Exodus 39:8

Exodus 39:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

He made the breastpiece with the same workmanship as the ephod, with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen.

King James Version KJV

¶ And he made the breastplate of cunning work, like the work of the ephod; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

American Standard Version ASV

And he made the breastplate, the work of the skilful workman, like the work of the ephod; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

Bible in Basic English BBE

The priest's bag was designed like the ephod, of the best linen worked with gold and blue and purple and red.

Free Bible Version FBV

They also made a breastpiece for decisions in the same skilful way as the ephod, to be used in determining the Lord's will. They made it using gold thread, with blue, purple, and crimson thread, and with finely-woven linen.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Also he made the brestplate of broydred worke like the worke of the Ephod: to wit, of gold, blewe silke, and purple, and skarlet, and fine twined linen.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he maketh the breastplate, work of a designer, like the work of the ephod, of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen;

World English Bible WEB

He made the breastplate, the work of a skillful workman, like the work of the ephod: of gold, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he made the breast-plate of curious work, like the work of the ephod; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

He made also a rational with embroidered work, according to the work of the ephod, of gold, violet, purple, and scarlet twice dyed, and fine twisted linen,

Translation for Translators T4T

They made the sacred chest pouch. They made it of the same materials as the sacred apron and embroidered it in the same way.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 39:8

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 39:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יַּ֧עַשׂ אֶת הַ/חֹ֛שֶׁן מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה חֹשֵׁ֖ב כְּ/מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה אֵפֹ֑ד זָהָ֗ב תְּכֵ֧לֶת וְ/אַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְ/תוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י וְ/שֵׁ֥שׁ מָשְׁזָֽר

וַ/יַּ֧עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/חֹ֛שֶׁן chôshen H2833 breastpiece Art | N-ms

מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה maʻăseh H4639 deed N-ms

חֹשֵׁ֖ב châshab H2803 to devise V-Qal

כְּ/מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה maʻăseh H4639 deed Prep | N-ms

אֵפֹ֑ד ʼêphôwd H646 ephod N-ms

זָהָ֗ב zâhâb H2091 gold N-ms

תְּכֵ֧לֶת tᵉkêleth H8504 blue N-fs

וְ/אַרְגָּמָ֛ן ʼargâmân H713 purple Conj | N-ms

וְ/תוֹלַ֥עַת tôwlâʻ H8438 worm Conj | N-fs

שָׁנִ֖י shânîy H8144 scarlet N-ms

וְ/שֵׁ֥שׁ shêsh H8336 alabaster Conj | Adj

מָשְׁזָֽר shâzar H7806 to twist V-Hophal-Inf-c

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 39:8

וַ/יַּ֧עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/חֹ֛שֶׁן chôshen H2833 "breastpiece" Art | N-ms

The breastpiece was a sacred pouch worn by the high priest to hold the Urim and Thummim, as seen in Exodus 28:15-30.

Definition: 1) breastplate, breastpiece 1a) sacred pouch of the high priest designed to hold the Urim and Thummim

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: breastplate. See also: Exodus 25:7; Exodus 29:5; Leviticus 8:8.

מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה maʻăseh H4639 "deed" N-ms

This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.

Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product

Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.

חֹשֵׁ֖ב châshab H2803 "to devise" V-Qal

To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.

Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered

Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.

כְּ/מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה maʻăseh H4639 "deed" Prep | N-ms

אֵפֹ֑ד ʼêphôwd H646 "ephod" N-ms

The ephod was a special vest worn by priests in the Bible, including the high priest, made with gold, blue, and purple threads. It was a symbol of their role and had shoulder pieces and a breastpiece with gems. In Exodus 28:6, God instructs Moses on how to make the ephod.

Definition: 1) ephod 1a) priestly garment, shoulder-cape or mantle, outer garment 1a1) worn by an ordinary priest and made of white stuff 1a2) worn by the high priest-more costly, woven of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and linen threads provided with shoulder-pieces and a breast piece of like material, ornamented with gems and gold

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: ephod. See also: Exodus 25:7; Exodus 39:21; Hosea 3:4.

זָהָ֗ב zâhâb H2091 "gold" N-ms

Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.

Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)

Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.

תְּכֵ֧לֶת tᵉkêleth H8504 "blue" N-fs

Describes the color blue or violet, obtained from a specific type of mussel, used to dye fabrics in Exodus 28. It is a distinct color in the biblical spectrum.

Definition: 1) violet, violet stuff 1a) violet thread 1b) violet stuff or fabric 2) (TWOT) blue (covering spectrum from brilliant red through deep purple)

Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: blue. See also: Exodus 25:4; Exodus 39:1; Jeremiah 10:9.

