King James Version

What Does Exodus 28:3 Mean?

Exodus 28:3 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aa... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

Exodus 28:3 · KJV


Context

1

And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.

2

And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.

3

And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

4

And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

5

And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine linen.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Skilled craftsmen 'whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom' create the garments. God provides both the design and the ability to execute it—the pattern comes from Him, the skill comes from Him. These craftsmen possess technical excellence (wisdom in craftsmanship) as divine gift. This teaches that God enables what He commands. He designed redemption through Christ and equipped Christ with everything necessary to accomplish it—divine wisdom woven into human garments.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Bezalel and Oholiab led these craftsmen (Exodus 31:1-6), men Spirit-filled for artistic work. Their calling to create sacred objects was no less spiritual than priestly service—God values the craftsmanship that serves His purposes, whether weaving garments or offering sacrifices.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God provide both the 'pattern' and the 'skill' for what He calls you to do?
  2. What role does human craftsmanship play in displaying God's glory?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְאַתָּ֗ה1 of 17
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תְּדַבֵּר֙2 of 17

And thou shalt speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל3 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל4 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חַכְמֵי5 of 17

unto all that are wise

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

לֵ֔ב6 of 17

hearted

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

אֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מִלֵּאתִ֖יו8 of 17

whom I have filled

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

ר֣וּחַ9 of 17

with the spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

חָכְמָ֑ה10 of 17

of wisdom

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

וְעָשׂ֞וּ11 of 17

that they may make

H6213

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

אֶת12 of 17
H853

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

בִּגְדֵ֧י13 of 17

garments

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

אַֽהֲרֹ֛ן14 of 17

Aaron's

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

לְקַדְּשׁ֖וֹ15 of 17

to consecrate

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

לְכַֽהֲנוֹ16 of 17

him that he may minister unto me in the priest's office

H3547

to officiate as a priest; figuratively, to put on regalia

לִֽי׃17 of 17
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 28:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 28:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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