Exodus 39:29
And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Original Language Analysis
וְֽאֶת
H853
וְֽאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שֵׁ֣שׁ
linen
H8336
שֵׁ֣שׁ
linen
Strong's:
H8336
Word #:
3 of 15
bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble
וּתְכֵ֧לֶת
and blue
H8504
וּתְכֵ֧לֶת
and blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
5 of 15
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
וְתוֹלַ֥עַת
H8438
וְתוֹלַ֥עַת
Strong's:
H8438
Word #:
7 of 15
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 #:
8 of 15
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה
H4639
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
9 of 15
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
רֹקֵ֑ם
of needlework
H7551
רֹקֵ֑ם
of needlework
Strong's:
H7551
Word #:
10 of 15
to variegate color, i.e., embroider; by implication, to fabricate
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The embroidered girdle, more ornate than a simple cord, demonstrated the dignity of priestly service. Girding long robes at the waist enabled vigorous activity (running, working) that flowing garments would hinder. The priest's girded readiness symbolized prepared service before God.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'girding' for ministry illustrate the need for believers to prepare themselves for faithful service?
- What does Christ being 'girded with faithfulness' teach about His perfect readiness to minister?
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Analysis & Commentary
The girdle of embroidered needlework (מַעֲשֵׂה רֹקֵם, ma'aseh roqem, work of embroiderer) combining fine linen with blue, purple, and scarlet creates a sash for service. The אַבְנֵט (avnet, sash/girdle) symbolizes readiness for active ministry—servants girded their robes for work (Luke 12:35; John 13:4-5). The embroidered colors (heaven, royalty, sacrifice) bound around the waist teach that ministry requires divine enablement secured to the minister. The 11th 'as the LORD commanded Moses' emphasizes sustained obedience through detailed instructions. Christ, girded with faithfulness (Isaiah 11:5), perfectly served.