King James Version

What Does Exodus 28:8 Mean?

Exodus 28:8 in the King James Version says “And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen. curious: or, embroidered

Exodus 28:8 · KJV


Context

6

And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet , and fine twined linen, with cunning work.

7

It shall have the two shoulderpieces thereof joined at the two edges thereof; and so it shall be joined together.

8

And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen. curious: or, embroidered

9

And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:

10

Six of their names on one stone, and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The curious girdle (belt/sash) of the ephod matches its workmanship and materials—one integrated piece, not separately attached. This unity suggests that what 'binds together' the priestly garments shares the same character as the garments themselves. The sash, wrapping around and securing everything, prefigures the Holy Spirit who binds together all aspects of Christ's work and our salvation into unified whole.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This specially woven band (חֵשֶׁב, kheshev, 'skillful work') extended from the ephod as one piece, wrapping around the waist to secure the garment during service. Its integrated construction ensured it couldn't become separated from the ephod.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Holy Spirit 'bind together' all aspects of your salvation into unified whole?
  2. What role does spiritual unity play in effective priestly service (ministry to others)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְחֵ֤שֶׁב1 of 14

And the curious girdle

H2805

a belt or strap (as being interlaced)

אֲפֻדָּתוֹ֙2 of 14

of the ephod

H642

a girding on (of the ephod); hence, generally, a plating (of metal)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 14
H834

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

עָלָ֔יו4 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂ֖הוּ5 of 14

which is upon it shall be of the same according to the work

H4639

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

מִמֶּ֣נּוּ6 of 14
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

יִֽהְיֶ֑ה7 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

זָהָ֗ב8 of 14

thereof even of gold

H2091

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

תְּכֵ֧לֶת9 of 14

of blue

H8504

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

וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן10 of 14

and purple

H713

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

וְתוֹלַ֥עַת11 of 14
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

שָׁנִ֖י12 of 14

and scarlet

H8144

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

וְשֵׁ֥שׁ13 of 14

linen

H8336

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

מָשְׁזָֽר׃14 of 14

and fine twined

H7806

to twist (a thread of straw)


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 28:8 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 28:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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