What number verse is Exodus 39:1 in the Bible?

Exodus 39:1 is the 2,666th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Exodus 39:1 sits at position 2,666.

38:3138:31

Exodus 39:1

Q: What is the difference between "cloths of service" and "holy garments" mentioned in this verse?

While both "cloths of service" (בִּגְדֵי שָׂרָד, bigdei sarad) and "holy garments" (בִּגְדֵי קֹדֶשׁ, bigdei kodesh) were made from the same precious materials and for sacred purposes, they served distinct functions. The "holy garments" were the specific, elaborate attire worn by Aaron, the High Priest, and his sons when they ministered in the Tabernacle. These included items like the ephod, breastplate, robe, and turban, designed to signify their consecrated role and to facilitate their unique mediatorial duties before God (as detailed in Exodus 28). The "cloths of service," on the other hand, refer to the special coverings or wrappers used to protect and transport the sacred Tabernacle furnishings (like the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, and the Lampstand) when the Israelites moved camp. These "cloths" ensured that the holy articles remained consecrated and were handled appropriately, even during transit, as described in Numbers 4.

39:239:2

Translation

King James Version

¶ And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And of the blue ^H8504, and purple ^H713, and scarlet ^{H8144 H8438}, they made ^H6213 cloths ^H899 of service ^H8278, to do service ^H8334 in the holy ^H6944 place, and made ^H6213 the holy ^H6944 garments ^H899 for Aaron ^H175; as the LORD ^H3068 commanded ^H6680 Moses ^H4872.

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Complete Jewish Bible

From the blue, purple and scarlet yarn they made the garments for officiating, for serving in the Holy Place; and they made the holy garments for Aharon, as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

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Berean Standard Bible

From the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn they made specially woven garments for ministry in the sanctuary, as well as the holy garments for Aaron, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

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American Standard Version

And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made finely wrought garments, for ministering in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

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World English Bible Messianic

Of the blue, purple, and scarlet, they made finely worked garments, for ministering in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Moreouer they made garments of ministration to minister in the Sanctuarie of blewe silke, and purple, and skarlet: they made also the holy garments for Aaron, as the Lord had comanded Moses.

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Young's Literal Translation

And of the blue, and the purple, and the scarlet, they made coloured garments, to minister in the sanctuary; and they make the holy garments which are for Aaron, as Jehovah hath commanded Moses.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Exodus 39:1 initiates the detailed execution of the Tabernacle's construction, specifically focusing on the creation of its sacred textiles and the elaborate priestly vestments. This verse highlights the meticulous craftsmanship of the divinely gifted artisans, who, using the specified materials of blue, purple, and scarlet threads, fashioned both the "cloths of service" for the Tabernacle's holy functions and the "holy garments" designated for Aaron, the High Priest. The foundational principle emphasized is the unwavering obedience to God's precise instructions, ensuring that every element of the sanctuary and its ministry reflected His holiness and glory.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Exodus 39:1 is situated within the latter section of the book of Exodus (chapters 35-40), which meticulously details the actual construction of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priestly garments. This chapter, in particular, focuses on the completion of the priestly attire, directly fulfilling the divine blueprints and commands given earlier in Exodus 28. The preceding chapters, Exodus 35-38, describe the gathering of materials, the appointment of skilled craftsmen like Bezalel and Oholiab, and the construction of the Tabernacle's structure, curtains, and various articles. The consistent refrain, "as the LORD commanded Moses," woven throughout these chapters, underscores the absolute fidelity to God's revealed will, culminating in the Tabernacle's erection and the filling of God's glory in Exodus 40. This verse marks the beginning of the final phase of this grand project—the preparation of the sacred vestments necessary for the consecrated worship.
Historical & Cultural Context: The construction of the Tabernacle and its associated items, including the priestly garments, was a monumental undertaking for the newly liberated Israelite nation in the wilderness. This portable sanctuary served as the central place of worship and the tangible symbol of God's presence among His people. In the ancient Near East, temples and the attire of priests were often highly elaborate, reflecting the perceived status and power of the deities they served. The specific colors—blue, purple, and scarlet—were extremely valuable and difficult to produce, often associated with royalty, divinity, and wealth. For instance, Tyrian purple was a renowned and costly dye, obtained from murex snails. The use of such precious materials for God's dwelling underscored His supreme sovereignty and holiness, setting Him apart from the gods of surrounding nations. The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and the priestly garments were not merely aesthetic but served a profound theological purpose, establishing a sacred space and a consecrated priesthood through which a holy God could dwell among and relate to an unholy people, as foreshadowed in the broader covenant relationship established at Mount Sinai.
Key Themes: Exodus 39:1 contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive throughout the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of divine instruction and human obedience. The repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" highlights God's sovereignty over worship and the Israelites' faithful adherence to His precise will, a critical aspect of their covenant relationship. Another crucial theme is holiness and separation. The use of specific, costly materials and the meticulous design of the Tabernacle and priestly garments emphasize the sacredness of God's presence and the necessity of consecration for those who would approach Him. This verse also contributes to the theme of God's dwelling among His people, as the Tabernacle was designed to be the earthly locus of His presence. Finally, the preparation of the priestly garments underscores the theme of mediation and priesthood, setting the stage for Aaron's unique role as mediator between God and Israel, anticipating the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. This echoes the broader narrative of God's desire to dwell with His people, as seen from Eden to the New Jerusalem.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Blue (Hebrew, tᵉkêleth, H8504): This highly prized dye, often referred to as "tekhelet," was derived from a specific mollusk (likely the Murex snail). Its deep, sky-like hue was associated with the heavens, divinity, and God's glory. Symbolically, it connected the earthly sanctuary to the divine realm, representing the transcendent nature of God and the heavenly origin of the Tabernacle's design.
Purple (Hebrew, ʼargâmân, H713): Another extremely expensive and regal dye, "argaman" purple was produced from a similar mollusk. Throughout the ancient world, purple was universally recognized as the color of royalty, majesty, and wealth. Its inclusion in the Tabernacle fabrics and priestly garments underscored God's kingship and the high, royal status of the priesthood serving Him, signifying the kingly authority of the God of Israel.
Scarlet (Hebrew, shânîy, H8438): This vibrant red dye, often called "crimson," was primarily derived from the tôwlâʻ (H8438), a small insect (the kermes insect). Scarlet was widely associated with life, blood, and vital energy. In the context of the Tabernacle and priestly service, it powerfully symbolized atonement, sacrifice, and the life-giving power of blood, pointing forward to the necessary shedding of blood for the forgiveness of sins, a central theme in the sacrificial system.