וְ/אַרְגָּמָ֛ן ʼargâmân H713 "purple" Conj | N-ms

The Hebrew word for purple, describing the color or dyed fabric, is used in the Bible to describe royal garments, like those worn by King Solomon. In Exodus 28:5, it is used to describe the priestly robes. The color symbolized wealth and power.

Definition: purple, red-purple

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: purple. See also: Exodus 25:4; Exodus 39:1; Proverbs 31:22.

וְ/תוֹלַ֥עַת tôwlâʻ H8438 "worm" Conj | N-fs

The Hebrew word for worm or maggot, this term is also used to describe a deep red or crimson color. It's associated with a specific type of worm that produces a vibrant dye. In the Bible, it's used to describe the color of cloth or other materials.

Definition: 1) worm, scarlet stuff, crimson 1a) worm-the female 'coccus ilicis' 1b) scarlet stuff, crimson, scarlet 1b1) the dye made from the dried body of the female of the worm "coccus ilicis" Also means: to.le.ah (תּוֹלֵעָה "worm" H8438B)

Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: crimson, scarlet, worm. See also: Exodus 16:20; Exodus 39:2; Psalms 22:7.

שָׁנִ֖י shânîy H8144 "scarlet" N-ms

This Hebrew word describes the deep red color of the coccus ilicis insect, used to dye fabric scarlet or crimson, like the scarlet thread in Joshua 2:18. It symbolizes wealth and importance.

Definition: 1) scarlet, crimson 1a) properly, the insect 'coccus ilicis', the dried body of the female yielding colouring matter from which is made the dye used for cloth to colour it scarlet or crimson

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: crimson, scarlet (thread). See also: Genesis 38:28; Exodus 39:1; Proverbs 31:21.

וְ/שֵׁ֥שׁ shêsh H8336 "alabaster" Conj | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to fine white linen or marble, often used to describe the luxurious clothing and buildings of ancient times, like the Temple in Jerusalem.

Definition: alabaster, similar stone, marble, material of pavement

Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] blue, fine (twined) linen, marble, silk. See also: Genesis 41:42; Exodus 36:35; Proverbs 31:22.

מָשְׁזָֽר shâzar H7806 "to twist" V-Hophal-Inf-c

This word means to twist, like twisting a thread or straw. It's used to describe the act of twining or turning something. In the Bible, it's translated as 'twine'.

Definition: 1) to twist, be twisted 1a) (Hophal) 1a1) to be twisted 1a2) twisted (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: twine. See also: Exodus 26:1; Exodus 36:35; Exodus 39:29.

Study Notes — Exodus 39:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 39:8 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 39:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 39:8
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 39:8
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 39:8
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 39:8
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 39:8
Sermons on Exodus 39:8

Context — The Breastpiece

6They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings, engraved like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel. 7Then they fastened them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

8He made the breastpiece with the same workmanship as the ephod, with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen.

9It was square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide. 10And they mounted on it four rows of gemstones: The first row had a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald;

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 28:4	These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so that they may serve Me as priests.
2	Leviticus 8:8–9	Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece. Moses also put the turban on Aaron’s head and set the gold plate, the holy diadem, on the front of the turban, as the LORD had commanded him.
3	Isaiah 59:17	He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal.
4	Exodus 28:13–29	Fashion gold filigree settings and two chains of pure gold, made of braided cord work; and attach these chains to the settings. You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment with the same workmanship as the ephod. Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen. It must be square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide. And mount on it a setting of gemstones, four rows of stones: In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald; in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; in the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; and in the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. Mount these stones in gold filigree settings. The twelve stones are to correspond to the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes. For the breastpiece, make braided chains like cords of pure gold. You are also to make two gold rings and fasten them to the two corners of the breastpiece. Then fasten the two gold chains to the two gold rings at the corners of the breastpiece, and fasten the other ends of the two chains to the two filigree settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front. Make two more gold rings and attach them to the other two corners of the breastpiece, on the inside edge next to the ephod. Make two additional gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, on its front, near its seam just above its woven waistband. The rings of the breastpiece shall be tied to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue yarn, so that the breastpiece is above the waistband of the ephod and does not swing out from the ephod. Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he shall bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of judgment, as a continual reminder before the LORD.
5	Ephesians 6:14	Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed,
6	Psalms 89:28	I will forever preserve My loving devotion for him, and My covenant with him will stand fast.
7	Exodus 25:7	and onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.

