Exodus 39:3

KJV

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Offerings and Construction of the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected and Filled with God's Glory"). 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](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle and its Furnishings"). 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](/exodus/12-35-36 "Exodus 12:35-36 - Israelites Plunder the Egyptians"). 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](/exodus/31-3-6 "Exodus 31:3-6 - God Fills Bezaleel and Aholiab with Skill").
* **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](/exodus/35-30-35 "Exodus 35:30-35 - Bezaleel and Aholiab Called and Gifted").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gold (Hebrew, _zâhâb'_):** 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_):** 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'_):** 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.
* [Deuteronomy 28:1](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1 - Blessings for Obedience to God's Commands")
* [Exodus 31:3](/exodus/31-3 "Exodus 31:3 - God Fills Bezaleel with the Spirit of God for Craftsmanship")
* [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Malachi 1:8 - Offering Deficient Sacrifices to God")

### 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](/exodus/39-2-3 "Exodus 39:2-3 - The Ephod and Gold Wires")). 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](/exodus/28-5-6 "Exodus 28:5-6 - Materials for the Ephod")).

### 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](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). 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](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). 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](/matthew/27-28-29 "Matthew 27:28-29 - Jesus Mocked as King of the Jews")); and scarlet points powerfully to His sacrificial work and the atoning blood shed on the cross, through which we are cleansed ([Isaiah 1:18](/isaiah/1-18 "Isaiah 1:18 - Sins Washed White as Snow")). 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](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - God's Masterpiece")). 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.

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 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.