Exodus 39:5
And the curious girdle of his ephod, that was upon it, was of the same, according to the work thereof; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Original Language Analysis
וְחֵ֨שֶׁב
And the curious girdle
H2805
וְחֵ֨שֶׁב
And the curious girdle
Strong's:
H2805
Word #:
1 of 19
a belt or strap (as being interlaced)
אֲפֻדָּת֜וֹ
of his ephod
H642
אֲפֻדָּת֜וֹ
of his ephod
Strong's:
H642
Word #:
2 of 19
a girding on (of the ephod); hence, generally, a plating (of metal)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָלָ֗יו
H5921
עָלָ֗יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִמֶּ֣נּוּ
H4480
מִמֶּ֣נּוּ
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
5 of 19
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הוּא֮
H1931
הוּא֮
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 19
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂהוּ֒
that was upon it was of the same according to the work
H4639
כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂהוּ֒
that was upon it was of the same according to the work
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
7 of 19
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
זָהָ֗ב
thereof of gold
H2091
זָהָ֗ב
thereof of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
8 of 19
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
תְּכֵ֧לֶת
blue
H8504
תְּכֵ֧לֶת
blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
9 of 19
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
וְתוֹלַ֥עַת
H8438
וְתוֹלַ֥עַת
Strong's:
H8438
Word #:
11 of 19
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 #:
12 of 19
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
וְשֵׁ֣שׁ
linen
H8336
וְשֵׁ֣שׁ
linen
Strong's:
H8336
Word #:
13 of 19
bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 19
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 #:
17 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Revelation 1:13And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.Matthew 28:20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Historical Context
The girdle served a practical function—securing the ephod for active priestly service. Its integration with the ephod itself, rather than being a separate accessory, emphasized the unified design of the high priestly garments according to God's exact specifications.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God repeatedly emphasize 'as the LORD commanded'—what does this teach about acceptable worship?
- How does 'girding' for ministry apply to believers who serve as a kingdom of priests (1 Peter 2:9)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The 'curious girdle' (חֵשֶׁב, cheshev, skillfully woven band) made 'of the same' materials as the ephod emphasizes unity—the belt was not separate but an integral part. This girdle bound the ephod to the priest's body, securing it for active ministry. The phrase 'as the LORD commanded Moses' (כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה, ka'asher tsivah YHWH) appears repeatedly in this chapter, underscoring radical obedience. Truth must 'gird' the minister (Ephesians 6:14); Christ, our High Priest, is 'girded with faithfulness' (Isaiah 11:5). Worship according to divine prescription, not human preference.