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.
Original Language Analysis
וְחֵ֤שֶׁב
And the curious girdle
H2805
וְחֵ֤שֶׁב
And the curious girdle
Strong's:
H2805
Word #:
1 of 14
a belt or strap (as being interlaced)
אֲפֻדָּתוֹ֙
of the ephod
H642
אֲפֻדָּתוֹ֙
of the ephod
Strong's:
H642
Word #:
2 of 14
a girding on (of the ephod); hence, generally, a plating (of metal)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָלָ֔יו
H5921
עָלָ֔יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂ֖הוּ
which is upon it shall be of the same according to the work
H4639
כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂ֖הוּ
which is upon it shall be of the same according to the work
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
5 of 14
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
מִמֶּ֣נּוּ
H4480
מִמֶּ֣נּוּ
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
יִֽהְיֶ֑ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֑ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
זָהָ֗ב
thereof even of gold
H2091
זָהָ֗ב
thereof even of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
8 of 14
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
תְּכֵ֧לֶת
of blue
H8504
תְּכֵ֧לֶת
of blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
9 of 14
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
וְתוֹלַ֥עַת
H8438
וְתוֹלַ֥עַת
Strong's:
H8438
Word #:
11 of 14
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
שָׁנִ֖י
and scarlet
H8144
שָׁנִ֖י
and scarlet
Strong's:
H8144
Word #:
12 of 14
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
Cross References
Exodus 29:5And 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 8:7And 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.
Historical Context
This specially woven band (חֵשֶׁב, kheshev, 'skillful work') extended from the ephod as one piece, wrapping around the waist to secure the garment during service. Its integrated construction ensured it couldn't become separated from the ephod.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Holy Spirit 'bind together' all aspects of your salvation into unified whole?
- What role does spiritual unity play in effective priestly service (ministry to others)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The curious girdle (belt/sash) of the ephod matches its workmanship and materials—one integrated piece, not separately attached. This unity suggests that what 'binds together' the priestly garments shares the same character as the garments themselves. The sash, wrapping around and securing everything, prefigures the Holy Spirit who binds together all aspects of Christ's work and our salvation into unified whole.