Exodus 39 22

Exodus 39:22 kjv

And he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.

Exodus 39:22 nkjv

He made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.

Exodus 39:22 niv

They made the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth?the work of a weaver?

Exodus 39:22 esv

He also made the robe of the ephod woven all of blue,

Exodus 39:22 nlt

Bezalel made the robe that is worn with the ephod from a single piece of blue woven cloth,

Exodus 39 verses

Exodus 39 22 Meaning

Exodus 39:22 describes the crafting of the ornamental pomegranates, fashioned from blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, which adorned the hem of the High Priest's ephod robe. This verse is part of the meticulous account detailing the execution of God's commands for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, specifically the holy garments for the priests. It emphasizes the precision, beauty, and symbolic significance woven into every part of the divinely ordained worship system.

Exodus 39 22 Context

Exodus 39 forms the concluding section of the Tabernacle's construction narrative, following the detailed divine blueprints given to Moses (chapters 25-31) and the collection of materials (chapters 35-38). This chapter specifically focuses on the fashioning of the sacred garments for the High Priest, Aaron, and his sons. The robe of the ephod, mentioned in this verse, was one of these critical priestly vestments, worn underneath the ornate ephod itself. The entire exercise highlights the Israelites' meticulous obedience to God's exact specifications, emphasizing that every detail, down to the decorative pomegranates, was commanded by God for a specific purpose related to His holy presence and worship. The historical context is that of Israel in the wilderness, learning how to approach a holy God after their deliverance from Egypt.

Exodus 39 22 Word analysis

• And they made (וַיַּעֲשׂוּ - vayya'asu): From the Hebrew verb עָשָׂה ('asah), meaning "to do, make, accomplish." This signifies the active creation and completion of the items as commanded. It reflects skilled labor carried out.

• on the hem (עַל־שְׁמוּלֵי - 'al-shevilei): Refers to the lower edge or skirt of the robe. This exact placement was crucial for the specified design and function of the garment, specifically where the pomegranates and bells were to alternate.

• of the robe (הַמְּעִיל - ham'iil): Refers to the "robe of the ephod," which was a distinctive outer garment, plain blue, worn under the more elaborate ephod itself (Exo 28:31-35). It symbolizes truth and righteousness and was the garment that signaled the high priest's presence by its sounds (bells).

• pomegranates (רִמֹּנִים - rimmonim): Actual or symbolic fruit designs. The pomegranate (Punica granatum) was revered in the ancient Near East as a symbol of life, fertility, abundance, beauty, and resurrection due to its numerous seeds and lush fruit. In this context, it may symbolize the fruitfulness of the High Priest's ministry or the spiritual fruit borne by God's people.

• of blue, and purple, and scarlet material (תְּכֵלֶת וְאַרְגָּמָן וְתוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי - tekhelet ve'argaman vetola'at shani):

  • Blue (תְּכֵלֶת - tekhelet): A costly, highly prized dye derived from a particular mollusk (Murex trunculus or Hexaplex trunculus). Often associated with the heavens, divinity, and purity. Used extensively in the tabernacle suggesting a connection between heaven and earth in worship.
  • Purple (אַרְגָּמָן - argaman): An even rarer and more expensive dye, often seen as a combination of blue and scarlet, symbolizing royalty, sovereignty, and wealth. It suggests God's kingship.
  • Scarlet (תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי - tola'at shani): Literally "worm scarlet," from the insect Coccus ilicis, used to produce a crimson or red dye. Symbolically, scarlet is often linked to life, sacrifice, and atonement, and potentially even royalty due to its rich appearance. These colors were ubiquitous in the Tabernacle.

• all around (סָבִיב - saviv): Emphasizes that the pomegranates (and bells) encircled the entire lower hem of the robe, creating a continuous band of decoration and symbolic representation.

• "And they made... on the hem of the robe, pomegranates": This phrase highlights the direct implementation of God's earlier instructions (Exo 28:33). It speaks to the precision and artistry involved in replicating divine design, emphasizing that the form and function were equally important. The "robe of the ephod" itself, distinct from the ephod, served as a foundational piece, pointing to the underlying purity required for ministry.

• "of blue, and purple, and scarlet material, all around": This group of words underscores the richness and symbolic depth of the tabernacle craftsmanship. The repetition of these three specific, precious colors throughout the tabernacle (curtains, veil, screen, garments) signifies heaven (blue), royalty (purple), and redemption/sacrifice (scarlet), embodying the nature of God whom the priests served and whose dwelling they ministered within. The "all around" signifies wholeness and completeness in this sacred design.

Exodus 39 22 Bonus section

The specific details in this verse are part of the eight holy garments prescribed for Aaron, the High Priest. The "robe of the ephod" was primarily made of blue material, with the colorful pomegranates and gold bells along its hem. This ensured a visual and auditory distinctiveness, proclaiming the High Priest's presence and ensuring he "might not die" when ministering in the Holy Place (Exo 28:35). The contrast between the silent reverence within the sanctuary and the ringing of the bells highlights the careful balance between intimacy with God and the awesome holiness of His presence. The precise instructions for its making emphasize God's demand for order, beauty, and specific revelation in worship, counteracting any human-devised or chaotic worship practices common in pagan cultures.

Exodus 39 22 Commentary

Exodus 39:22 is a seemingly simple verse that, upon deeper reflection, encapsulates profound theological truths. It is a testament to the meticulous obedience of the craftsmen, inspired by the Spirit, who carefully followed God's divine blueprint for the Tabernacle and its priestly garments. Every stitch, every thread, every color, and every motif had purpose and meaning in communicating God's nature and the means by which humanity could approach Him. The pomegranates, rich in biblical and cultural symbolism, represented abundance, fertility, and beauty, possibly pointing to the spiritual fruitfulness of the priestly ministry or the spiritual health and abundance God desires for His people. Paired with the bells (as described in Exo 28:34-35, the prior command for this piece), they ensured that the High Priest's movement and presence before God were both heard and visually acknowledged as he interceded for Israel. The use of blue, purple, and scarlet threads speaks volumes: blue for heaven and divinity, purple for royalty and kingship, and scarlet for life, sacrifice, and redemption. These colors collectively depict the majesty of God, the sacrifice necessary for communion with Him, and the heavenly calling of the priestly role. This elaborate garment served not merely as a costume but as a symbolic canvas for understanding the nature of holy worship and foreshadowing the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied heavenly purity, royal authority, and redemptive sacrifice, enabling all believers to now approach God directly.