Exodus 39:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the curious girdle {H2805} of his ephod {H642}, that was upon it, was of the same, according to the work {H4639} thereof; of gold {H2091}, blue {H8504}, and purple {H713}, and scarlet {H8144}{H8438}, and fine twined {H7806} linen {H8336}; as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The decorated belt on the vest, used to fasten it, was of the same workmanship and materials -gold; blue, purple and scarlet yarn; and finely twined linen -as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

And the skillfully woven waistband of the ephod was of one piece with the ephod, of the same workmanship—with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

American Standard Version

And the skilfully woven band, that was upon it, wherewith to gird it on, was of the same piece and like the work thereof; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:5 provides a meticulous description of the "curious girdle" of the high priestly ephod, detailing its precise composition of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. This verse is part of the broader narrative recounting the faithful execution of God's instructions for the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, underscoring the Israelites' unwavering obedience to divine command and the profound symbolic significance embedded in every element designed for the worship of Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 39 is situated within the latter half of the book, which transitions from the divine revelation of the Tabernacle's blueprints (Exodus 25-31) to the detailed account of its actual construction and the making of the priestly garments (Exodus 35-40). This chapter specifically focuses on the completion of the sacred vestments for Aaron and his sons, with verse 5 honing in on a crucial component of the High Priest's ephod—the "curious girdle." The recurring refrain, "as the LORD commanded Moses," which punctuates this entire section, emphasizes the meticulous adherence to God's precise instructions, highlighting the theme of obedience and the sanctity of the divine blueprint. The ephod itself was a sleeveless, vest-like garment, foundational to the High Priest's attire, designed to support the breastplate with its twelve tribal stones.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Exodus 39 unfold in the wilderness, following the Israelites' liberation from Egypt and the covenant establishment at Mount Sinai. This period was pivotal in shaping Israel's identity as God's chosen people, with a divinely ordained system of worship centered on His manifest presence in the Tabernacle. The materials specified in Exodus 39:5—gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen—were not only precious but also held significant cultural and symbolic value in the ancient Near East. Gold universally denoted divinity, royalty, and imperishability. Blue dye (Hebrew: _tekhelet_), likely derived from a murex snail, symbolized the heavens, divine revelation, and God's dwelling. Purple (Hebrew: _argaman_), also from murex, was the color of royalty, majesty, and wealth, often reserved for kings and high officials. Scarlet (Hebrew: _tola'at shani_), derived from a worm, represented life, vitality, and often atonement due to its blood-like hue. Fine twined linen (Hebrew: _shesh_) was a symbol of purity, righteousness, and holiness, frequently worn by priests and royalty. The deliberate use of such rich and symbolic materials for the High Priest's garments underscored the immense sanctity of his office and the profound significance of his mediatorial role between a holy God and the Israelite community, reflecting the glory of the God he served. This emphasis on precise materials and craftsmanship echoes the practices of other ancient cultures in constructing temples and cultic objects, but here, it is uniquely tied to the explicit commands of Yahweh, as seen in the detailed instructions given in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments") and [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Offerings for the Tabernacle").
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 39:5 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Primarily, it highlights the theme of **Divine Command and Human Obedience**, emphasizing that every detail of the Tabernacle and its service was divinely ordained and meticulously executed by the Israelites. This obedience is presented as a cornerstone of their covenant relationship with God. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Holiness and Glory of God**, reflected in the precious and symbolic materials used for His dwelling place and the garments of His High Priest. The beauty and richness of the materials were meant to convey the majesty of the One being worshipped. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Mediation and Atonement**, as the High Priest, through his divinely appointed attire, served as the primary mediator between God and Israel, foreshadowing the ultimate mediatorial work of Christ. The specific colors, particularly scarlet, also subtly point towards the necessity of blood for atonement, a theme explicitly developed later in the Mosaic Law and ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Curious (Hebrew, _chêsheb'_):** From H2805, meaning "a belt or strap (as being interlaced); curious girdle." This word, often translated as "skillfully woven band" or "cunningly wrought," does not imply strangeness but rather denotes intricate, artistic, or expert craftsmanship. In the context of the Tabernacle, it emphasizes that the work was not merely functional but was executed with the highest degree of excellence, ingenuity, and careful design, befitting the sacred purpose and the glory of God.
* **Work (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** From H4639, meaning "an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property." In this verse, "work" refers to the craftsmanship and artistry involved in creating the girdle. It highlights the high quality and skilled execution required for the sacred articles, reflecting the meticulous standards God set for His worship.
