies that the work done for God's sanctuary must be of the highest excellence, reflecting reverence, dedication, and the divine wisdom with which Bezaleel and Aholiab (Exod 31:3) were uniquely gifted by God for this purpose.

• the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen: The combination of these materials signifies a comprehensive theological statement. The gold represents God's unblemished glory, while the blue, purple, and scarlet signify His heavenly sovereignty, royal authority, and the atoning work essential for human approach. The pure linen underscores the absolute holiness and righteousness required. Together, these elements proclaim the profound sacredness and divine purpose of the High Priest's mediation, prefiguring the all-encompassing work of Christ.

• gold...blue...purple...scarlet...fine twined linen, with cunning work: This phrase emphasizes that God expects not merely materials, but also the highest quality of workmanship infused with divine wisdom. It underscores that all resources—both tangible goods and human skills—are to be consecrated and utilized to their utmost potential in the service of God, resulting in objects of both spiritual meaning and artistic beauty fitting for His presence.

Exodus 28 6 Bonus section

The specific dyes (blue, purple, scarlet) were exceptionally costly in the ancient world, often reserved for royalty, nobility, and sacred purposes. This underscored the immense value and honor associated with the priestly office and the Tabernacle service. The fact that the materials were willingly contributed by the people (Exod 35:23) highlighted their participation in and commitment to the covenant, demonstrating their understanding that the upkeep of God's presence among them required sacrifice and generosity from everyone. Furthermore, the combination of textiles with precious metal thread (gold woven into the fabric) would have created a shimmering, glorious garment, visually communicating the radiant glory of God that the High Priest represented. This also distinguishes Israelite worship from pagan rituals where gods might be adorned in human ways; here, the priest is adorned to serve a God whose glory far transcends any human finery.

Exodus 28 6 Commentary

Exodus 28:6 lays out the divine blueprint for the High Priest's ephod, emphasizing both the intrinsic value of its materials and the inspired skill of its creation. The chosen elements—gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen—are not arbitrary but are saturated with profound theological significance, reflecting God's majesty, the celestial realm, the covenant, sacrifice, and the purity required for worship. Gold points to God's glory and holiness; blue to His heavenly origin and divine nature; purple to His sovereignty and kingship; scarlet to the atoning blood necessary for cleansing; and fine linen to the purity and righteousness fitting for service before a holy God. The command for "cunning work" underlines that God desires excellence and beauty in worship, work executed with a spirit-empowered wisdom, signifying the deep reverence and intentionality that should characterize all service rendered to Him. This garment was essential for the High Priest to function as a bridge between a holy God and an unholy people, foreshadowing the perfect and complete High Priestly ministry of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16), who by His own pure blood and perfect righteousness has granted us direct access to God. It reminds us that our approach to God is to be marked by purity, honor, and a dedication to excellence, not relying on outward pomp but reflecting the internal sanctification granted through Christ.