Exodus 28 8

Exodus 28:8 kjv

And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

Exodus 28:8 nkjv

And the intricately woven band of the ephod, which is on it, shall be of the same workmanship, made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen.

Exodus 28:8 niv

Its skillfully woven waistband is to be like it?of one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen.

Exodus 28:8 esv

And the skillfully woven band on it shall be made like it and be of one piece with it, of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen.

Exodus 28:8 nlt

The decorative sash will be made of the same materials: finely woven linen embroidered with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread.

Exodus 28 verses

Exodus 28 8 Meaning

Exodus 28:8 describes the specific details of the skillfully woven band, or ornamental belt (girdle), of the ephod. This band was to be crafted from the same exquisite materials and with the same masterful artistry as the ephod itself, including gold, blue, purple, scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. It served as an integral part of the high priest's garment, designed to secure the ephod and its accompanying breastpiece, ensuring their stability and proper positioning over the priest's heart. Functionally, it united various elements of the priestly attire, symbolizing the cohesive nature of the divine order and the high priest's role in bearing the burdens and petitions of Israel before God.

Exodus 28 8 Context

Exodus chapter 28 initiates a detailed description of the holy garments specifically designed for Aaron and his descendants, who were consecrated to serve as priests. This follows the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, emphasizing that the priests, who mediate between God and His people, must also be properly adorned according to divine specification. These garments were for "glory and for beauty" (Exo 28:2), signifying both their sacred office and the majesty of God whom they represented. Verse 8 focuses on the "skillfully woven band" (ḥesheb), which is an integral part of the ephod—a central and highly elaborate priestly garment. Historically, in ancient Near Eastern cultures, special attire denoted status and office, but for Israel, these garments were uniquely mandated by God, reflecting His specific requirements for holiness, purity, and proper worship, differentiating His chosen priesthood from any pagan counterparts.

Exodus 28 8 Word analysis

• וְחֵ֣שֶׁב (wəḥēsheb): "And the skillfully woven band" or "And the girdle/belt of curious work." The root ḥšb relates to planning, designing, thinking, and reckoning. Ḥesheb refers to something skillfully woven, ingeniously devised, or artfully made. It indicates a product of high craftsmanship and deliberate design. This is not merely a utilitarian belt but an ornamental, complex piece, embodying divine wisdom and precise instruction.
• אֲפֻדָּתוֹ֙ (ʾᵃp̄uddātô): "of his ephod." Ephod (אֵפֹד - ʾēpōd) refers to the sleeveless outer garment, central to the high priestly attire, typically worn over a tunic. This suffix indicates "his" or "its," meaning it's the specific band for that ephod. The term denotes its direct connection and function to the ephod itself.
• אֲשֶׁ֣ר (ʾăsher): "which." A relative pronoun, connecting the band to the ephod's location.
• עָלָ֔יו (ʿālâw): "upon it." Indicates the position of the band, worn directly over the ephod, presumably at the waist, to secure it.
• יִהְיֶ֕ה (yihyeh): "shall be." The standard verb "to be," indicating a mandate or fixed condition.
• מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙ (mimmennû): "of it" or "from it." This emphasizes that the band is not a separate piece merely attached, but it is to be seamlessly integrated with and constructed from the very material of the ephod, made from the ephod's substance.
• כְּמַעֲשֵׂ֙הוּ֙ (kəmaʿaśēhû): "like its craftsmanship/work" or "according to its making." This specifies that the intricate method of weaving, the type of design, and the quality of the workmanship applied to the ephod itself must also be applied to this band, ensuring uniformity and exceptional artistry.
• זָהָ֖ב (zāhāb): "gold." Signifies purity, preciousness, divinity, and royalty. Its inclusion elevates the sacredness of the garment and the office it represents.
• תְּכֵ֨לֶת (təkēlet): "blue." Represents heaven, divine glory, and the majesty of God. It often symbolizes spiritual truth and heavenly origin.
• וְאַרְגָּמָ֜ן (wəʾargāmān): "and purple." Symbolizes royalty, sovereignty, and wealth, as purple dye was rare and costly. It reflects the High Priest's dignified office and God's kingship.
• וְתוֹלַ֨עַת (wətôlaʿat): "and scarlet material" (literally, "worm" - referencing the source of the red dye, cochineal). Symbolizes sacrifice, life, atonement, and also speaks of humanity and vitality.
• שָׁנִ֜י (shānî): "scarlet" (referring to the brilliant red color).
• וְשֵׁ֣שׁ (wəshēsh): "and fine twined linen." Represents purity, righteousness, and holiness. The twisting process signifies strength and refined quality.
• מָשְׁזָ֑ר (māšəzār): "twined" or "braided." Denotes the specific preparation of the linen thread, enhancing its strength and quality.

Exodus 28 8 Bonus section

The Hebrew term ḥesheb (skillfully woven band) for this girdle often connects to concepts of thoughtful design and ingenuity, directly linking to Bezaleel and Aholiab being "filled with the Spirit of God in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and in all manner of workmanship" (Exo 31:3). This highlights that the craftsmanship for sacred objects was not mere human skill but a divine enablement, stressing the importance of inspired artistry in God's service. This particular girdle differed from a common sash or belt, being a vital component integrated with the main ephod, underscoring its crucial role in the ephod's stability and appearance. The weight of the two onyx stones (bearing the names of the tribes) on the shoulders and the breastpiece (with the twelve stones) on the chest would have required a secure fastening, emphasizing the practical need for the "skillfully woven band" to hold these representations firmly in place for "remembrance before the Lord," underscoring the high priest's responsibility to continually intercede for all Israel.

Exodus 28 8 Commentary

Exodus 28:8 describes the "skillfully woven band" (or ḥesheb), which was not merely an accessory but an integral and complex part of the high priest's ephod. Its purpose was profoundly symbolic and practical: it firmly secured the breastpiece, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, to the high priest's heart and over the ephod. This binding speaks of unity and responsibility—the high priest physically carrying and representing the entire nation before God. The specification that it must be "of the same craftsmanship" and from the ephod's material, including gold and the tri-color yarns alongside fine linen, highlights its inseparable nature and divine origin. This intricate weaving of precious and symbolic materials (heavenly blue, royal purple, atoning scarlet, pure linen, divine gold) represents the cohesive beauty and holy character required of those mediating between God and man. The divine blueprint ensured that every detail contributed to the garments' "glory and beauty," reflecting the glory and majesty of the One served, and ultimately foreshadowing the unified and perfectly pure mediation of Christ, our High Priest, who bears His people on His heart.