Exodus 28:6

Translation
King James Version
¶ And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And they shall make H6213 the ephod H646 of gold H2091, of blue H8504, and of purple H713, of scarlet H8144 H8438, and fine twined H7806 linen H8336, with cunning H2803 work H4639.
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Complete Jewish Bible
"They are to make the ritual vest of gold, of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely woven linen, crafted by a skilled artisan.
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Berean Standard Bible
They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.
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American Standard Version
And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the skilful workman.
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World English Bible Messianic
“They shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the skillful workman.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And they shall make the Ephod of gold, blewe silke, and purple, skarlet, and fine twined linen of broydred worke.
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Young's Literal Translation
and have made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen, work of a designer;
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See also
Exodus 39:2Exodus 39:7Exodus 26:1
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In the KJVVerse 2,300 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Exodus 28:6 initiates the precise divine instructions for the construction of the ephod, a central and highly significant garment for the high priest. This verse meticulously details the rich and symbolic materials required—gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen—and emphasizes that its creation must be executed with exceptional skill and intricate craftsmanship, reflecting its sacred purpose in the worship of God and its role in mediating God's presence to His people.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is situated within a comprehensive section of Exodus, specifically chapters 25-31 and 35-40, where God provides Moses with an exhaustive blueprint for the construction of the Tabernacle, its sacred furnishings, and the garments for the priests. Following the general command to build a sanctuary so God might dwell among His people in Exodus 25:8, the narrative transitions into the specific details of its components. The instructions for the priestly garments, beginning in Exodus 28, are not merely an appendix but are integral to the functionality and holiness of the Tabernacle system. The ephod, alongside the breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash, forms the core attire for Aaron, the first high priest, and his successors, ensuring their proper consecration and representation before God. The detailed nature of these instructions underscores the divine origin and sacred importance of every element of Israel's worship.

  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, priestly attire often conveyed status, function, and a connection to the divine. However, Israel's priestly garments, particularly the ephod, were uniquely divinely prescribed, setting them apart from pagan practices. The meticulous detail in Exodus 28:6 underscores God's sovereignty and His demand for holiness in worship. The materials specified—gold, costly dyes (blue, purple, scarlet), and fine linen—were extremely valuable and often associated with royalty, divinity, and purity in the ancient world. Their use in the ephod signified the high priest's exalted and consecrated role as mediator between a holy God and His people, as well as the immense value and sacredness of the divine presence within the Tabernacle. The requirement for "cunning work" (Hebrew: ma‘ăśēh ḥōšēḇ) also highlights the high level of craftsmanship and dedication expected in all aspects of God's service, reflecting the excellence of the One being worshipped.

