Exodus 39:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he made {H6213} the breastplate {H2833} of cunning {H2803} work {H4639}, like the work {H4639} of the ephod {H646}; of gold {H2091}, blue {H8504}, and purple {H713}, and scarlet {H8144}{H8438}, and fine twined {H7806} linen {H8336}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He made the breastplate; it was crafted by a skilled artisan and made like the work of the ritual vest -of gold; blue, purple and scarlet yarn; and finely woven linen.

Berean Standard Bible

He made the breastpiece with the same workmanship as the ephod, with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen.

American Standard Version

And he made the breastplate, the work of the skilful workman, like the work of the ephod; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:8 meticulously details the construction of the high priest's breastplate, a pivotal component of his sacred vestments, crafted with extraordinary skill and specific, divinely appointed materials. This verse highlights the faithful and precise execution of God's intricate instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, underscoring the profound artistry and deep symbolic significance inherent in each element designed for holy worship and the high priest's mediatorial office.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 39 is situated within the latter portion of the book, which transitions from God's detailed commands for the Tabernacle's construction and priestly garments (beginning in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle")) to the actual fulfillment of these instructions by the Israelite artisans. This chapter, specifically, recounts the fabrication of the sacred vestments for Aaron and his sons, emphasizing the meticulous adherence to the divine blueprint. The breastplate, first commanded in [Exodus 28:15](/exodus/28-15 "Exodus 28:15 - Command for the Breastplate"), is a central piece, and its creation here serves as a testament to the artisans' skill and their unwavering obedience to God's will. The recurring phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - Construction of Priestly Garments") reinforces the theme of divine authority and human faithfulness in the execution of sacred tasks.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, priestly attire was far more than mere clothing; it was a potent symbol of status, authority, and the sacred nature of the wearer's office, often reflecting the deity they served. The materials specified for the Tabernacle and its priestly garments—gold, precious stones, fine linens, and richly dyed wools—were exceedingly valuable and frequently associated with royalty and divinity in the broader cultural milieu, thereby reflecting the supreme majesty of Yahweh, the God of Israel. The term "cunning work" (Hebrew: _maʻăseh choshev_) denotes a highly specialized form of weaving or embroidery, indicating a level of craftsmanship that was not merely human ingenuity but divinely inspired and enabled, as evidenced by God's empowerment of artisans like Bezalel and Oholiab, whom He filled with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge for this very task ([Exodus 31:3-6](/exodus/31-3 "Exodus 31:3-6 - God Equips Bezalel and Oholiab")). This extraordinary attention to detail underscored the absolute holiness of God and the profound seriousness required in approaching His presence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Instruction and Human Obedience**, as the meticulous creation of the breastplate demonstrates the Israelites' faithfulness in following God's precise commands. It also highlights the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, as the sacred garments set the high priest apart for his unique mediatorial role, emphasizing the purity required to approach a holy God. The use of precious and symbolic materials points to the **Glory and Majesty of God**, reflecting His inherent worth and the beauty He desires in worship. Furthermore, the breastplate's function of bearing the names of the tribes (as described in [Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "Exodus 28:29 - Names on the Breastplate")) foreshadows the theme of **Representation and Intercession**, a vital aspect of the high priest's office.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Breastplate (Hebrew, _chôshen'_):** (H2833) This term refers specifically to the ceremonial gorget worn by the high priest over the ephod. Its name, potentially deriving from a root meaning "to contain" or "to sparkle," aptly describes its function: holding the twelve precious stones representing the tribes of Israel and containing the Urim and Thummim. It was a central element of the high priest's attire, symbolizing his role in carrying the names and concerns of the people into God's presence.
* **Cunning work (Hebrew, _châshab_ H2803 with _maʻăseh_ H4639):** The phrase combines _maʻăseh_ (H4639), meaning "work" or "deed," with _châshab_ (H2803), a root meaning "to plait or interpenetrate," "to weave," or "to contrive." This denotes a highly skilled, intricate, and artful design, specifically referring to the work of a master weaver or embroiderer who could integrate complex patterns directly into the fabric rather than merely applying them to the surface. It signifies a supreme degree of artistic and technical proficiency, indicating that the breastplate was not merely functional but a masterpiece of sacred art, reflecting divine inspiration and excellence.
* **Gold (Hebrew, _zâhâb'_):** (H2091) Derived from an unused root meaning "to shimmer," _zâhâb_ refers to the precious metal, gold. In the context of the Tabernacle and priestly garments, gold consistently symbolizes divinity, preciousness, purity, and the unblemished glory of God. Its inclusion signifies the sacredness and supreme value of the breastplate and the office it adorned.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made the breastplate":** This initial clause directly states the action of the artisans, likely under the inspired leadership of Bezalel and Oholiab. It signifies the faithful execution of God's command to construct this vital piece of the high priest's attire, marking the transition from divine instruction to tangible, sacred artifact.
* **"[of] cunning work, like the work of the ephod;":** This specifies the exceptional quality and intricacy of the craftsmanship. The breastplate was to be fashioned with the same high standard of "cunning work" (skillful, interwoven design) as the ephod, indicating a consistent demand for excellence and precision in all the high priest's most significant garments. This highlights the divine standard of beauty and meticulousness required for sacred objects.
* **"[of] gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.":** This comprehensive list details the rich, symbolic materials used in the breastplate's construction. Each material carried profound theological meaning: gold for divinity and preciousness; blue for heaven and God's glory; purple for royalty and majesty; scarlet for life, blood, and atonement; and fine twined linen for purity and righteousness. Their combination created a garment that visually communicated the grandeur of God and the sacredness of the high priest's mediatorial office.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 39:8 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning and significance. **Symbolism** is paramount, as each material—gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen—carries deep theological associations that point to God's character, the nature of sin, and the path to atonement. The phrase "like the work of the ephod" exemplifies **Repetition**, emphasizing the uniformity and exceptionally high standard of craftsmanship required for all the sacred garments, thereby reinforcing the idea that God's commands were to be followed with absolute precision and excellence. Furthermore, the detailed enumeration of the specific materials serves as a form of **Merism**, where listing components (colors and materials) represents the comprehensive and specific nature of God's divine design for the breastplate. This meticulous description collectively underscores the divine demand for excellence and holiness in all aspects of worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:8 powerfully illustrates God's demand for excellence, beauty, and precision in worship, reflecting His own perfect and glorious character. The meticulous craftsmanship and the rich symbolism of the materials used for the breastplate underscore the absolute holiness of God and the profound seriousness required in approaching His presence. The breastplate, which would bear the names of the tribes of Israel on the high priest's heart, also highlights his representative and mediatorial role, bearing the people's concerns before God. This divinely ordained function powerfully foreshadows the ultimate intercession on behalf of God's people by a greater High Priest.

