Exodus 35:27
And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;
Original Language Analysis
וְהַנְּשִׂאִ֣ם
And the rulers
H5387
וְהַנְּשִׂאִ֣ם
And the rulers
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשֹּׁ֔הַם
onyx
H7718
הַשֹּׁ֔הַם
onyx
Strong's:
H7718
Word #:
5 of 10
a gem, probably the beryl (from its pale green color)
וְאֵ֖ת
H853
וְאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמִּלֻּאִ֑ים
to be set
H4394
הַמִּלֻּאִ֑ים
to be set
Strong's:
H4394
Word #:
8 of 10
a fulfilling (only in plural), i.e., (literally) a setting (of gems), or (technically) consecration (also concretely, a dedicatory sacrifice)
Cross References
1 Chronicles 29:6Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work, offered willingly,Ezra 2:68And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place:
Historical Context
These colored threads required extensive processing: blue from Mediterranean mollusk dye, purple from murex snails (requiring thousands per ounce of dye), and scarlet from oak scale insects. Their availability indicated both wealth and willingness to use it for God's glory.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the phrase 'with whom they were found' teach about stewardship and recognizing God's ownership of our possessions?
- How does bringing expensive, already-processed materials demonstrate sacrificial giving versus giving from surplus?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Blue, purple, and scarlet materials with fine linen represent colors requiring expensive dyes and skilled labor. Those who possessed these materials 'with whom they were found' (נִמְצָא אִתּוֹ, nimtza ito) brought them—emphasizing stewardship: recognizing that what we 'find with us' belongs ultimately to God and should be consecrated to His purposes. The phrase 'all the work of the service' (כָּל־מְלֶאכֶת הָעֲבֹדָה, kol-melekhet ha-avodah) sanctifies practical work as spiritual service.