  • Key Themes: Exodus 28:6 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes Divine Holiness and Purity, as seen in the selection of unblemished, precious materials and the demand for "fine twined linen." Secondly, it highlights the theme of Mediation and Atonement, as the ephod was a key component of the high priest's attire, who served as the primary intercessor for Israel, foreshadowing the ultimate mediator. Thirdly, the verse showcases Divine Precision and Order, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail in establishing the Tabernacle worship system, leaving no room for human improvisation, as further elaborated in Exodus 31:1-6. Finally, the use of royal colors (purple, scarlet) and gold reinforces the theme of God's Majesty and Sovereignty, signifying that His worship must reflect His supreme glory and authority.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Ephod (Hebrew, ʼêphôwd', H646): This term refers to a distinctive priestly garment, specifically the high priest's shoulder-piece. While its exact form is debated among scholars, it is generally understood as a sleeveless vest or apron-like garment worn over other priestly attire. Its significance lies in its function as the primary support for the breastplate, which contained the Urim and Thummim—objects used for divine revelation and judgment. The ephod was thus intrinsically linked to the high priest's role as an intercessor and a channel for God's will, serving as a visual marker of his unique office.
  • Gold (Hebrew, zâhâb', H2091): Derived from a root meaning "to shimmer," gold was the most precious metal in the ancient world. Its inclusion in the ephod signifies divinity, royalty, and purity. It speaks to the inherent value and sacredness of the priestly office and, by extension, the divine presence it served. The shimmering quality of gold also suggests the radiance and glory associated with God.
  • Cunning (Hebrew, châshab', H2803): This primitive root means "to plait or interpenetrate," referring to intricate weaving or fabricating. Figuratively, it implies mental effort, to think, contrive, or devise. When paired with "work," as in "cunning work," it denotes a highly intricate, artistic, and intelligent form of weaving or embroidery. It implies that the gold threads were not merely applied to the surface but were skillfully interwoven with the colored threads and linen to create complex patterns, figures, or designs, requiring exceptional skill and thoughtful execution.
  • Work (Hebrew, maʻăseh', H4639): From the root "to do or make," this noun refers to an action, a transaction, an activity, or specifically, a product or property. In the context of "cunning work" (maʻăseh châshab), it emphasizes the craftsmanship, the "thing made," and the high quality of the operation. It highlights that the ephod was not a simple garment but a masterpiece of sacred artistry, reflecting the glory and perfection of the God it served, requiring the highest level of human skill and dedication.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And they shall make the ephod": This opening phrase establishes the divine command for the construction of this specific priestly garment. The "they" refers to the skilled artisans, specifically Bezalel and Oholiab, who were divinely gifted with wisdom and understanding for this sacred task (Exodus 31:1-6). The ephod was not to be a common garment but a specially crafted item for the high priest, essential for his consecrated service.
  • "[of] gold, [of] blue, and [of] purple, [of] scarlet, and fine twined linen": This clause specifies the five distinct materials to be used. The KJV's bracketed "of" indicates that these prepositions are implied in the Hebrew, emphasizing the composition. Each material carried profound symbolic weight:
    • Gold: Signifies divinity, royalty, preciousness, and purity, reflecting God's inherent nature.
    • Blue (תְּכֵלֶת, təḵēleṯ): A deep blue dye, often associated with the heavens, the divine, and God's glory and transcendence, pointing to His heavenly abode.
    • Purple (אַרְגָּמָן, 'argāmān): A highly prized dye, symbolizing royalty, majesty, and kingship, often reserved for monarchs and high officials, signifying God's supreme rule.
    • Scarlet (תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי, tôla‘aṯ šānî): A vibrant red dye, frequently associated with life, blood, sacrifice, and atonement, foreshadowing the necessity of a blood offering for sin.
    • Fine Twined Linen (שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר, šēš māšzār): High-quality, pure white linen, symbolizing purity, righteousness, holiness, and the absence of defilement. The "twined" aspect indicates the strength, durability, and superior quality of the fabric.
  • "with cunning work.": This concluding phrase reiterates the demand for exceptional skill and intricate design in the ephod's creation. It was not to be a simple piece of cloth but a masterpiece of sacred artistry, reflecting the glory, perfection, and infinite wisdom of the God it served. This phrase underscores the principle that God deserves the very best of human craftsmanship and dedication in His worship.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device at play in Exodus 28:6 is Symbolism. Each material and color chosen for the ephod is imbued with profound meaning, collectively communicating the nature of God, the role of the high priest, and the essence of the covenant relationship. The gold symbolizes God's divine nature and royalty, blue points to His heavenly origin and glory, purple underscores His kingship and majesty, scarlet foreshadows the necessity of blood atonement and life, and fine twined linen represents purity and righteousness. The meticulous listing of these materials, coupled with the emphasis on "cunning work," also demonstrates Divine Precision and Emphasis, highlighting God's absolute control and intentionality in every detail of worship, leaving no room for human improvisation. The repetition of the preposition "[of]" (implied in Hebrew) before each material also serves as a form of Anaphora (though subtle in English translation), drawing attention to the distinct and valuable components required.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Exodus 28:6 reveals profound theological truths about God's character and His relationship with humanity. The divine prescription of such elaborate and costly materials for the high priest's garment underscores God's holiness and His demand for excellence and intentionality in worship. It emphasizes that the one who stands before a holy God on behalf of a sinful people must be set apart and adorned in a manner that reflects the glory and majesty of the One he serves. The rich symbolism of the colors and materials collectively points to the multifaceted nature of God's redemptive plan, foreshadowing elements of sacrifice, purity, and divine authority necessary for reconciliation, all culminating in the work of the ultimate High Priest.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The detailed instructions for the ephod in Exodus 28:6 serve as a powerful reminder that God cares deeply about how we approach Him and how we conduct ourselves in His service. While we are no longer bound by the Old Testament ceremonial law, the principles of excellence, intentionality, and reverence remain timeless. Our worship, our service, and our lives as believers should reflect the glory of the God we serve, offering Him our very best, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude for His immeasurable grace. Just as the ephod was designed to set the high priest apart for a sacred task, believers today are called to live consecrated lives, set apart for God's purposes, embodying the spiritual "garments" of righteousness and holiness that are fitting for those who bear His name. This verse challenges us to consider the quality of our devotion and the sincerity of our offerings, whether in our personal lives or corporate worship, striving for "cunning work" in all that we do for the Lord.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the divine precision in the instructions for the ephod challenge my own approach to worship and service?
  • What "materials"—talents, time, resources—am I offering to God, and are they offered with "cunning work," reflecting my best?
  • In what ways can I, as a believer, embody the spiritual symbolism of purity (linen), royalty (purple), and sacrifice (scarlet) in my daily life?

