Exodus 28:8

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְחֵ֤שֶׁב

H2805

And the curious girdle

a belt or strap (as being interlaced)

אֲפֻדָּתוֹ֙

H642

of the ephod

a girding on (of the ephod); hence, generally, a plating (of metal)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָלָ֔יו

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂ֖הוּ

H4639

which is upon it shall be of the same according to the work

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

מִמֶּ֣נּוּ

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

יִֽהְיֶ֑ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

זָהָ֗ב

H2091

thereof even of gold

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

תְּכֵ֧לֶת

H8504

of blue

the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith

#10

וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן

H713

and purple

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

#11

וְתוֹלַ֥עַת

H8438

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

#12

שָׁנִ֖י

H8144

and scarlet

crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it

#13

וְשֵׁ֥שׁ

H8336

linen

bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble

#14

מָשְׁזָֽר׃

H7806

and fine twined

to twist (a thread of straw)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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