Exodus 39:2
And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֖עַשׂ
And he made
H6213
וַיַּ֖עַשׂ
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽאֵפֹ֑ד
the ephod
H646
הָֽאֵפֹ֑ד
the ephod
Strong's:
H646
Word #:
3 of 10
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
זָהָ֗ב
of gold
H2091
זָהָ֗ב
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
4 of 10
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
תְּכֵ֧לֶת
blue
H8504
תְּכֵ֧לֶת
blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
5 of 10
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
וְתוֹלַ֥עַת
and scarlet
H8438
וְתוֹלַ֥עַת
and scarlet
Strong's:
H8438
Word #:
7 of 10
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
H8144
שָׁנִ֖י
Strong's:
H8144
Word #:
8 of 10
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
Cross References
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.Exodus 25:7Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.
Historical Context
The ephod, described in Exodus 28:6-14, served as the high priest's distinctive outer garment. Its construction after the golden calf apostasy (ch 32) demonstrates God's gracious restoration of priestly mediation. The skilled artisans' faithful execution contrasts sharply with their earlier crafting of the idol.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the ephod's specified materials teach that approaching God requires both divine glory and sacrificial covering?
- What does Christ bearing believers' names on His shoulders reveal about the security of your salvation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The ephod's construction with gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen (אֵפוֹד, ephod) combines heaven's glory (blue), royalty (purple), sacrifice (scarlet), and righteousness (white linen). Bezalel's work fulfills God's exact pattern, teaching that acceptable worship requires divine prescription, not human innovation. The golden threads woven through colored fabrics symbolize deity permeating humanity—fulfilled when Christ, clothed in perfect righteousness, bore our sins. This garment enabled Aaron to bear the names of Israel on his shoulders (v. 7), prefiguring Christ who carries His people in strength (Isaiah 9:6).