FAQ

What was the primary purpose of the ephod for the high priest?

Answer: The ephod served multiple crucial purposes for the high priest. Primarily, it was a distinctive garment that visually set him apart for his sacred office, signifying his unique role as mediator between God and the people of Israel. Functionally, it was designed to carry the breastplate of judgment, which contained the Urim and Thummim, objects used for discerning God's will and making divine judgments. Thus, the ephod was central to the high priest's ability to represent the people before God and to receive divine guidance on their behalf, as seen in passages like 1 Samuel 23:9-12.

Why were such specific and costly materials required for the ephod?

Answer: The specific and costly materials—gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen—were required for the ephod for several profound reasons. Firstly, they reflected the immense holiness and majesty of God, signifying that only the most precious and beautiful materials were fitting for His sanctuary and the garments of those who served Him. Secondly, each material carried rich symbolic meaning within ancient Israelite culture and beyond, collectively communicating theological truths about God's nature (divinity, royalty, purity) and His redemptive plan (sacrifice, atonement). Finally, the requirement for "cunning work" underscored the divine demand for excellence and meticulous obedience in all aspects of worship, emphasizing that God's service should be undertaken with the highest possible skill and dedication, as instructed in Exodus 35:30-35.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Exodus 28:6, with its meticulous details for the high priest's ephod, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The high priest of the Old Covenant, clothed in garments of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen, was a type, a shadow pointing forward to our great High Priest. Jesus is the true and perfect High Priest, not of the Aaronic order, but "after the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 7:17). The gold of the ephod symbolizes His inherent divinity and eternal glory, for He is "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). The blue points to His heavenly origin and divine nature, as He "came down from heaven" (John 6:38). The purple signifies His supreme royalty and kingship, for He is the "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Revelation 19:16). The scarlet foreshadows His sacrificial blood, shed on the cross for the atonement of sins, providing redemption "through His blood" (Ephesians 1:7). And the fine twined linen represents His perfect, unblemished righteousness and purity, for He "knew no sin" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus embodies the full symbolism of the ephod, not merely as an external garment, but as the very essence of His being and His saving work, making Him the perfect mediator who has entered "into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us" (Hebrews 9:24), having perfectly fulfilled all that the earthly high priest and his garments typified.

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Commentary on Exodus 28 verses 6–14

Directions are here given concerning the ephod, which was the outmost garment of the high priest. Linen ephods were worn by the inferior priests, Sa1 22:18. Samuel wore one when he was a child (Sa1 2:18), and David when he danced before the ark (Sa2 6:14); but this which the high priest only wore was called a golden ephod, because there was a great deal of gold woven into it. It was a short coat without sleeves, buttoned closely to him, with a curious girdle of the same stuff (Exo 28:6-8); the shoulder-pieces were buttoned together with two precious stones set in gold, one on each shoulder, on which were engraven the names of the children of Israel, Exo 28:9-12. In allusion to this, 1. Christ our high priest appeared to John girt about the breast with a golden girdle, such as was the curious girdle of the ephod, Rev 1:13. Righteousness is the girdle of his loins (Isa 11:6), and should be of ours, Eph 6:14. He is girt with strength for the work of our salvation, and is ready for it. 2. The government is said to be upon his shoulders (Isa 9:6), as Aaron had the names of all Israel upon his shoulders in precious stone. He presents to himself and to his Father a glorious church, Eph 5:27. He has power to support them, interest to recommend them, and it is in him that they are remembered with honour and favour. He bears them before the Lord for a memorial (Exo 28:12), in token of his appearing before God as the representative of all Israel and an advocate for them.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 6–14. Public domain.
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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.
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