And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

EXODUS 39:2KJV
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Exodus 39:2 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:2 mean?

Exodus 39:2 describes how the ephod, a special garment for the high priest, was made using gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. This verse highlights the careful craftsmanship and the valuable materials used in making this important piece of priestly clothing.

In the context of Exodus, skilled artisans are following God’s instructions given to Moses for constructing the tabernacle and its furnishings. The ephod was a central part of the high priest’s outfit, symbolizing both beauty and holiness, and its detailed construction shows the significance placed on worship and service in ancient Israel.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:2

  • "ephod" (אֵפוֹד, ephod): This word refers to a specific priestly garment, often understood as a kind of vest or apron, worn by the high priest. Its mention here points to its unique role in Israel’s worship.
  • "scarlet" (תּוֹלַעַת, tola‘at; שָׁנִי, shani): Two Hebrew words are used for "scarlet," indicating a rich, red dye made from a particular insect. This detail shows the effort and expense involved in creating the garment’s colors.
  • "twined" (שָׁזַר, shazar): This word means the linen was carefully twisted or spun, suggesting a high level of skill and quality in the fabric’s production.

Why Exodus 39:2 matters

  • This verse shows the obedience of the craftsmen to God’s detailed instructions, emphasizing the importance of following divine guidance in worship.
  • The use of precious materials like gold and costly dyes highlights the value placed on the priesthood and the seriousness of approaching God.
  • The description connects to the wider passage by showing that every part of the tabernacle and its service was to be made with care, beauty, and reverence, reflecting God’s holiness.

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 28:6 And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.
  • Exodus 38:16 All the hangings of the court round about were of fine twined linen.

“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 28:39 And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework.
  • 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 35:25 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.

“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 35:27 And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;
  • 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?