Exodus 39:8

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֧עַשׂ

H6213

And he made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַחֹ֛שֶׁן

H2833

the breastplate

perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest

כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה

H4639

like the work

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

חֹשֵׁ֖ב

H2803

of cunning

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

כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה

H4639

like the work

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

אֵפֹ֑ד

H646

of the ephod

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

זָהָ֗ב

H2091

of gold

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

תְּכֵ֧לֶת

H8504

blue

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

#10

וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן

H713

and purple

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

#11

וְתוֹלַ֥עַת

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

#12

שָׁנִ֖י

H8144

and scarlet

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

#13

וְשֵׁ֥שׁ

H8336

linen

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

#14

מָשְׁזָֽר׃

H7806

and fine twined

to twist (a thread of straw)

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Exodus chapter 39 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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