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.

EXODUS 39:3KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 39:3 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:3 mean?

Exodus 39:3 describes how skilled workers made gold threads by hammering gold into thin sheets, cutting it into fine wires, and weaving these wires into blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, as well as fine linen, to create detailed and artistic fabric work for the tabernacle. This verse highlights the craftsmanship and care that went into making the sacred garments and decorations.

In this chapter, the Israelites are following God’s instructions for constructing the tabernacle and its furnishings. The verse shows the practical process of preparing gold to be woven into fabric, which was an advanced and meticulous task for that time. The workers are not just using gold as decoration, but actually integrating it into the cloth itself, making the garments and hangings both beautiful and unique.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:3

  • "beat" (פָּטַשׁ, patash): This word means to hammer or flatten, showing that the gold was worked by hand into thin, flexible sheets before being cut into wires.
  • "wires" (פְּתִילִים, p'tilim): This term refers to threads or cords, emphasizing that the gold was made fine enough to be woven like thread, not just used as solid pieces.
  • "cunning work" (חָשַׁב, chashav): This phrase points to skilled, thoughtful craftsmanship, suggesting that the weaving required both technical ability and artistic design.

Why Exodus 39:3 matters

  • Exodus 39:3 shows the high level of skill and effort that went into making the tabernacle’s garments, emphasizing their special purpose and the dedication of the workers.
  • The verse clarifies that gold was not only used for solid objects but was also incorporated directly into fabric, which was unusual and highlighted the importance of these items.
  • This detail connects to the broader theme of Exodus 39, where every part of the tabernacle is made exactly as instructed, showing careful obedience and reverence for God’s commands.

Where else these words appear

“beat” Hebrew H7554 · used in 11 verses

  • Numbers 16:39 And Eleazar the priest took the brasen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar:
  • Psalms 136:6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
  • Isaiah 44:24 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

“wires” Hebrew H6616 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 38:18 And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.
  • Exodus 28:37 And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be.
  • Numbers 15:38 Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:

“cut” Hebrew H7112 · used in 14 verses

  • Deuteronomy 25:12 Then thou shalt cut off her hand, thine eye shall not pity her.
  • 2 Kings 16:17 And king Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the laver from off them; and took down the sea from off the brasen oxen that were under it, and put it upon a pavement of stones.
  • Psalms 46:9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

“into” Hebrew H854 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 4:1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
  • Genesis 19:13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.
  • Leviticus 5:7 And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.