Verse Breakdown

"And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet,": This opening clause specifies the primary, costly, and symbolically rich dyed threads that formed the foundational materials for the sacred textiles. These colors were not merely decorative but deeply significant, representing heavenly, royal, and atoning aspects of God and His redemptive plan for humanity.
"they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy [place],": This refers to specialized coverings or wrappers used for transporting the Tabernacle furnishings when the Israelites moved. These "cloths of service" (Hebrew: bigdei serad) were distinct from the priestly garments and were specifically designed for the practical, yet sacred, functions of the Tabernacle's operation and maintenance within the consecrated "holy place." They ensured the holiness of the articles was maintained even in transit.
"and made the holy garments for Aaron;": This phrase highlights the creation of the elaborate and distinct vestments for the High Priest, Aaron. These garments—including the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash—were not ordinary clothing but were consecrated ("holy," Hebrew: qôdesh) for the specific purpose of mediating between God and His people, symbolizing his unique role and the holiness required for approaching God.
"as the LORD commanded Moses.": This concluding phrase, a recurring motif throughout the Tabernacle narrative, serves as a powerful affirmation of divine authority and human obedience. It underscores that every detail of the Tabernacle's construction and the priestly ministry was not of human invention but was precisely revealed by God, emphasizing the sanctity and divine origin of the worship practices and the importance of faithful execution.

Literary Devices

Exodus 39:1 employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. Repetition is paramount, particularly the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses," which appears frequently throughout Exodus 35-40. This serves to underscore the absolute divine authority behind the Tabernacle's design and the meticulous obedience required of the Israelites, emphasizing faithfulness to God's revealed will. Symbolism is also a dominant feature, with the colors blue, purple, and scarlet carrying profound theological meaning. Blue symbolizes the heavens and divinity, purple represents royalty and majesty, and scarlet points to life, blood, and atonement. These colors imbue the physical materials with spiritual significance, transforming mere fabric into a visual theological statement. Furthermore, the "holy garments" and "holy place" are themselves symbols of separation, consecration, and the sacredness required for divine encounter. The verse also exhibits a form of merism by listing the three key colors, representing the full spectrum of rich, dyed materials used for the sacred textiles, indicating completeness and thoroughness in adherence to divine instruction.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Exodus 39:1 profoundly illustrates the themes of divine sovereignty, human obedience, and the meticulous nature of holiness in worship. God's detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its elements, including the priestly garments, reveal His desire for His people to approach Him in a manner that honors His absolute purity and majesty. The beauty and preciousness of the materials underscore the immense value God places on His dwelling place and the ministry performed within it. This verse, therefore, serves as a foundational text for understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system and the role of the priesthood as mediators, all pointing to God's ultimate plan for reconciliation with humanity and emphasizing that true worship is always in response to God's revealed will.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Exodus 39:1 is more than just an ancient craft report; it's a profound lesson in intentionality, reverence, and faithful execution in our service to God. The meticulous detail and precious materials used for the Tabernacle and priestly garments remind us that God deserves our very best—not just in grand gestures, but in the seemingly small, precise acts of obedience. While we no longer serve in a physical Tabernacle with specific colored garments, the principle of consecrated service remains. Our worship, our acts of love, our evangelism, and our daily walk should be marked by a heart devoted to God's glory and a commitment to His revealed will. We are called to live lives set apart, reflecting His holiness in every sphere, understanding that our "spiritual sacrifices" (as mentioned in 1 Peter 2:5) are to be offered with excellence and integrity, as a response to His magnificent grace. This verse challenges us to consider the quality of our devotion and the faithfulness of our obedience in all areas of life.

