And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.

EXODUS 39:1KJV
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Exodus 39:1 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:1 mean?

Exodus 39:1 describes how skilled workers made special clothing and fabrics from blue, purple, and scarlet materials for use in the sanctuary, specifically creating the holy garments for Aaron the priest, just as God had instructed Moses. The verse emphasizes that these garments and cloths were made exactly according to the LORD’s command.

This verse is part of the account where the Israelites, under Moses’ leadership, are constructing the tabernacle and preparing everything needed for worship. The focus here is on the careful obedience to God’s instructions, especially in making the priestly garments for Aaron, who would serve as the high priest. The colors and materials mentioned were considered precious and set apart for sacred use.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:1

  • "Blue" (תְּכֵלֶת, techelet), "purple" (אַרְגָּמָן, argaman), and "scarlet" (שָׁנִי, shani): These specific colors were associated with royalty, wealth, and holiness in ancient Israel, highlighting the special status of the tabernacle and its priests.
  • "Cloths" (בֶּגֶד, beged) and "garments" (בֶּגֶד, beged): The same Hebrew word is used for both, pointing to the idea that the priestly clothing was both functional and set apart for sacred service.
  • "Service" (שְׁרָד, sherad) and "service" (שָׁרַת, sharath): The first word refers to the actual items used in the sanctuary, while the second refers to the act of serving or ministering, showing both the tools and the duties were consecrated.
  • "Holy" (קָדֹשׁ, qadosh): This word means "set apart" or "sacred," making it clear that these garments were not ordinary clothing but were dedicated to God’s purposes.

Why Exodus 39:1 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the priestly garments were not designed according to human taste but were made exactly as God commanded, underscoring the importance of obedience in worship.
  • The mention of specific colors and materials connects the priesthood to the broader theme of holiness and separation for God’s service, which runs throughout Exodus.
  • By highlighting Aaron’s garments, the verse sets the stage for his unique role as high priest and the seriousness of approaching God in the prescribed way.

Where else these words appear

“service” Hebrew H8278 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 31:10 And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office,
  • Exodus 35:19 The cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office.
  • Exodus 39:41 The cloths of service to do service in the holy place, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons' garments, to minister in the priest's office.

“purple” Hebrew H713 · used in 38 verses

  • Exodus 25:4 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair,
  • 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.
  • 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 35:23 And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers' skins, brought them.
  • 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 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.
  • Leviticus 14:49 And he shall take to cleanse the house two birds, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop: