What number verse is Exodus 39:3 in the Bible?

Exodus 39:3 is the 2,668th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Exodus 39:3 sits at position 2,668.

Translation

King James Version

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.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And they did beat ^H7554 the gold ^H2091 into ^H854 thin plates ^H6341, and cut ^H7112 it into wires ^H6616, to work ^{H6213 H8432} it in the blue ^H8504, and in the purple ^H713, and in the scarlet ^{H8144 H8438}, and in the fine linen ^H8336, with cunning ^H2803 work ^H4639.

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Complete Jewish Bible

They hammered the gold into thin plates and cut them into threads in order to work it into the blue, purple and scarlet yarn and the fine linen crafted by the skilled artisan.

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Berean Standard Bible

They hammered out thin sheets of gold and cut threads from them to interweave with the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen—the work of a skilled craftsman.

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American Standard Version

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, the work of the skilful workman.

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World English Bible Messianic

They beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, in the purple, in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, the work of the skillful workman.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And they did beate the golde into thinne plates, and cut it into wiers, to worke it in ye blewe silke and in the purple, and in the skarlet, and in the fine linen, with broydred worke.

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Young's Literal Translation

and they expand the plates of gold, and have cut off wires to work in the midst of the blue, and in the midst of the purple, and in the midst of the scarlet, and in the midst of the linen--work of a designer;

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Exodus 39:3 provides a meticulous account of the highly skilled craftsmanship and the precious materials used in the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred priestly garments. This verse specifically details the laborious and precise process of transforming pure gold into delicate, malleable plates and then into fine wires. These gold threads were then intricately cut and interwoven with threads of vibrant blue, purple, and scarlet, all set against a backdrop of fine linen, culminating in a work of unparalleled artistry and divine design. It underscores the exceptional dedication and skill required to fulfill God's exact specifications for His dwelling place and the attire of those who served Him.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Exodus 39:3 is situated within the latter portion of the book of Exodus, specifically within the detailed recounting of the Tabernacle's construction and the making of the priestly garments, spanning from Exodus 35 through Exodus 40. This section serves as a direct fulfillment narrative, meticulously demonstrating the Israelites' obedience to the divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai, as originally outlined in Exodus 25-31. Chapter 39 specifically focuses on the completion of the sacred priestly vestments, including the ephod, breastplate, and other garments, all of which demanded extraordinary skill and the finest materials. The verse immediately precedes descriptions of the ephod's intricate design, where these very gold threads would be prominently featured, highlighting the careful preparation of raw materials before their integration into the final sacred objects. This precise and repetitive recounting emphasizes the Israelites' faithful and complete adherence to every detail of God's command.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, the materials specified in this verse—gold, fine linen, and vibrant dyes like blue, purple, and scarlet—were not merely decorative but carried immense symbolic weight, signifying wealth, royalty, and sacredness. These materials were exceedingly valuable and typically reserved for kings, deities, or high-ranking officials. The process of beating gold into thin plates and then cutting it into wires was an advanced metallurgical and textile skill, indicative of a sophisticated level of craftsmanship not commonly found among nomadic peoples. That the Israelites possessed or acquired such skills and the necessary precious materials points to divine provision, notably from the spoils of Egypt as hinted in Exodus 12:35-36. The "cunning work" (מַחֲשֶׁבֶת חֹשֵׁב, machasheveth choshev') described here refers to a specialized form of weaving or embroidery, often involving brocade, where gold threads were intricately interwoven with colored yarns to create elaborate patterns. This level of artistry was not merely for aesthetic appeal but served to magnify the glory and majesty of Yahweh, for whom the Tabernacle and its furnishings were designed. The artisans, like Bezaleel and Aholiab, were divinely gifted with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge for this sacred task, as explicitly stated in Exodus 31:3-6.
Key Themes: This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Prescription and Human Obedience. God's detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its elements, down to the materials and methods, demonstrate His absolute sovereignty and holiness. The Israelites' meticulous execution, as seen in this verse, highlights their faithful obedience, a recurring motif in the covenant relationship. Secondly, the use of precious materials and "cunning work" emphasizes the theme of Holiness and Sacred Space. The Tabernacle was to be a reflection of God's glory, a sacred space set apart for His presence. The beauty and value of its components were meant to inspire awe and reverence, distinguishing it from the mundane. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of God-Given Gifts and Service. The artisans were divinely endowed with wisdom and skill, indicating that human talent, when consecrated to God, becomes a vital instrument in His redemptive plan. This anticipates later passages where God equips His people for specific tasks, as seen in Exodus 35:30-35.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Gold (Hebrew, zâhâb', H2091): From an unused root meaning "to shimmer," this word refers to the precious metal gold. Figuratively, it can describe something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), like oil or a clear sky. In this context, it signifies the pure, valuable metal used for the Tabernacle's sacred elements, symbolizing divinity, glory, and purity.
Beat (Hebrew, râqaʻ, H7554): A primitive root meaning "to pound the earth (as a sign of passion)," and by analogy, "to expand (by hammering)." It implies a forceful yet precise action to flatten or spread out a material into thin sheets. This term highlights the laborious and skilled process of transforming solid gold into a malleable form suitable for intricate work, emphasizing the physical effort and technical mastery involved.
Cunning (Hebrew, châshab', H2803): A primitive root meaning "to plait or interpenetrate," which extends to "to weave or generally to fabricate." Figuratively, it means "to plot or contrive," implying mental effort, thought, and design. In the context of "cunning work," it denotes a high degree of intellectual and artistic skill, involving intricate patterns, elaborate designs, and a masterful execution that goes beyond simple construction. It speaks to the artisan's ability to conceive and execute complex, purposeful designs.

Verse Breakdown

"And they did beat the gold into thin plates": This initial clause describes the fundamental, labor-intensive preparation of the gold. Instead of melting and casting, the gold was subjected to repeated hammering, a process known as goldbeating, to flatten it into extremely thin sheets or foils. This method was crucial for creating a material that could be subsequently cut and manipulated for intricate weaving, demonstrating a highly specialized and demanding ancient craft.
"and cut [it into] wires": Following the creation of thin plates, these delicate gold sheets were then meticulously cut into extremely fine threads or wires. This step further refines the material, transforming solid gold into a flexible, pliable medium that could be interwoven with textile fibers. The precision and dexterity required for this task underscore the exceptional skill of the artisans involved in the Tabernacle's construction.
"to work [it] in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen": This phrase specifies the integration of the gold threads into the fabric. The gold was not merely applied or attached but intricately woven directly into the base material of "fine linen" alongside threads dyed with three precious and symbolically rich colors: blue (representing heaven, divinity, and revelation), purple (symbolizing royalty, majesty, and kingship), and scarlet (denoting life, vitality, and atonement). The "fine linen" itself was a high-quality, pure material, often associated with holiness. This combination created a fabric of unparalleled beauty, value, and profound symbolic meaning for the sacred garments.
"[with] cunning work": This concluding phrase serves as an overarching descriptor, emphasizing the extraordinary skill, artistry, and intellectual design involved in the entire process. It signifies that the work was not merely functional or utilitarian but a masterpiece of intricate design, masterful execution, and divinely inspired ingenuity, reflecting the supreme standard of excellence required for God's sanctuary and the garments of His priests.

Literary Devices

Exodus 39:3 is rich with literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. Metonymy is evident in "cunning work," which stands for the divinely inspired skill and wisdom of the artisans, Bezaleel and Aholiab, rather than just the technique itself. This highlights the spiritual dedication and divine enablement behind the craftsmanship. The verse employs vivid Imagery, painting a tangible picture of skilled hands meticulously transforming raw, precious gold into delicate threads and intertwining them with vibrant, symbolically charged colors and pristine fine linen. This evokes a sense of beauty, precision, and sacred artistry. Most profoundly, Symbolism permeates every element: gold represents divinity, glory, and purity; fine linen signifies righteousness and purity; blue points to the heavens and God's transcendent nature; purple denotes royalty and kingship; and scarlet points to life, blood, and atonement. The meticulous Detailing of the process itself, characteristic of the Tabernacle accounts, serves as a literary device emphasizing the divine precision required and the Israelites' faithful obedience to God's exact commands.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Exodus 39:3 powerfully illustrates the theological principles of divine instruction, human obedience, and the offering of excellence in worship. God's detailed blueprint for the Tabernacle and priestly garments underscored His holiness and the sacredness of His presence, requiring the finest materials and the highest skill. This meticulous craftsmanship was not merely for aesthetic appeal but was an act of worship, demonstrating the Israelites' complete submission to God's will and their commitment to honoring Him with their very best. It reveals that God delights in beauty, order, and dedicated service, and He gifts individuals with specific talents for the advancement of His kingdom. This commitment to excellence in the physical construction of the Tabernacle foreshadows the spiritual dedication required of God's people in all generations.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The intricate details of Exodus 39:3 offer profound insights for contemporary believers, challenging us to consider the quality and intentionality of our "work" in all areas of life. Just as the ancient Israelites were called to offer their most precious materials and their highest skills in service to God for the Tabernacle, we are likewise called to dedicate our finest efforts and God-given talents to His glory. This verse reminds us that excellence in our endeavors, performed with a heart of worship and obedience, is a pleasing offering to God. Our "cunning work" today might manifest as diligent study of His Word, passionate prayer, ethical conduct in the workplace, creative expression for His praise, compassionate service to others, or responsible stewardship of our resources. The standard is not human perfection, but wholehearted dedication, reflecting the profound value we place on God and His kingdom. We are invited to see our daily tasks, no matter how mundane, as opportunities to honor God with the same meticulous care and devotion demonstrated by the Tabernacle artisans. This perspective transforms ordinary labor into sacred service, reminding us that God is worthy of our very best.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous detail in Exodus 39:3 challenge our approach to service and worship today, particularly regarding the quality and intentionality of our offerings to God?
In what ways can we identify and utilize our "cunning work" – our unique skills, talents, and resources – to advance God's kingdom and glorify Him in our daily lives?
What does the combination of precious materials and divine instruction teach us about the value God places on both our tangible resources and our obedient hearts in our walk with Him?

