Exodus 39 29

Exodus 39:29 kjv

And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Exodus 39:29 nkjv

and a sash of fine woven linen with blue, purple, and scarlet thread, made by a weaver, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Exodus 39:29 niv

The sash was made of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn?the work of an embroiderer?as the LORD commanded Moses.

Exodus 39:29 esv

and the sash of fine twined linen and of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, embroidered with needlework, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Exodus 39:29 nlt

The sashes were made of finely woven linen and embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet thread, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Exodus 39 verses

Exodus 39 29 Meaning

Exodus 39:29 describes the sacred sash (avnet) worn by the Israelite high priest and priests. It specifies its composition of finely twisted linen adorned with intricate needlework in vibrant colors of blue, purple, and scarlet. This verse details the final construction of this specific piece of priestly attire, following God's exact commands for the Tabernacle and its consecrated furnishings.

Exodus 39 29 Context

Exodus chapter 39 is a detailed account of the construction of the Tabernacle and its associated sacred objects and garments, mirroring the divine instructions given earlier in chapters 25-31. It emphasizes the faithful obedience of Bezalel, Oholiab, and all the skilled artisans, who executed every command "just as the Lord had commanded Moses." This verse specifically focuses on the "sash," one of the distinctive garments worn by the priests when ministering in the holy place. The chapter serves as the practical fulfillment of God's holy design, stressing the meticulous adherence required for items dedicated to the worship of the Creator. Historically, this period reflects the nascent Israelite nation establishing its identity through direct communion with God, symbolized by the physical presence of the Tabernacle in their midst. Every detail, from the materials to the method of craftsmanship, was intended to teach about God's holiness, His glory, and the requirements for approaching Him.

Exodus 39 29 Word analysis

• and the sash: (Hebrew: הָאַבְנֵט, hā’avneṭ). The avnet was a long piece of fabric wrapped around the priest's waist and chest, with the ends often hanging down. Its primary function was practical, cinching the tunic, but also symbolic, representing service and readiness for duty (cf. Lk 12:35). The girdle or sash is also associated with strength and preparation (Isa 11:5, Eph 6:14).
• of fine twined linen: (Hebrew: שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר, shesh māshzār). "Fine linen" was Egyptian linen, known for its superior quality, softness, and purity. "Twined" implies multiple strands twisted together, making the fabric stronger and more luxurious. Linen, derived from the flax plant, symbolized purity, righteousness, and holiness in ancient Israel (Rev 19:8). Priests wearing linen emphasized their separation and consecration to God (Ezek 44:17-18).
• and blue: (Hebrew: תְּכֵלֶת, tekhelet). This costly dye was likely obtained from specific murex snails found in the Mediterranean Sea. The color blue often symbolized the heavens, the divine presence, the Spirit, and truth (Num 15:38). It connected the earthly sanctuary to the heavenly realm.
• and purple: (Hebrew: אַרְגָּמָן, ʾargāmān). Another extremely expensive dye, also derived from murex snails. Purple historically represented royalty, nobility, wealth, and power. Its inclusion in priestly garments signified God's kingship and the priest's role in serving a divine King.
• and scarlet: (Hebrew: שָׁנִי תוֹלָעַת, shāni tolā'at). This vibrant red dye came from the female "crimson worm" (genus Kermes). Scarlet held multi-faceted symbolism: sin and impurity (Isa 1:18), life, vitality, and importantly, blood—which signified atonement and sacrifice (Lev 14:4,6). Its presence foreshadowed the atoning work of Christ.
• of needlework: (Hebrew: מַעֲשֵׂה רֹקֵם, ma'aśēh rōqēm). This indicates embroidery. Unlike "skilled weaver" (choshev) which implies designs woven directly into the fabric, roqem refers to patterns stitched onto an existing piece of cloth. This signifies intricate, deliberate artistry, adding beauty and detail, highlighting the sacredness of the garment through diligent craftsmanship (Ex 35:35).
• and the sash of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework: This entire phrase describes the material composition and decorative method of the priestly sash. The combination of pure linen with the vibrant colors (blue, purple, scarlet) points to the unique blend of purity, heavenly origin, royalty, and atonement that characterized Israel's worship and ultimately, the priesthood of Christ. The avnet or sash tied the priestly garments together, symbolizing the binding of these sacred truths to the priestly office and ultimately to Christ, who is arrayed in glory and serves as the great High Priest.

Exodus 39 29 Bonus section

The sash of the high priest, being distinct from the woven ephod sash, likely featured simple, stitched-on embroidery rather than integrated patterns. This simpler embellishment for the basic tunic sash (avnet) highlights a differentiation in adornment yet maintains the same profound symbolic colors seen in the more elaborate garments, signifying that all aspects of the priestly service, from the mundane to the magnificent, were imbued with sacred meaning and pointed to divine truths. This sash was worn during general ministry but exchanged for plain linen ones on the Day of Atonement, emphasizing humility and purity for that most solemn annual event (Lev 16).

Exodus 39 29 Commentary

Exodus 39:29 concludes the description of the priest's tunic by detailing its sash. This verse, though brief, is rich in theological significance. The materials and colors used were not arbitrary; they conveyed deep spiritual truths to ancient Israel. The "fine twined linen" underscored purity and the sanctity required of those who ministered before God. This was a direct contrast to the impurity of the world and of sinful humanity, foreshadowing the perfect holiness of Christ, our great High Priest.

The combination of "blue, purple, and scarlet" along with gold throughout the Tabernacle and priestly garments consistently speaks to core attributes of God and the redemption plan. Blue connects to the heavens and God's transcendent nature; purple speaks of His kingship and royal majesty; and scarlet, with its association with blood, points to the life, sacrifice, and atonement necessary for approaching a holy God. The intricate "needlework" demonstrated the devotion, skill, and precious resources dedicated to God's service, emphasizing that only the best was fitting for the divine presence. Every thread declared God's holiness, glory, and the covenant He established. These earthly patterns served as a physical manifestation of heavenly realities, pointing ultimately to Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills the role of High Priest, clothed in righteousness, reigning as King, and making atonement by His own blood.