Exodus 39:8

Authorized King James Version

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And he made the breastplate of cunning work, like the work of the ephod; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

Original Language Analysis

וַיַּ֧עַשׂ And he made H6213
וַיַּ֧עַשׂ And he made
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 1 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַחֹ֛שֶׁן the breastplate H2833
הַחֹ֛שֶׁן the breastplate
Strong's: H2833
Word #: 3 of 14
perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest
כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה like the work H4639
כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה like the work
Strong's: H4639
Word #: 4 of 14
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
חֹשֵׁ֖ב of cunning H2803
חֹשֵׁ֖ב of cunning
Strong's: H2803
Word #: 5 of 14
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה like the work H4639
כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה like the work
Strong's: H4639
Word #: 6 of 14
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
אֵפֹ֑ד of the ephod H646
אֵפֹ֑ד of the ephod
Strong's: H646
Word #: 7 of 14
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 #: 8 of 14
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
תְּכֵ֧לֶת blue H8504
תְּכֵ֧לֶת blue
Strong's: H8504
Word #: 9 of 14
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן and purple H713
וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן and purple
Strong's: H713
Word #: 10 of 14
purple (the color or the dyed stuff)
וְתוֹלַ֥עַת H8438
וְתוֹלַ֥עַת
Strong's: H8438
Word #: 11 of 14
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 14
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
וְשֵׁ֥שׁ linen H8336
וְשֵׁ֥שׁ linen
Strong's: H8336
Word #: 13 of 14
bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble
מָשְׁזָֽר׃ and fine twined H7806
מָשְׁזָֽר׃ and fine twined
Strong's: H7806
Word #: 14 of 14
to twist (a thread of straw)

Analysis & Commentary

The breastplate (חֹשֶׁן, choshen, breastplate of judgment, 28:15) matched the ephod's materials and workmanship, signifying unity between bearing Israel's names (shoulders/strength) and bearing them over the heart (affection). The 'cunning work' (מַעֲשֵׂה חֹשֵׁב, ma'aseh choshev, skillful craftsmanship) indicates divine design executed by Spirit-filled artisans. This breastplate, positioned over Aaron's heart, taught that priestly ministry requires both strength and love. Christ, our High Priest, bears believers with both omnipotent power and infinite compassion (John 13:1).

Historical Context

The breastplate, worn over the heart, complemented the shoulderpieces' function. Together they symbolized the high priest carrying Israel in both strength (shoulders) and affection (heart) before YHWH. The matching craftsmanship emphasized the unified design of these garments.

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