And he made the breastplate of cunning work, like the work of the ephod; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

EXODUS 39:8KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 39:8 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:8 mean?

Exodus 39:8 describes how the craftsmen made the breastplate for the high priest, using skilled workmanship and the same materials and techniques as the ephod. The breastplate was crafted from gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen.

This verse is part of the account where the Israelites, under Moses’ direction, are building the tabernacle and its furnishings just as God commanded. The focus here is on the care and skill used in making the breastplate, which was an important part of the high priest’s ceremonial clothing, matching the ephod in both design and materials.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:8

  • "Cunning" (חָשַׁב, chashav) means skillful or thoughtful work, highlighting that the breastplate was not just functional but artistically and carefully made.
  • "Breastplate" (חֹשֶׁן, choshen) refers specifically to the ornamental chest piece worn by the high priest, which held the twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel.
  • "Ephod" (אֵפוֹד, ephod) was a special priestly garment; the verse emphasizes that the breastplate matched the ephod in both craftsmanship and materials, showing their close connection.
  • "Twined" (שָׁזַר, shazar) describes the linen as being finely twisted or plaited, indicating high-quality fabric and careful preparation.

Why Exodus 39:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the breastplate was made with the same attention to detail and materials as the ephod, showing the importance of unity and consistency in the priestly garments.
  • The mention of specific colors and materials connects this verse to earlier instructions from God, highlighting the Israelites’ obedience and the sacredness of the task.
  • Understanding the craftsmanship involved helps readers appreciate the value placed on beauty, skill, and reverence in worship practices described in Exodus.

Where else these words appear

“breastplate” Hebrew H2833 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 25:7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.
  • Exodus 28:26 And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof, which is in the side of the ephod inward.
  • Exodus 39:9 It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being doubled.

“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.

“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.