And the curious girdle of his ephod, that was upon it, was of the same, according to the work thereof; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen; as the LORD commanded Moses.

EXODUS 39:5KJV
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Exodus 39:5 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:5 mean?

Exodus 39:5 describes how the decorative waistband (or "curious girdle") of the high priest’s ephod was made from the same materials and with the same craftsmanship as the ephod itself, following the instructions the LORD gave to Moses. The verse lists the specific materials—gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and finely twisted linen—used in making this part of the priestly garment.

This verse is part of a detailed account of the construction of the high priest’s garments as commanded by God to Moses for use in Israel’s tabernacle worship. The focus here is on the careful obedience to God’s instructions, showing that every part of the priestly clothing, even the waistband, was crafted with great care and from precious materials, reflecting the importance and holiness of the priestly role.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:5

  • "Girdle" (חֵשֶׁב, ḥēshev): This word refers to a decorative sash or waistband, not just a simple belt, highlighting its importance as an ornamental and functional part of the ephod.
  • "Ephod" (אֵפוֹד, ʾēphod): The ephod was a special priestly garment, and mentioning it here ties the girdle directly to the main vestment, showing they were made as a set.
  • "Work" (מַעֲשֶׂה, maʿăseh): This word points to the craftsmanship involved, emphasizing that the girdle was made with the same skill and technique as the ephod itself.
  • "Twined" (שָׁזַר, shazar): This describes the linen as being finely twisted, which would make the fabric both strong and beautiful, underlining the high quality expected for items used in worship.

Why Exodus 39:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that every detail of the high priest’s clothing was made exactly as God commanded, stressing the importance of obedience and precision in worship.
  • The mention of luxurious materials and skilled work shows the value placed on the priestly office and the seriousness of approaching God’s presence.
  • By connecting the girdle to the ephod, the verse highlights the unity and completeness of the priestly garments, which symbolized the special role of the high priest among the people of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“ephod” Hebrew H642 · used in 3 verses

  • 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.
  • Isaiah 30:22 Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence.

“girdle” Hebrew H2805 · used in 8 verses

  • 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 28:28 And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod.
  • Exodus 39:20 And they made two other golden rings, and put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart of it, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.

“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 39:2 And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.