And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.

EXODUS 28:6KJV
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Exodus 28:6 (KJV)

What does Exodus 28:6 mean?

Exodus 28:6 describes how the ephod, a special garment for the high priest, should be made using gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, crafted with skillful workmanship. This instruction is part of God’s detailed directions for making the high priest’s clothing for use in Israel’s worship.

God is speaking to Moses, giving him instructions for the artisans who will create the high priest’s garments. The ephod was a central piece of the high priest’s outfit, and the verse highlights both the valuable materials and the careful, skilled work required. This sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, which focuses on the importance and sacredness of the priestly garments.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 28:6

  • אֵפוֹד (ephod, H646): This word refers to a specific priestly garment, often understood as a kind of apron or vest, worn by the high priest. Its exact appearance is debated, but it was central to the priest’s role.
  • תְּכֵלֶת (techelet, H8504): This is the word for "blue," a dye made from a rare sea creature, symbolizing wealth and holiness. Its use here underlines the garment’s special status.
  • שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר (shesh mashzar, H8336, H7806): "Fine twined linen" refers to high-quality linen spun into threads and twisted together, emphasizing both purity and craftsmanship.
  • חָשֵׁב מַעֲשֵׂה (choshev ma'aseh, H2803, H4639): "Cunning work" means skilled, thoughtful craftsmanship, not just routine weaving but artistry and care in the making.

Why Exodus 28:6 matters

  • Exodus 28:6 clarifies that the ephod was not just any garment but was made from expensive materials and required great skill, highlighting the honor and seriousness of the high priest’s role.
  • The verse emphasizes that worship and service to God in Israel involved beauty, care, and intentionality, not just function or utility.
  • Understanding the materials and craftsmanship helps explain why these garments were set apart from ordinary clothing and why only certain people could wear them.

Where else these words appear

“twined” Hebrew H7806 · used in 21 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 28:8 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 38:18 And the hanging for the gate of the court was needlework, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: and twenty cubits was the length, and the height in the breadth was five cubits, answerable to the hangings of the court.

“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 25:4 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair,
  • 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.

“ephod” Hebrew H646 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 25:7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.
  • Exodus 39:2 And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.
  • Judges 18:18 And these went into Micah's house, and fetched the carved image, the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image. Then said the priest unto them, What do ye?