Exodus 28:33

Authorized King James Version

And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ
of it thou shalt make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
שׁוּלָ֖יו
And beneath upon the hem
a skirt; by implication, a bottom edge
#4
רִמֹּנֵי֙
pomegranates
a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)
#5
תְּכֵ֤לֶת
of blue
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
#6
וְאַרְגָּמָן֙
and of purple
purple (the color or the dyed stuff)
#7
וְתוֹלַ֣עַת
a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl
#8
שָׁנִ֔י
and of scarlet
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
שׁוּלָ֖יו
And beneath upon the hem
a skirt; by implication, a bottom edge
#11
סָבִֽיב׃
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#12
וּפַֽעֲמֹנֵ֥י
thereof and bells
a bell (as struck)
#13
זָהָ֛ב
of gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#14
בְּתוֹכָ֖ם
between
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#15
סָבִֽיב׃
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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