Exodus 35:6
And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair,
Original Language Analysis
וּתְכֵ֧לֶת
And blue
H8504
וּתְכֵ֧לֶת
And blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
1 of 6
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
וְתוֹלַ֥עַת
H8438
וְתוֹלַ֥עַת
Strong's:
H8438
Word #:
3 of 6
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 #:
4 of 6
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
Historical Context
These dyes were extremely valuable in the ancient world. Blue dye came from Mediterranean mollusks, purple from Phoenician murex snails (worth more than gold by weight), and scarlet from oak scale insects. Their presence indicated wealth and status.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the colors and materials of the tabernacle communicate theological truths about God's character?
- In what ways do these physical materials point forward to Christ's nature and work?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Blue, purple, and scarlet materials (תְּכֵלֶת, וְאַרְגָּמָן, וְתוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי—tekhelet, argaman, tola'at shani) represent colors of royalty and divinity. Blue symbolizes heaven, purple represents royalty (combining heavenly blue with earthly red), and scarlet signifies blood and sacrifice. Fine linen (שֵׁשׁ, shesh) represents purity and righteousness. These materials foreshadow Christ who embodies all these attributes: heavenly origin, royal priesthood, sacrificial blood, and perfect righteousness.