Exodus 39:2
New International Version
They made the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen.

New Living Translation
Bezalel made the ephod of finely woven linen and embroidered it with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread.

English Standard Version
He made the ephod of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen.

Berean Standard Bible
Bezalel made the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.

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

New King James Version
He made the ephod of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and of fine woven linen.

New American Standard Bible
He made the ephod of gold and of violet, purple, and scarlet material, and fine twisted linen.

NASB 1995
He made the ephod of gold, and of blue and purple and scarlet material, and fine twisted linen.

NASB 1977
And he made the ephod of gold, and of blue and purple and scarlet material, and fine twisted linen.

Legacy Standard Bible
He made the ephod of gold, and of blue and purple and scarlet material, and fine twisted linen.

Amplified Bible
Bezalel made the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple, and scarlet fabric, and fine twisted linen.

Christian Standard Bible
Bezalel made the ephod of gold, of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and of finely spun linen.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Bezalel made the ephod of gold, of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and of finely spun linen.

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

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They made the ephod out of fine linen yarn and gold, violet, purple, and bright red yarn.

Good News Translation
They made the ephod of fine linen; blue, purple, and red wool; and gold thread.

International Standard Version
He made the ephod out of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet material and fine woven linen.

NET Bible
He made the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twisted linen.

New Heart English Bible
He made the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Bezalel made the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.

World English Bible
He made the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he makes the ephod, of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen,

Young's Literal Translation
And he maketh the ephod, of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen,

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will make the ephod, gold, cerulean purple, red purple, and double scarlet, and twisted byssus.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So he made an ephod of gold, violet, and purple, and scarlet twice dyed, and fine twisted linen.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so he made an ephod of gold, hyacinth, and purple, and twice-dyed scarlet, and fine twisted linen,

New American Bible
The ephod was woven of gold thread and of violet, purple, and scarlet yarn and of fine linen twined.

New Revised Standard Version
He made the ephod of gold, of blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they made the ephod of gold, blue and purple and fine linen dyed scarlet and fine woven white linen.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

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

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Ephod
1From the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn they made specially woven garments for ministry in the sanctuary, as well as the holy garments for Aaron, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 2Bezalel made the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. 3They hammered out thin sheets of gold and cut threads from them to interweave with the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen—the work of a skilled craftsman.…

Cross References
Exodus 28:6-8
They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. / It shall have two shoulder pieces attached at two of its corners, so it can be fastened. / And the skillfully woven waistband of the ephod must be of one piece, of the same workmanship—with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen.

Leviticus 8:7
He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him.

Exodus 28:15-30
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; ...

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.

Exodus 28:39
You are to weave the tunic with fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion an embroidered sash.

Exodus 28:31-35
You are to make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, / with an opening at its top in the center. Around the opening shall be a woven collar with an opening like that of a garment, so that it will not tear. / Make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn all the way around the lower hem, with gold bells between them, ...

Exodus 28:36-38
You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. / Fasten to it a blue cord to mount it on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban. / And it will be worn on Aaron’s forehead, so that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrate with regard to all their holy gifts. It shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be acceptable before the LORD.

Exodus 28:2
Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor.

Exodus 28:40-43
Make tunics, sashes, and headbands for Aaron’s sons, to give them glory and splendor. / After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them so that they may serve Me as priests. / Make linen undergarments to cover their bare flesh, extending from waist to thigh. ...

Exodus 28:1
“Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests.

Hebrews 8:5
The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”

Hebrews 9:11-12
But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation. / He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.

Hebrews 9:24
For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.

Revelation 1:13
and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest.

Revelation 19:8
She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints.


Treasury of Scripture

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

Exodus 25:7
Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.

Exodus 28:6-12
And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work…

Leviticus 8:7
And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound it unto him therewith.

