TRV
Translation
Berean Standard Bible
They shall use gold, along with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.
American Standard Version
And they shall take the gold, and the blue, and the purple, and the scarlet, and the fine linen.
World English Bible Messianic
They shall take the gold, and the blue, and the purple, and the scarlet, and the fine linen.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore they shall take golde, and blew silke, and purple, and skarlet, and fine linnen,
Young's Literal Translation
`And they take the gold, and the blue, and the purple, and the scarlet, and the linen,
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 2,299 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Exodus 28 verses 1–5
1 ¶ And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.
2 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.
3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
4 And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
5 And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.
We have here,
I. The priests nominated: Aaron and his sons, Exo 28:1. Hitherto every master of a family was priest to his own family, and offered, as he saw cause, upon altars of earth; but now that the families of Israel began to be incorporated into a nation, and a tabernacle of the congregation was to be erected, as a visible centre of their unity, it was requisite there should be a public priesthood instituted. Moses, who had hitherto officiated, and is therefore reckoned among the priests of the Lord (Psa 99:6), had enough to do as their prophet to consult the oracle for them, and as their prince to judge among them; nor was he desirous to engross all the honours to himself, or to entail that of the priesthood, which alone was hereditary, upon his own family, but was very well pleased to see his brother Aaron invested in this office, and his sons after him, while (how great soever he was) his sons after him would be but common Levites. It is an instance of the humility of that great man, and an evidence of his sincere regard for the glory of God, that he had so little regard to the preferment of his own family. Aaron, who had humbly served as a prophet to his younger brother Moses, and did not decline the office (Exo 7:1), is now advanced to be a priest, a high priest to God; for he will exalt those that abase themselves. Nor could any man have taken this honour to himself, but he that was called of God to it, Heb 5:4. God had said of Israel in general that they should be to him a kingdom of priests, Exo 19:6. But because it was requisite that those who ministered at the altar should give themselves wholly to the service, and because that which is every body's work will soon come to be nobody's work, God here chose from among them one to be a family of priests, the father and his four sons; and from Aaron's loins descended all the priests of the Jewish church, of whom we read so often, both in the Old Testament and in the New. A blessed thing it is when real holiness goes, as the ceremonial holiness did, by succession in a family.
II. The priests' garments appointed, for glory and beauty, Exo 28:2. Some of the richest materials were to be provided (Exo 28:5), and the best artists employed in the making of them, whose skill God, by a special gift for this purpose, would improve to a very high degree, Exo 28:3. Note, Eminence, even in common arts, is a gift of God, it comes from him, and, as there is occasion, it ought to be used for him. He that teaches the husbandman discretion teaches the tradesman also; both therefore ought to honour God with their gain. Human learning ought particularly to be consecrated to the service of the priesthood, and employed for the adorning of those that minister about holy things. The garments appointed were, 1. Four, which both the high priest and the inferior priests wore, namely, the linen breeches, the linen coat, the linen girdle which fastened it to them, and the bonnet or turban; that which the high priest wore is called a mitre. 2. Four more, which were peculiar to the high priest, namely, the ephod, with the curious girdle of it, the breast-plate of judgment, the long robe with the bells and pomegranates at the bottom of it, and the golden plate on his forehead. These glorious garments were appointed, (1.) That the priests themselves might be reminded of the dignity of their office, and might behave themselves with due decorum. (2.) That the people might thereby be possessed with a holy reverence of that God whose ministers appeared in such grandeur. (3.) That the priests might be types of Christ, who should offer himself without spot to God, and of all Christians, who have the beauty of holiness put upon them, in which they are consecrated to God. Our adorning, now under the gospel, both that of ministers and Christians, is not to be of gold, and pearl, and costly array, but the garments of salvation, and the robe of righteousness, Isa 61:10; Psa 132:9, Psa 132:16. As the filthy garments wherewith Joshua the high priest was clothed signified the iniquity which cleaved to his priesthood, from which care was taken that it should be purged (Zac 3:3, Zac 3:4.), so those holy garments signified the perfect purity that there is in the priesthood of Christ; he is holy, harmless, and undefiled.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–5. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Exodus 28:5 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Exodus 28:5 provides the foundational list of precious and symbolic materials—gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen—mandated by God for the construction of the sacred priestly garments. These divinely specified components were essential to the Tabernacle's worship, not merely for their aesthetic beauty but for their profound theological significance, setting apart Aaron and his sons for their consecrated service as mediators between God and His people, and reflecting the divine glory and holiness of the Lord.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Exodus 28:5 is embedded within a larger divine blueprint for the Tabernacle and its associated service, specifically detailing the holy garments for Aaron and his sons, who were consecrated as priests. Following the detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle itself in Exodus 25, Exodus 26, Exodus 27, Chapter 28 shifts focus to the attire of those who would minister within it. The preceding verses, particularly Exodus 28:1 and Exodus 28:2, establish the purpose of these garments: they were to be made for "glory and for beauty," signifying the esteemed and sacred nature of the priestly office. The materials listed in verse 5 form the very foundation upon which the intricate ephod, breastplate, robe, and other priestly vestments would be meticulously crafted according to God's precise specifications.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, the selection of materials for sacred or royal attire carried immense significance, often reflecting the status of the wearer and the deity being served. Gold, precious dyes like blue (derived from the Murex snail), and purple (also from Murex, extremely rare and costly) were symbols of royalty, divinity, and immense wealth, reserved for kings, high officials, and temple furnishings. Scarlet, often associated with life and vitality, was also a valuable dye. Fine linen, specifically Egyptian shesh, was renowned for its purity, strength, and luxurious feel, making it a highly sought-after commodity. The command for Israel to use these specific, costly, and symbolically rich materials for their priests' garments underscored God's demand for excellence and holiness in worship. It demonstrated that the God of Israel was not only sovereign but also worthy of the very best, setting His priesthood apart from common practice and elevating their role to one of profound spiritual importance, distinct from the practices of surrounding pagan cultures. The emphasis on divine instruction for every detail, from the Tabernacle's structure to the priests' clothing, highlighted the unique covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people, as first established in Exodus 19.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Divine Holiness and Purity, emphasized by the pristine and costly materials required for approaching God. It underscores that God's presence demands separation and consecration, a principle woven throughout the Tabernacle instructions. Another crucial theme is God's Meticulous Design and Sovereignty, as every detail, down to the color and fabric, is divinely ordained, demonstrating God's absolute authority over worship and His people. The verse also highlights the Sacredness of the Priesthood, showing that the priests were set apart, not by human choice but by divine decree, to mediate between a holy God and His people. Finally, the rich symbolism of the materials contributes to the theme of Glory and Beauty in Worship, reflecting the majesty of God and the honor due to Him in all aspects of service, a concept consistently reinforced in the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as seen in Exodus 25.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Enumeration and Symbolism. The detailed listing of "gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen" is a clear example of enumeration, providing a precise inventory of the required materials. This meticulous listing emphasizes God's exactness and the non-negotiable nature of His divine instructions for worship. Beyond mere materials, each item is imbued with profound Symbolism. Gold represents divinity and glory, blue signifies heaven, purple denotes royalty, scarlet points to life and atonement, and fine linen embodies purity and righteousness. This symbolic layering transforms mundane materials into sacred components, communicating deep theological truths about God's character, the nature of worship, and the role of the priesthood. The careful selection of these specific, costly, and visually striking elements also serves as a form of Metonymy, where the materials stand in for the holiness, glory, and beauty of the Tabernacle service itself.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 28:5 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous attention to detail in matters of worship and holiness, emphasizing that His presence demands the highest standards of purity, beauty, and consecrated service. The use of precious materials underscores the immeasurable value God places on His covenant relationship with His people and the sacredness of the priestly office as mediators. These materials, with their rich symbolism, teach that approaching a holy God requires intentionality, excellence, and a recognition of His supreme majesty. The principle is not merely about external adornment but about the internal disposition of those who serve, reflecting the divine attributes of glory, purity, and kingship.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed instructions in Exodus 28:5, concerning the materials for the priestly garments, serve as a powerful reminder that our worship and service to God should be marked by excellence, intentionality, and a heart dedicated to His glory. While we no longer construct physical tabernacles or wear specific priestly vestments in the same way, the underlying principles of giving our best to God, pursuing purity, and recognizing the sacredness of His presence remain profoundly relevant. Our lives, as a "spiritual sacrifice" (1 Peter 2:5), are meant to reflect the beauty and holiness of Christ. This verse challenges us to consider the "materials" of our own lives—our time, talents, resources, and character—and whether we are offering them to God in a manner that truly reflects His worth and our consecrated calling. It encourages us to approach God with reverence, not with casual indifference, understanding that He is worthy of our utmost devotion and the highest quality of our being.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were these specific materials chosen, and what do they symbolize?
Answer: These materials were chosen by God for their inherent value, beauty, and profound symbolic meaning. Gold (zahav) consistently represents divinity, purity, and enduring value, signifying God's glory. Blue (techelet), a costly dye, is associated with heaven, God's glory, and His divine presence, reminding the wearer and observer of the heavenly nature of the priestly calling. Purple (argaman), another expensive dye, symbolizes royalty, majesty, and authority, reflecting God's kingly dominion. Scarlet (tola'at shani), derived from a crimson worm, often signifies life, vitality, and atonement, foreshadowing the lifeblood offered for sin. Fine linen (shesh), known for its purity and whiteness, represents righteousness, purity, and moral cleanliness, emphasizing the holiness required for divine service. Together, these materials painted a vivid picture of God's majesty, holiness, and the sacredness of the priestly role.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The elaborate priestly garments and the materials specified in Exodus 28:5 find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest. While the Old Testament priests wore garments of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen to symbolize holiness and mediate between God and humanity, Jesus Himself embodies the very realities these materials only shadowed. He is the true "gold," possessing inherent divinity and eternal glory, as revealed in passages like John 1:14 where "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory." He is the heavenly "blue," having descended from heaven to accomplish redemption, as He declared in John 3:13. He is the "purple" King, reigning with ultimate authority and majesty, a truth proclaimed throughout the Gospels and affirmed in Revelation 19:16. The "scarlet" points to His atoning blood, which perfectly cleanses from sin, a sacrifice infinitely superior to any animal offering, as described in Hebrews 9:12. And He is the perfectly "fine linen" of righteousness, without blemish or spot, offering His perfect righteousness to all who believe, fulfilling the call to purity that the linen symbolized (2 Corinthians 5:21). Unlike the Levitical priests who served imperfectly and died, Jesus entered the true, heavenly Tabernacle "not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption" (Hebrews 9:11-12). Thus, the beauty, glory, and symbolic richness of the Old Testament priesthood find their complete and eternal reality in Christ, who perfectly mediates between God and humanity.