Exodus 39 4

Exodus 39:4 kjv

They made shoulderpieces for it, to couple it together: by the two edges was it coupled together.

Exodus 39:4 nkjv

They made shoulder straps for it to couple it together; it was coupled together at its two edges.

Exodus 39:4 niv

They made shoulder pieces for the ephod, which were attached to two of its corners, so it could be fastened.

Exodus 39:4 esv

They made for the ephod attaching shoulder pieces, joined to it at its two edges.

Exodus 39:4 nlt

The ephod consisted of two pieces, front and back, joined at the shoulders with two shoulder-pieces.

Exodus 39 verses

Exodus 39 4 Meaning

Exodus 39:4 details the meticulous construction of the Tabernacle curtains. Specifically, it describes the making of loops, colored blue, on the edges of the two large sets of curtains. These loops were precisely positioned on the selvage (finished edge) of the fabric where the curtains were meant to be coupled together. This step was crucial for physically joining the two main sections of the Tabernacle's inner covering, forming a unified sanctuary according to God's precise architectural blueprint.

Exodus 39 4 Context

Exodus 39 forms part of the detailed record of the Tabernacle's construction, meticulously fulfilling God's instructions given earlier (primarily in Exodus chapters 25-31 and repeated in 35-38 as the actual building takes place). This specific verse, 39:4, describes a vital step in preparing the inner tent covering: the creation of the means to join its two halves. The chapter repeatedly emphasizes that the craftsmen "made as the LORD commanded Moses" (Exo 39:1, 5, 7, etc.), underscoring the perfect obedience and precision required in every detail of the sanctuary's construction. Historically, the Tabernacle was God's dwelling place among the Israelites in the wilderness, serving as a constant visible reminder of His presence, holiness, and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms, foreshadowing the coming Messiah and the new covenant reality. The strict adherence to divine specifications for a nomadic people was unique and contrasted sharply with the ad hoc or human-centric construction of pagan temples. The entire structure was a "model" or "pattern" (Heb 8:5) given by God Himself, highlighting His design for worship and His desire for intimate, yet holy, communion with His people.

Exodus 39 4 Word analysis

• And they made (וַיַּעֲשׂוּ - vayah'asu): Literally "and they did" or "they fashioned." This verb emphasizes action, execution, and the skilled craftsmanship of the workers, highlighting their active participation in following divine command.
• loops (לֻלְאֹת - lula'ot): Plural for "loops." These were specifically designed for connection. Their purpose highlights the divine intention for unity and secure joining of the separate curtain segments, without which the covering would be incomplete or unstable.
• of blue (תְּכֵלֶת - tekhelet): Refers to a highly valued blue-violet dye, often associated with royalty, divinity, and the heavens. It was extracted from certain sea snails (Murex trunculus and Murex brandaris). Its use here not only serves a functional purpose (visibility for placement) but also conveys symbolic significance, indicating the Tabernacle's heavenly origin and God's holy presence within. This costly color represented sacredness and was extensively used throughout the Tabernacle and priestly garments.
• on the edge (עַל שְׂפַת - 'al s'fat): Literally "upon the lip of" or "on the border of." This indicates precision in placement along the finished perimeter of the fabric. It emphasizes meticulous adherence to the blueprint for the entire structure.
• of the one curtain (הַיְרִיעָה הָאֶחָת - hayri'ah ha'echat): Specifies the first of the two sets of curtains (five and five, coupled to make two sections). It distinguishes this section from the other that would be joined to it.
• from the selvedge (מִקְּצָה - miq'tzah): Refers to the finished, lengthwise edge of a piece of woven fabric, ensuring it does not unravel. This indicates the high quality and detailed finishing of the Tabernacle materials, reflecting the excellence required in God's service.
• in the coupling (בַּמַּחְבֶּרֶת - bammachberet): Refers to the point or line of joining. This term highlights the purpose of the loops: to create a secure union. It points to the necessary cohesion of the Tabernacle's structure, reflecting divine order and completeness.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And they made loops of blue": This phrase showcases the Spirit-empowered craftsmanship (Exo 31:3) and their faithful execution of God's design. The "loops" indicate a mechanism for union, while "blue" points to the divine and heavenly nature of the structure, setting it apart as God's dwelling place.
• "on the edge...from the selvedge": This emphasizes precision, craftsmanship, and attention to every minute detail in God's holy work. The finished "selvedge" underscores the quality of materials and the skillful handling by the artisans, reflecting reverence for God.
• "in the coupling; likewise they did in the edge of the curtain that was to couple with the second": This highlights the ultimate purpose of the loops – to facilitate the joining of the two main curtain sets. It demonstrates the meticulous planning for unity and cohesion, not just of the individual components but of the entire system, mirroring how disparate parts are brought together by God's design to form a perfect whole.

Exodus 39 4 Bonus section

The seemingly repetitive instructions in Exodus 39 (recounting the completion of what was commanded in Exodus 26) are not mere redundancy but serve a significant literary and theological purpose. This repetition functions as an emphatic declaration of Israel's unwavering obedience to God's precise pattern for His dwelling place. It demonstrates that every stitch, every loop, and every colored thread was accounted for and executed perfectly according to divine specifications. This meticulous record sets a precedent for holiness, order, and exactness in divine service. The loops, made of blue material, served not just as functional connectors but also as symbolic bridges, visually connecting the divine color (heavenly blue) to the unity of God's sanctuary, reflecting His presence within.

Exodus 39 4 Commentary

Exodus 39:4, though a seemingly small detail in the grand scheme of the Tabernacle's construction, epitomizes several profound truths about God's character and His interaction with humanity. First, it powerfully illustrates God's demand for precise obedience in worship and service. The craftsmen did not improvise; they meticulously followed the divine blueprint, even for something as specific as the color and placement of loops on a curtain's edge. This principle underscores that God is not indifferent to the specifics of our devotion but desires adherence to His revealed will.

Secondly, the verse points to the divine intention for unity and wholeness. The "loops" were made explicitly for "coupling" two distinct curtain sections. This act of joining prefigures the ultimate unity God desires among His people, brought together into one body, and the reconciliation accomplished by Christ, who breaks down dividing walls (Eph 2:14). The very fabric of the Tabernacle itself teaches a lesson in interconnectedness and divine design for completeness.

Lastly, the "blue" color, techelet, infused with heavenly and divine significance, reminded the Israelites that this earthly dwelling place was a copy of heavenly realities (Heb 8:5). Even the mundane details of construction pointed beyond themselves to a greater, holy, and transcendent God who desires to dwell among His people, but on His terms, with excellence in every detail. This verse implicitly instructs that genuine reverence for God is expressed not only in grand acts but also in faithful attention to what may seem like minor instructions.