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 6 Cross References
Verse | Text | Reference |
---|---|---|
Exod 25:4 | ...blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair... | Materials for Tabernacle construction |
Exod 26:1 | ...ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet... | Materials for Tabernacle curtains |
Exod 31:3-4 | ...filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom... to devise cunning works. | God inspires craftsmen for skilled work |
Exod 35:23 | ...brought blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen... | People contribute materials for the Tabernacle |
Exod 35:25 | ...all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands... | Skilled women participated in the spinning |
Exod 36:8 | ...fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet... cunning work. | Actual making of the Tabernacle curtains |
Exod 39:2-3 | ...made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine... | The making of the ephod as commanded |
Exod 39:28 | ...the mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen... | Linen used for other priestly garments |
Lev 8:7-9 | ...he put the ephod upon him... the breastplate... put in the Urim... | Consecration and adorning of the High Priest |
1 Sam 2:18 | But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod. | A simpler ephod worn by Samuel |
1 Sam 23:9 | ...Bring hither the ephod. | Ephod used to inquire of the Lord |
2 Sam 6:14 | And David was clothed with a linen ephod. | David wearing a non-priestly ephod |
Pss 29:2 | Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. | Holiness and beauty in worship |
Pss 96:9 | O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness... | Call to worship God in holiness |
Isa 1:18 | Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow... | Scarlet's association with sin and cleansing |
Zech 3:3-4 | ...his garments were filthy... Take away the filthy garments... array him with change. | Significance of clean priestly garments |
Heb 4:14-16 | Seeing then that we have a great high priest... let us therefore come boldly. | Christ as our great High Priest |
Heb 7:26-27 | ...such an high priest became us, who is holy... not need daily... | Christ's perfect, unique priesthood |
Heb 8:1-2 | We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand... Minister... Tabernacle. | Christ serving in the true Tabernacle |
Heb 9:11-12 | But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come... through his own blood. | Christ fulfilling the priestly role through sacrifice |
Heb 10:19-22 | Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood... | Access to God through Christ's sacrifice |
Rev 1:13 | ...one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot... | Christ's priestly attire (glory) |
Rev 4:3 | ...like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow... | Divine glory reflecting precious stones/colors |
Rev 19:8 | ...arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. | Linen symbolizes righteousness |
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.