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** From H6680, meaning "(intensively) to constitute, enjoin; appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order." This verb signifies a direct, authoritative instruction from God. Its repeated use throughout the Tabernacle construction narrative emphasizes the divine origin of every detail and the absolute necessity of human obedience to God's revealed will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the curious girdle of his ephod, that [was] upon it, [was] of the same, according to the work thereof;":** This clause specifies that the "curious girdle"—the skillfully woven band designed to secure the ephod—was not a separate, lesser accessory but an integral extension of the ephod itself. It was crafted from the identical materials and with the same intricate, expert workmanship as the main garment. This highlights the seamless integration and consistent excellence demanded for all parts of the sacred attire, ensuring that every component met the divine standard of holiness and beauty.
* **"[of] gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen;":** This enumerates the five specific, divinely ordained materials from which the girdle, like the ephod, was made. Each material carried profound symbolic weight: gold for divinity, royalty, and imperishability; blue for heavenly origin and divine revelation; purple for majesty and kingship; scarlet for life, vitality, and atonement; and fine twined linen for purity, righteousness, and holiness. The combination of these rich and meaningful elements underscored the sacredness of the High Priest's office and the glory of the God he served.
* **"as the LORD commanded Moses.":** This concluding phrase, a powerful and recurring motif throughout the Tabernacle construction narrative (Exodus 35-40), serves as a definitive affirmation of divine authority and human obedience. It emphasizes that every detail, from the grand design to the smallest component like the girdle's materials and craftsmanship, was explicitly ordained by God. This reiteration underscores the absolute importance of following God's instructions precisely, highlighting that true worship and service must align perfectly with His revealed will, not human preference or innovation.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 39:5 employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is a prominent feature throughout Exodus 35-40, particularly the recurring phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses." This serves to emphasize the meticulous obedience of the Israelites to divine instructions, reinforcing the theme of faithfulness and the sanctity of God's commands. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded in the description of the materials. Gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen are not merely functional but are rich in theological meaning, representing aspects of God's character (holiness, majesty, glory) and the High Priest's role (purity, mediation, atonement). The "curious girdle" itself, through the Hebrew word _cheshev_ (skillfully woven), exemplifies **synecdoche**, where a specific, intricately crafted part represents the overall high quality and divine origin of all the Tabernacle's elements. The detailed enumeration of materials also creates a sense of **verisimilitude**, lending credibility and solemnity to the divine instructions and their faithful execution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:5, in its detailed description of the high priestly girdle, powerfully conveys several core theological truths. It underscores God's meticulous nature and His demand for excellence and precision in worship. The fact that God specified not only the design but also the exact materials and craftsmanship for the priestly garments reveals that every aspect of approaching Him is divinely ordered and carries profound significance. This obedience to divine command is not arbitrary but is foundational to a right relationship with God, demonstrating reverence and trust in His wisdom. The symbolic richness of the materials also points to the holiness and glory of God, and the sacred, mediatorial role of the High Priest, who served as a vital link between a holy God and His covenant people.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle")
* [Deuteronomy 12:32](/deuteronomy/12-32 "Deuteronomy 12:32 - Do Not Add or Subtract from God's Word")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Sanctuary a Copy of Heavenly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 39:5, though describing an ancient garment, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of detail, and He cares deeply about how we approach Him and serve Him. The meticulous craftsmanship and specific materials of the high priestly garments were not arbitrary but were divinely designed to reflect God's glory and the sacredness of His presence. For us today, while we no longer have a literal Tabernacle or a Levitical priesthood, the principle of offering our best to God remains. Our worship, our service, our daily lives should be marked by intentionality, excellence, and a spirit of obedience to His Word. Just as the artisans faithfully executed God's commands, we are called to live out our faith with integrity and devotion, recognizing that our lives are a spiritual offering. This verse challenges us to consider if we are giving God our "gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen"—that is, our most precious resources, our highest skills, and our purest intentions—in every area of our lives, acknowledging that true devotion is expressed not only in grand gestures but also in faithful attention to what might seem like minor details.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to demonstrate "curious" (skillful and intentional) workmanship for the Lord?**
* **How does the emphasis on precise obedience in Exodus 39:5 challenge or affirm my understanding of following God's commands today?**
* **What "materials" (talents, resources, time, character) am I offering to God, and do they reflect the excellence and purity He deserves?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "curious girdle" being "of the same" materials as the ephod?**

