King James Version

What Does Exodus 35:6 Mean?

Exodus 35:6 in the King James Version says “And blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine linen, and goats' hair,” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine linen, and goats' hair,”

Exodus 35:6 · KJV

Context

4

And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD commanded, saying,

5

Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,

6

And blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine linen, and goats' hair,

7

And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,

8

And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,

Read Exodus 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Blue, purple, and scarlet materials (תְּכֵלֶת, וְאַרְגָּמָן, וְתוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי—tekhelet, argaman, tola'at shani) represent colors of royalty and divinity. Blue symbolizes heaven, purple represents royalty (combining heavenly blue with earthly red), and scarlet signifies blood and sacrifice. Fine linen (שֵׁשׁ, shesh) represents purity and righteousness. These materials foreshadow Christ who embodies all these attributes: heavenly origin, royal priesthood, sacrificial blood, and perfect righteousness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

These dyes were extremely valuable in the ancient world. Blue dye came from Mediterranean mollusks, purple from Phoenician murex snails (worth more than gold by weight), and scarlet from oak scale insects. Their presence indicated wealth and status.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the colors and materials of the tabernacle communicate theological truths about God's character?
  2. In what ways do these physical materials point forward to Christ's nature and work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וּתְכֵ֧לֶת1 of 6

“And blue”

H8504

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

וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן2 of 6

“and purple”

H713

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

וְתוֹלַ֥עַת3 of 6
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

שָׁנִ֖י4 of 6

“and scarlet”

H8144

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

וְשֵׁ֥שׁ5 of 6

“and fine linen”

H8336

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

וְעִזִּֽים׃6 of 6

“and goats”

H5795

a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)

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 35:6 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 35:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 26:36Exodus 28:5-6Exodus 28:33Exodus 26:7-14Exodus 28:15Exodus 26:1

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 35 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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