And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair,

EXODUS 25:4KJV
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Exodus 25:4 (KJV)

What does Exodus 25:4 mean?

Exodus 25:4 lists specific materials—blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, fine linen, and goats’ hair—that the Israelites were to bring as offerings for constructing the tabernacle. These materials were chosen for their quality and significance in the sacred work God was instructing Moses to oversee.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving detailed instructions about what the Israelites should contribute for building the tabernacle, the special tent where God would dwell among His people. Each material mentioned had a practical use in the tabernacle’s construction and held symbolic value in Israelite worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 25:4

  • The word for "blue" is תְּכֵלֶת (techelet), which refers to a blue dye often associated with royalty and divinity in ancient Israel. This color was rare and valuable, highlighting the importance of the tabernacle.
  • "Purple" is אַרְגָּמָן (argaman), a deep purple dye also linked to nobility and luxury. Its inclusion emphasizes the honor and reverence due to the tabernacle.
  • "Scarlet" is שָׁנִי (shani) or תּוֹלַעַת (tola'at), referring to a bright red dye made from certain insects. This color was vivid and striking, used for both beauty and symbolism.
  • "Fine linen" is שֵׁשׁ (shesh), a high-quality, white linen fabric. Linen was prized for its purity and was commonly used in sacred garments and furnishings.
  • "Goats’" is עֵז (ez), referring to the hair of goats, which was spun into coarse fabric for tent coverings. This material was practical and durable, suitable for the outer layers of the tabernacle.

Why Exodus 25:4 matters

  • This verse shows that God cared about both the beauty and the practicality of the tabernacle, requiring materials that were both precious and functional.
  • The specific mention of colors and fabrics reveals the level of detail and intentionality in God’s instructions, reflecting the tabernacle’s importance as a place of worship.
  • Understanding the meaning and value of these materials helps clarify why the Israelites were asked to bring offerings of such quality, connecting their gifts to the reverence and honor due to God’s dwelling place.

Where else these words appear

“linen” Hebrew H8336 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 41:42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
  • Exodus 35:6 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair,
  • Exodus 39:3 And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, with cunning work.

“purple” Hebrew H713 · used in 38 verses

  • Exodus 26:1 Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.
  • Exodus 35:35 Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.
  • Exodus 39:29 And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.

“scarlet” Hebrew H8144 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 38:28 And it came to pass, when she travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first.
  • Exodus 35:25 And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen.
  • Leviticus 14:4 Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:

“scarlet” Hebrew H8438 · used in 43 verses

  • Exodus 16:20 Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.
  • Exodus 36:8 And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work made he them.
  • Leviticus 14:49 And he shall take to cleanse the house two birds, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop: