Exodus 28:5

KJV

And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall take {H3947} gold {H2091}, and blue {H8504}, and purple {H713}, and scarlet {H8144}{H8438}, and fine linen {H8336}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They are to use gold; blue, purple and scarlet yarn; and fine linen.

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.

Commentary

### 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 25-27](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-27 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"), Chapter 28 shifts focus to the attire of those who would minister within it. The preceding verses, particularly [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Appointment of Aaron and his Sons") and [Exodus 28:2](/exodus/28-2 "Exodus 28:2 - Purpose of the Holy Garments"), 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](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai").

* **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](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gold (Hebrew, _zâhâb'_):** from an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e. yellow), as oil, a clear sky; gold(-en), fair weather. This precious metal consistently symbolizes divinity, purity, royalty, and enduring value throughout Scripture. Its use in the priestly garments, as well as in the Tabernacle furnishings, signifies the inherent glory of God and the preciousness of the consecrated service rendered in His presence. Gold is incorruptible, reflecting the eternal and unchanging nature of God Himself.
* **Blue (Hebrew, _tᵉkêleth'_):** probably for שְׁחֶלֶת; the cerulean mussel, i.e. the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith; blue. This specific shade of blue, derived from a rare mollusk, was highly prized and associated with the heavens, divinity, and God's glory. It speaks to the heavenly origin of the priestly calling and the divine source of the law and covenant. Its presence on the garments reminded the priest and the people of God's transcendent nature and His dwelling in the heavens.
* **Fine Linen (Hebrew, _shêsh'_):** or (for alliteration with מֶשִׁי) שְׁשִׁי; for שַׁיִשׁ; bleached stuff, i.e. white linen or (by analogy) marble; [idiom] blue, fine (twined) linen, marble, silk. Imported from Egypt, this high-quality linen was known for its purity, whiteness, and strength. In biblical symbolism, fine linen frequently represents purity, righteousness, and moral cleanliness. Its inclusion in the priestly attire underscored the absolute purity and blamelessness required of those who ministered before a holy God, both ceremonially and ethically.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall take gold":** This phrase initiates the list of essential materials, with gold leading, emphasizing its supreme value and symbolic connection to God's glory and divine presence. The instruction "they shall take" implies a communal effort and contribution from the people, as these materials were likely part of the freewill offerings for the Tabernacle's construction.
* **"and blue, and purple, and scarlet":** These three colors represent the costly dyed threads. "Blue" (techelet) signifies heaven and divinity; "purple" (argaman) denotes royalty, majesty, and authority; and "scarlet" (tola'at shani) often symbolizes life, vitality, and atonement, derived from a crimson worm. Together, these colors speak to the multifaceted nature of God's majesty and the sacrificial dimension of the priestly ministry.
* **"and fine linen":** Concluding the list, "fine linen" (shesh) represents purity, righteousness, and moral integrity. It formed the base fabric for many of the garments, providing a foundation of purity upon which the richer, more symbolic elements were woven, underscoring the foundational requirement of holiness for those serving God.

#### 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.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Command to Build the Sanctuary")
* [Leviticus 10:3](/leviticus/10-3 "Leviticus 10:3 - God's Holiness Demands Reverence")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - The Royal Priesthood")

### 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](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones and a Holy Priesthood")), 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
* **What does God's meticulous attention to detail in Exodus 28:5 reveal about His character and His expectations for worship?**
* **How can the symbolic meanings of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen inform our understanding of Christian living and service today?**
* **In what practical ways can we apply the principle of "excellence in worship" to our daily lives and ministries, even without physical priestly garments?**
* **How does understanding the holiness required of the Old Testament priests deepen our appreciation for the access we have to God through Christ?**

### 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](/exodus/28-5 "Exodus 28:5 - Materials for Priestly Garments") 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](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") 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](/john/3-13 "John 3:13 - No One Has Ascended to Heaven"). He is the "purple" King, reigning with ultimate authority and majesty, a truth proclaimed throughout the Gospels and affirmed in [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). 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](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption"). 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](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). 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](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Ministry")). 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 39:2

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

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.

Exodus 25:3

And this [is] the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass,

Exodus 25:4

And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' [hair],