King James Version

What Does Exodus 39:22 Mean?

Exodus 39:22 in the King James Version says “And he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.”

Exodus 39:22 · KJV

Context

20

And they made two other golden rings, and put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart of it, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.

21

And they did bind the breastplate by his rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.

22

And he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.

23

And there was an hole in the midst of the robe, as the hole of an habergeon, with a band round about the hole, that it should not rend.

24

And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and twined linen.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The robe of the ephod, woven entirely of blue (מַעֲשֵׂה אֹרֵג כְּלִיל תְּכֵלֶת, ma'aseh oreg kelil techelet, woven work, wholly blue), represents heavenly priesthood. Unlike the ephod's multicolored glory, this robe's uniform blue symbolizes Christ's heavenly origin and character. The 'woven work' (not embroidered afterward) teaches that Christ's divine nature was intrinsic, not added—He is eternally God, not a man who became divine. This robe, worn under the ephod, was foundational; similarly, Christ's deity underlies His mediatorial work.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The robe's seamless woven construction (one piece, not sewn together) made it exceptionally strong and valuable. Such garments, requiring continuous weaving on a loom, were prized in the ancient world. Christ's seamless robe (John 19:23-24) may echo this high priestly garment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the robe's completely blue color illustrate Christ's divine nature and heavenly origin?
  2. What does woven (not sewn) construction teach about Christ's eternal deity, not acquired divinity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיַּ֛עַשׂ1 of 8

“And he made”

H6213

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

אֶת2 of 8
H853

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

מְעִ֥יל3 of 8

“the robe”

H4598

a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)

הָֽאֵפֹ֖ד4 of 8

“of the ephod”

H646

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

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה5 of 8

“work”

H4639

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

אֹרֵ֑ג6 of 8

“of woven”

H707

to plait or weave

כְּלִ֖יל7 of 8

“all”

H3632

complete; as noun, the whole (specifically, a sacrifice entirely consumed); as adverb, fully

תְּכֵֽלֶת׃8 of 8

“of blue”

H8504

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

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 39:22 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 39:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 28:31-35

Test Your Knowledge

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