Exodus 39:8 Summary

The breastpiece was a special part of the high priest's clothes, made with beautiful materials like gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, as seen in Exodus 39:8. It was made with the same care and attention to detail as the ephod, which was a symbol of the priest's role in connecting the people to God, as described in Exodus 28:6-14. The breastpiece reminds us that our service to God should be done with care and attention to detail, just like the priest's garments, as seen in Exodus 28:1-5 and Leviticus 8:7-9. By reflecting on the breastpiece's significance, we can learn to approach our own service to God with reverence and care, as seen in Romans 12:1-2, where we are called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the breastpiece in Exodus 39:8?

The breastpiece was a vital part of the high priest's garments, symbolizing the priest's role in mediating between God and the people, as seen in Exodus 28:29-30, where it is described as a symbol of the priest's responsibility to bear the names of the sons of Israel before the Lord.

Why did the breastpiece have the same workmanship as the ephod?

The breastpiece and ephod were both made with the same workmanship to signify their importance and connection to the high priest's role, as described in Exodus 39:8 and Exodus 28:6-14, where the ephod is also described in detail.

What does the use of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn signify in Exodus 39:8?

The use of these materials signifies the richness and beauty of God's presence, as well as the priest's role in connecting the people to God, as seen in Exodus 25:3-7, where these materials are first mentioned as part of the tabernacle's construction.

How does the breastpiece relate to the rest of the high priest's garments?

The breastpiece was an integral part of the high priest's garments, working together with the ephod, robe, and other elements to symbolize the priest's role and responsibilities, as described in Exodus 28:1-5 and Leviticus 8:7-9, where the priest's garments are described in the context of his consecration.

Reflection Questions

What does the attention to detail in the breastpiece's construction reveal about God's character and expectations for His people?
How can I apply the principles of careful craftsmanship and attention to detail in my own life and service to God, as seen in Exodus 39:8?
What does the breastpiece's role in bearing the names of the sons of Israel teach me about my own role in prayer and intercession, as seen in Exodus 28:29-30?
How can I reflect on the symbolism of the breastpiece's materials and construction in my own personal devotion and worship, as seen in Exodus 25:3-7?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 39:8

[See comments on Exodus 39:2].

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 39:8

They made shoulderpieces for it, to couple it together: by the two edges was it coupled together. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 39:8

XXXIX. THE MAKING OF THE HOLY .(1-31) This section corresponds to Exodus 28:5-40, but does not follow exactly the same order. Exodus 39:2-7 correspond to Exodus 39:5-12 of Exodus 28; Exodus 39:8-21 to Exodus 39:13-28; Exodus 39:22-26 to Exodus 39:31-35; but after this a dislocation occurs. Exodus 39:27-29 correspond to Exodus 39:39-42 of Exodus 28, and Exodus 39:30-31 to Exodus 39:36-38. It is not clear why any change was made. The order observed in Exodus 28 seems preferable.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 39:8

Verse 8. Breastplate] See Exodus 28:15. See Clarke on Exodus 28:15.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 39:8

8. the cunning workman] the designer, or pattern-weaver.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 39:8

THE HOLY OF THE PRIESTS, Exodus 39:1-31 See notes on Exodus 28. ALL BROUGHT TO MOSES AND , Exodus 39:32-43.

Sermons on Exodus 39:8

	Sermon	Description
	(Exodus) Exodus 28:4-5 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of providing the best equipment for God's work. He refers to the story in Malachi where God accuses people of robbing Him. The
	Study Notes - the Priesthood by Walter Beuttler	Walter Beuttler delves into the significance of the priesthood, tracing its origins from the patriarchs to the appointment of Aaron and his sons as the first high priests. He empha
	The Way to Heavenly Fullness - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the zeal of Elijah as a model for believers, illustrating how true jealousy for the Lord's rights leads to heavenly fullness. He explains that Elijah's
	Christ or Antichrist? by John Nelson Darby	The preacher discusses the concept of the full armor of God, emphasizing the importance of being fully equipped for spiritual warfare with offensive and defensive tools. This armor
	Epistle 211 by George Fox	George Fox preaches a powerful message warning those who have turned back to the world's ways after knowing the truth, causing stumbling blocks for others and grieving the righteou
	Epistle 55 by George Fox	George Fox delivers a powerful message urging believers to arm themselves for spiritual warfare, emphasizing the need to stand firm against deceit and to uphold the truth of God. H
	Bondage Breaker - Part 3 by Neil T. Anderson	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of temptation and how everyone experiences it. He uses the analogy of a movie called Sand Pebbles to illustrate the challenges faced