FAQ

What was the purpose of beating gold into thin plates and wires for the Tabernacle?

Answer: The purpose of beating gold into thin plates and then cutting it into wires was to enable its intricate integration into the fabric of the priestly garments, particularly the ephod and the breastplate. This process allowed the gold to be woven directly into the fine linen alongside the colored threads, creating a shimmering, lustrous effect that signified the divine glory and sacredness of the garments. It was a highly specialized form of textile art, ensuring that the precious metal was not merely an adornment but an integral part of the "cunning work" as commanded by God for the sanctuary and its ministers (see Exodus 39:2-3). This method maximized the visual impact of the gold while allowing it to be seamlessly incorporated into the fabric's structure.

What do the colors blue, purple, and scarlet symbolize in the context of the Tabernacle?

Answer: The colors blue, purple, and scarlet, along with white fine linen, were highly symbolic and consistently used throughout the Tabernacle and priestly garments, conveying profound theological truths. Blue (תְּכֵלֶת, tekhelet) often symbolized the heavens, God's heavenly nature, and divine revelation, connecting the earthly sanctuary to the divine realm and His transcendent glory. Purple (אַרְגָּמָן, argaman) represented royalty, majesty, and kingship, signifying that the God dwelling in the Tabernacle was the sovereign King of all creation. Scarlet (שָׁנִי, shani) conveyed themes of life, vitality, blood, and atonement, foreshadowing the sacrificial system and ultimately the atoning blood of Christ. Fine linen (שֵׁשׁ, shesh) consistently symbolized purity, righteousness, and holiness. Together, these colors woven with gold and linen presented a rich tapestry of theological meaning, pointing to the character and redemptive plan of God (see Exodus 28:5-6).

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Exodus 39:3, with its emphasis on "cunning work" and precious materials for the Tabernacle and priestly garments, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus. The Tabernacle itself was a temporary dwelling place for God among His people, a tangible shadow of the ultimate reality found in Christ, who is God incarnate and "tabernacled among us" (John 1:14). The elaborate priestly garments, meticulously woven with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet, prefigured the perfect High Priest, Jesus, whose righteousness and glory far surpass any earthly vestment. He entered the true sanctuary, heaven itself, not with the blood of animals, but with His own precious blood, securing eternal redemption for His people (Hebrews 9:11-12). The colors point directly to His multifaceted identity and work: blue signifies His divine origin and heavenly nature; purple highlights His kingship, a truth ironically mocked by the soldiers who dressed Him in a purple robe (Matthew 27:28-29); and scarlet points powerfully to His sacrificial work and the atoning blood shed on the cross, through which we are cleansed (Isaiah 1:18). The "cunning work" of the artisans, divinely enabled, foreshadows the ultimate divine craftsmanship in Christ, the perfect work of redemption and the new creation, where believers themselves are God's "workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works" (Ephesians 2:10). Thus, the meticulous detail and preciousness of the Tabernacle's construction point to the infinitely greater value and perfection of Christ and His finished work, which brings us into God's very presence.

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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 36:8
¶ And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work made he them.
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.