Exodus 38:23

Authorized King James Version

And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִתּ֗וֹ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אָֽהֳלִיאָ֞ב

H171

And with him was Aholiab

oholiab, an israelite

בֶּן

H1121

son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֲחִֽיסָמָ֛ךְ

H294

of Ahisamach

achisamak, an israelite

לְמַטֵּה

H4294

of the tribe

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

דָ֖ן

H1835

of Dan

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

חָרָ֣שׁ

H2796

an engraver

a fabricator or any material

וְחֹשֵׁ֑ב

H2803

and a cunning workman

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

וְרֹקֵ֗ם

H7551

and an embroiderer

to variegate color, i.e., embroider; by implication, to fabricate

#10

בַּתְּכֵ֙לֶת֙

H8504

in blue

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

#11

וּבָֽאַרְגָּמָ֔ן

H713

and in purple

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

#12

וּבְתוֹלַ֥עַת

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

#13

הַשָּׁנִ֖י

H8144

and in scarlet

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

#14

וּבַשֵּֽׁשׁ׃

H8336

and fine linen

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

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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