Questions for Reflection

In what areas of my life or service do I tend to offer less than my best, and how can I cultivate a greater spirit of intentionality and excellence, mirroring the craftsmanship of the Tabernacle builders?
How does the emphasis on "holy garments" and "holy place" in Exodus 39:1 inform my understanding of personal holiness and the sacredness of my body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (as described in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)?
Considering the symbolic meaning of blue, purple, and scarlet, what aspects of Christ's character or work do these colors highlight for me personally, and how can I better reflect those attributes in my daily life?

FAQ

Why are these specific colors (blue, purple, scarlet) so important for the Tabernacle and priestly garments?

Answer: The colors blue, purple, and scarlet were not chosen arbitrarily but carried profound symbolic and practical significance in the ancient world and, more importantly, in God's divine revelation. They were extremely valuable and difficult to produce, signifying the preciousness and sanctity of the items made for God's service. Theologically, blue (tekhelet) often represented the heavens, divinity, and God's glory, connecting the earthly sanctuary to the divine realm. Purple (argaman) symbolized royalty, majesty, and wealth, reflecting God's kingship and the high status of the priesthood. Scarlet (tola'at shani) was associated with life, blood, and sacrifice, foreshadowing the atonement necessary for sin. Together, these colors communicated the nature of the God being worshipped—heavenly, royal, and providing atonement—and the sacredness of the space and ministry dedicated to Him, as detailed in the divine instructions for the Tabernacle found in Exodus 25-31.

What is the difference between "cloths of service" and "holy garments" mentioned in this verse?

Answer: While both "cloths of service" (בִּגְדֵי שָׂרָד, bigdei sarad) and "holy garments" (בִּגְדֵי קֹדֶשׁ, bigdei kodesh) were made from the same precious materials and for sacred purposes, they served distinct functions. The "holy garments" were the specific, elaborate attire worn by Aaron, the High Priest, and his sons when they ministered in the Tabernacle. These included items like the ephod, breastplate, robe, and turban, designed to signify their consecrated role and to facilitate their unique mediatorial duties before God (as detailed in Exodus 28). The "cloths of service," on the other hand, refer to the special coverings or wrappers used to protect and transport the sacred Tabernacle furnishings (like the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, and the Lampstand) when the Israelites moved camp. These "cloths" ensured that the holy articles remained consecrated and were handled appropriately, even during transit, as described in Numbers 4.

Why is the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" repeated so often throughout the Tabernacle narrative?

Answer: The repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" (or similar variations) serves as a crucial literary and theological refrain throughout the latter chapters of Exodus (chapters 35-40). Its frequent recurrence emphasizes several key points. First, it underscores the divine origin and authority of every detail concerning the Tabernacle's construction and the priestly ministry. This was not a human invention but a direct revelation from God. Second, it highlights the absolute obedience and faithfulness of Moses and the Israelite craftsmen (Bezalel and Oholiab) in executing God's precise instructions. This demonstrates the importance of adhering strictly to God's word in matters of worship and service. Third, it serves as a seal of authenticity and completion, affirming that the finished work perfectly matched the divine blueprint. This repetition reinforces the theme that true worship and service must be performed according to God's revealed will, not human preferences or innovations, a principle that echoes throughout Scripture, such as in Deuteronomy 12:32.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Exodus 39:1, with its focus on the meticulous creation of the Tabernacle's sacred textiles and the holy garments for Aaron, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "blue" symbolizing heaven and divinity points to Christ's divine nature and heavenly origin, the very Son of God, who descended from above. The "purple" representing royalty and majesty foreshadows Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, whose eternal kingdom transcends all earthly dominion. Most significantly, the "scarlet" pointing to blood and sacrifice finds its complete realization in Christ's atoning work on the cross, where His blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins, providing the ultimate cleansing and reconciliation. The "holy garments for Aaron" and the "cloths of service" prefigure Christ as our perfect High Priest, who, unlike Aaron, did not need to offer sacrifices for His own sins but offered Himself as the spotless Lamb of God once for all. The Tabernacle, for which these textiles were made, was a temporary dwelling place of God, a shadow of the ultimate reality found in Christ, who is God dwelling among us in the flesh. Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus has inaugurated a new covenant, making us, His followers, a royal priesthood, called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service, no longer needing an earthly temple or a mediating priest, for Christ Himself is our great High Priest who perpetually intercedes for us in the heavenly sanctuary.