* [Exodus 28:15](/exodus/28-15 "Instructions for the Breastplate")
* [Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Christ's Entry into the Heavenly Sanctuary")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The creation of the breastplate, with its "cunning work" and rich symbolic materials, serves as a profound and enduring reminder that God deserves our utmost excellence in every facet of our lives, particularly in our worship and service. Just as the Israelite artisans were divinely gifted and meticulously followed God's precise blueprint for the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, so too are believers today called to steward their unique gifts and talents with diligence and integrity. Our lives are meant to reflect the holiness and glory of God, whether in our spiritual disciplines, our relationships, our vocations, or our contributions to the community of faith. This passage challenges us to consider the intentionality and quality we bring to all our endeavors, recognizing that our lives, like the breastplate, are intended to be a beautiful, purposeful offering, bearing witness to God's character and representing His presence in a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you called to demonstrate "cunning work" or excellence for God's glory, going beyond mere duty to offer your best?**
* **How do the symbolic colors and materials of the breastplate (gold, blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen) deepen your understanding of God's character and His requirements for holiness in your own life?**
* **Considering the high priest's representative role, symbolized by the breastplate, how does this encourage you in your own calling as a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), bearing others before God in prayer and service?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the high priest's breastplate?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the high priest's breastplate was multifaceted. First, it completed his ceremonial attire, signifying his unique office and holiness before God. More significantly, it was designed to bear the names of the twelve tribes of Israel before the Lord, accomplished by twelve precious stones, each engraved with a tribal name, set into the breastplate ([Exodus 28:21](/exodus/28-21 "Exodus 28:21 - Stones on the Breastplate")). This symbolized the high priest's role in representing and interceding for the entire nation in God's presence. It also contained the Urim and Thummim, mysterious objects used for discerning God's will and judgment ([Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - Urim and Thummim")).

**Why were specific colors and materials chosen for the breastplate?**

Answer: The specific colors (blue, purple, scarlet) and materials (gold, fine twined linen) were chosen for their profound symbolic meanings, each pointing to a different aspect of God's character, the nature of sin, or the path to redemption. Gold symbolized divinity, preciousness, and purity. Blue represented heaven, the divine, and God's glory. Purple denoted royalty, majesty, and kingly authority. Scarlet often pointed to life, blood, and atonement, powerfully foreshadowing sacrifice. Fine twined linen signified purity, righteousness, and holiness. Together, these elements created a rich visual theological statement, emphasizing the grandeur of God's presence and the weighty responsibility of the high priest as mediator.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous creation of the high priest's breastplate, with its exquisite "cunning work" and rich symbolic materials, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant high priest, bearing the names of Israel on his heart, served as a powerful type of the true and eternal High Priest. Unlike the Levitical priests who offered animal sacrifices and wore symbolic garments, Jesus entered the true heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own precious blood, securing an eternal redemption for His people ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The gold, symbolizing divinity and preciousness, points directly to Christ's divine nature as the Son of God. The blue, representing heaven, foreshadows His heavenly origin and His glorious ascension to the Father's right hand ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - Jesus' Ascension")). The purple, denoting royalty, proclaims Jesus as the sovereign King of Kings and Lord of Lords, whose dominion is eternal ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). The scarlet, signifying blood and atonement, powerfully prefigures His sacrificial death on the cross, through which He shed His blood for the forgiveness of sins, establishing a new covenant ([Matthew 26:28](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - Blood of the Covenant")). Finally, the fine twined linen, representing purity and righteousness, speaks of Christ's perfect, sinless life, which He offered as a spotless lamb, redeeming us not with perishable things but with His own precious blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Christ's Blood")). Thus, the breastplate, a masterpiece of human skill and divine design, beautifully anticipates the perfect person and work of Christ, who truly bears His people on His heart, intercedes for them eternally, and provides the ultimate and enduring access to God.

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 28:4

And these [are] the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

Leviticus 8:8

And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim.

Leviticus 8:9

And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, [even] upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Isaiah 59:17

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance [for] clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

Ephesians 6:14

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Exodus 28:13

And thou shalt make ouches [of] gold;

Exodus 28:29

And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy [place], for a memorial before the LORD continually.