Answer: The phrase "of the same" signifies that the girdle was made from the identical precious materials—gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen—and with the same high level of intricate craftsmanship as the ephod itself. This emphasizes the unity, integrity, and consistent holiness of the High Priest's sacred garments. It underscores that every component, even what might seem like a mere accessory, was essential and had to meet the divine standard of excellence and symbolic meaning. This consistency ensured that the entire ensemble was fit for the holy purpose of mediating before God, leaving no detail to human discretion, as meticulously outlined in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments").

**Why are specific colors and materials so important in the Tabernacle and priestly garments?**

Answer: The specific colors (blue, purple, scarlet) and materials (gold, fine twined linen) are profoundly symbolic, carrying deep theological meaning that points to God's character and His plan of redemption. Gold represents divinity, royalty, and imperishability, signifying God's eternal nature. Blue symbolizes the heavens, God's heavenly dwelling, and divine revelation. Purple signifies royalty, majesty, and wealth, highlighting God's supreme kingship. Scarlet points to life, vitality, and often atonement (due to its association with blood), foreshadowing the sacrificial system. Fine twined linen represents purity, righteousness, and holiness, essential attributes for approaching a holy God. Together, these materials and colors communicate the glory, majesty, and holiness of God, the sacredness of the priestly office, and ultimately foreshadow the perfect purity and atoning work of Christ. This rich symbolism is consistent across various elements of the Tabernacle, as seen in the instructions for the curtains in [Exodus 26](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - The Tabernacle Curtains").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 39:5, with its meticulous description of the High Priest's "curious girdle" and its symbolic materials, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our perfect High Priest. The Old Testament High Priest, adorned in garments of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen, served as a type, a shadow pointing to the greater reality to come. These garments, representing holiness, purity, royalty, and atonement, were necessary for a flawed human priest to approach a holy God on behalf of a sinful people. Jesus, however, required no such external adornment to qualify Him for His priestly office. He is inherently pure, holy, and righteous, the very [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His "garment" is His own perfect humanity and divine nature, and His "girdle" is His unwavering commitment to the Father's will, securing His perfect sacrifice. Unlike the Levitical priests who offered repeated sacrifices and entered an earthly sanctuary, Christ, through His own blood, entered the true, heavenly sanctuary once for all, securing an [eternal redemption](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption"). The [glory and beauty of the High Priest's attire](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ, Our Holy High Priest") foreshadow the infinitely greater glory and perfect efficacy of Christ's high priestly ministry, through whom we now have confident access to the Father ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach God's Throne with Confidence")). He is the true and living way, embodying all the symbolic perfections of the Old Testament priesthood and fulfilling them in His person and work.

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

Revelation 1:13

And in the midst of the seven candlesticks [one] like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

1 Corinthians 11:23

¶ For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the [same] night in which he was betrayed took bread:

Exodus 29:5

And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the curious girdle of the ephod:

Leviticus 8:7

And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound [it] unto him therewith.

Isaiah 11:5

And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

Exodus 28:8

And the curious girdle of the ephod, which [is] upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; [even of] gold, [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.