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Commentary on Exodus 39 verses 1–31

1 ¶ And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.

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

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.

4 They made shoulderpieces for it, to couple it together: by the two edges was it coupled together.

5 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.

6 And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.

7 And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, that they should be stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.

8 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.

9 It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being doubled.

10 And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row.

11 And the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.

12 And the third row, a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.

13 And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings.

14 And the stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet, every one with his name, according to the twelve tribes.

15 And they made upon the breastplate chains at the ends, of wreathen work of pure gold.

16 And they made two ouches of gold, and two gold rings; and put the two rings in the two ends of the breastplate.

17 And they put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings on the ends of the breastplate.

18 And the two ends of the two wreathen chains they fastened in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod, before it.

19 And they made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, upon the border of it, which was on the side of the ephod inward.

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.

21 And they did bind the breastplate by his rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.

22 And he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.

23 And there was an hole in the midst of the robe, as the hole of an habergeon, with a band round about the hole, that it should not rend.

24 And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen.

25 And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates upon the hem of the robe, round about between the pomegranates;

26 A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister in; as the LORD commanded Moses.

27 And they made coats of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons,

28 And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined linen,

29 And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.

30 And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like to the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

31 And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten it on high upon the mitre; as the LORD commanded Moses.

In this account of the making of the priests' garments, according to the instructions given (ch. 28), we may observe, 1. That the priests' garments are called here clothes of service, Exo 39:1. Note, Those that wear robes of honour must look upon them as clothes of service; for from those upon whom honour is put service is expected. It is said of those that are arrayed in white robes that they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple, Rev 7:13, Rev 7:15. Holy garments were not made for men to sleep in, or to strut in, but to do service in; and then they are indeed for glory and beauty. The Son of man himself came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. 2. That all the six paragraphs here, which give a distinct account of the making of these holy garments, conclude with those words, as the Lord commanded Moses, Exo 39:5, Exo 39:7, Exo 39:21, Exo 39:26, Exo 39:29, Exo 39:31. The like is not in any of the foregoing accounts, as if in these, more than any other of the appurtenances of the tabernacle, they had a particular regard to the divine appointment, both for warrant and for direction. It is an intimation to all the Lord's ministers to make the word of God their rule in all their ministrations, and to act in observance of and obedience to the command of God. 3. That these garments, in conformity to the rest of the furniture of the tabernacle, were very rich and splendid; the church in its infancy was thus taught, thus pleased, with the rudiments of this world; but now under the gospel, which is the ministration of the Spirit, to affect and impose such pompous habits as the church of Rome does, under pretence of decency and instruction, is to betray the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and to entangle the church again in the bondage of those carnal ordinances which were imposed only till the time of reformation. 4. That they were all shadows of good things to come, but the substance is Christ, and the grace of the gospel; when therefore the substance has come, it is a jest to be fond of the shadow. (1.) Christ is our great high-priest; when he undertook the work of our redemption, he put on the clothes of service - he arrayed himself with the gifts and graces of the Spirit, which he received not by measure - girded himself with the curious girdle of resolution, to go through with his undertaking - charged himself with the curious girdle of resolution, to go through with his undertaking - charged himself with all God's spiritual Israel, bore them on his shoulders, carried them in his bosom, laid them near his heart, engraved them on the palms of his hands, and presented them in the breast-plate of judgment unto his Father. And (lastly) he crowned himself with holiness to the Lord, consecrating his whole undertaking to the honour of his Father's holiness: now consider how great this man is. (2.) True believers are spiritual priests. The clean linen with which all their clothes of service must be made is the righteousness of saints (Rev 19:8), and Holiness to the Lord must be so written upon their foreheads that all who converse with them may see, and say, that they bear the image of God's holiness, and are devoted to the praise of it.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–31. 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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Cross-References

Exodus 31:10
And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office,
Exodus 35:19
The cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office.
Exodus 35:23
And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers' skins, brought them.
Hebrews 9:25
Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
Hebrews 9:12
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Psalms 93:5
Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever.
Ezekiel 42:14
When the priests enter therein, then shall they not go out of the holy place into the utter court, but there they shall lay their garments wherein they minister; for they are holy; and shall put on other garments, and shall approach to those things which are for the people.