King James Version

What Does Exodus 39:1 Mean?

Exodus 39:1 in the King James Version says “And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet , they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the ho... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet , they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Exodus 39:1 · KJV


Context

1

And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet , they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.

2

And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen.

3

And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet , and in the fine linen, with cunning work.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Of the blue, and purple, and scarlet (תְּכֵלֶת וְאַרְגָּמָן וְתוֹלַעַת הַשָּׁנִי, tekhelet v'argaman v'tola'at hashani)—these three colors dominated the tabernacle's sacred textiles. Tekhelet (blue) came from rare Mediterranean mollusks; argaman (purple) from Phoenician murex snails; tola'at hashani (scarlet of the worm) from cochineal insects crushed for crimson dye.

Cloths of service (בִּגְדֵי־שְׂרָד, bigdei-serad) were specialized garments for sanctuary ministry. As the LORD commanded Moses appears repeatedly in Exodus 39-40, emphasizing Israel's exact obedience after the golden calf rebellion (ch. 32). The priestly garments foreshadow Christ our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), clothed in glory to minister before God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Exodus 39 describes the completion of the tabernacle's construction (1445 BC), nine months after leaving Egypt. The skilled craftsmen Bezalel and Oholiab led this work. Purple dye was extraordinarily expensive—worth more than gold—making these garments suitable for approaching the Holy God.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God care about the specific colors and materials used in worship? What does this reveal about His character?
  2. How does Christ's perfect priesthood fulfill the symbolism of Aaron's holy garments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וּמִן1 of 21
H4480

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

הַתְּכֵ֤לֶת2 of 21

And of the blue

H8504

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

וְהָֽאַרְגָּמָן֙3 of 21

and purple

H713

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

וְתוֹלַ֣עַת4 of 21
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

הַשָּׁנִ֔י5 of 21

and scarlet

H8144

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

וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֞וּ6 of 21

place and made

H6213

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

בִּגְדֵ֤י7 of 21

cloths

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

שְׂרָ֖ד8 of 21

of service

H8278

stitching (as pierced with a needle)

לְשָׁרֵ֣ת9 of 21

to do service

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙10 of 21

in the holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֞וּ11 of 21

place and made

H6213

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

אֶת12 of 21
H853

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

בִּגְדֵ֤י13 of 21

cloths

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙14 of 21

in the holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

אֲשֶׁ֣ר15 of 21
H834

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

לְאַֽהֲרֹ֔ן16 of 21

for Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר17 of 21
H834

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

צִוָּ֥ה18 of 21

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֖ה19 of 21

as the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת20 of 21
H853

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

מֹשֶֽׁה׃21 of 21

Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver


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 39:1 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 39:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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