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Best Blue Byssus Ephod Fine Finely Gold Linen Maketh Material Purple Red Scarlet Stuff Twined Twisted Yarn
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Best Blue Byssus Ephod Fine Finely Gold Linen Maketh Material Purple Red Scarlet Stuff Twined Twisted Yarn
Exodus 39
1. The cloths of service and holy garments.
2. The ephod
8. The breast-plate
22. The robe of the ephod
27. The coats, mitre, and girdle of fine linen
30. The plate of the holy crown
32. All is finished, reviewed, and approved by Moses














Bezalel made the ephod
Bezalel, a skilled craftsman chosen by God, was filled with the Spirit of God to carry out the intricate work of constructing the Tabernacle and its furnishings (Exodus 31:1-5). The ephod was a sacred garment worn by the high priest, signifying his role as a mediator between God and the people. This highlights the importance of divine calling and empowerment in fulfilling God's purposes.

of finely spun linen
Linen was a high-quality fabric made from flax, known for its purity and durability. In the context of the priestly garments, linen symbolized purity and righteousness, essential qualities for those serving in the presence of God. Linen's use in the ephod underscores the holiness required of the high priest.

embroidered with gold
Gold, a symbol of divinity and kingship, was intricately woven into the fabric, signifying the divine nature and authority of the priestly office. The use of gold in the ephod reflects the heavenly glory and majesty associated with God's presence, as seen in the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn
These colors held significant meaning in the biblical context. Blue often represented the heavens and divine revelation, purple symbolized royalty and wealth, and scarlet was associated with sacrifice and atonement. Together, these colors in the ephod pointed to the multifaceted role of the high priest as a mediator, intercessor, and representative of God's people. The combination of these colors also foreshadows the work of Jesus Christ, who embodies divine revelation, kingship, and the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Artisans
Skilled craftsmen, including Bezalel and Oholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God to carry out the work of constructing the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the ephod.

2. The Ephod
A sacred garment worn by the high priest, made with specific materials and colors as commanded by God, symbolizing the priest's role in representing the people before God.

3. The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

4. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were given the Law and instructions for worship, including the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

5. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings from God on Mount Sinai.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
The artisans followed God's specific instructions for the ephod, demonstrating the importance of obedience in worship and service to God.

Symbolism in Worship
The materials and colors used in the ephod symbolize various aspects of God's character and the priestly role, reminding us of the depth and richness of biblical symbolism in worship.

God's Provision of Skills
God equipped the artisans with the skills needed for the task, reminding us that God provides us with the abilities we need to fulfill His purposes.

The Role of the Priesthood
The ephod signifies the mediatory role of the priest, pointing us to Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who intercedes for us.

Unity in Diversity
The combination of different materials and colors in the ephod reflects the unity and diversity within the body of Christ, where each member has a unique role to play.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Exodus 39:2?

2. How does Exodus 39:2 demonstrate the importance of following God's detailed instructions?

3. What does the use of "gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn" symbolize?

4. How can we apply the principle of excellence in our service to God?

5. What connections exist between Exodus 39:2 and the New Testament teachings on holiness?

6. How does the craftsmanship in Exodus 39:2 inspire our work for God's kingdom?

7. What is the significance of the ephod in Exodus 39:2 for ancient Israelite worship?

8. How does Exodus 39:2 reflect the craftsmanship and artistry valued in biblical times?

9. Why was the ephod made specifically of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 39?

11. What fabrics are mentioned in the Bible?

12. Exodus 31:2 - Where is the historical or archeological evidence that confirms the existence of Bezalel or supports this specific claim of divine empowerment?

13. Exodus 28:6-14: How plausible is it that detailed and specialized craftsmanship for the ephod existed among a recently freed slave population?

14. In 1 Chronicles 15:27, David wears an ephod traditionally reserved for priests--how do we explain this apparent merging of royal and priestly roles without violating Mosaic Law?
What Does Exodus 39:2 Mean
Bezalel made

- The verse begins by naming the craftsman. Bezalel was singled out by God: “See, I have called by name Bezalel… and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship” (Exodus 31:2-3).

- His Spirit-empowered gifting shows that ordinary work can be holy when carried out in obedience (Colossians 3:23).

- The detail reminds us that God keeps His word; what He commanded in Exodus 28 is now faithfully carried out in Exodus 39.


The ephod

- The ephod was the foundational garment of the high priest’s official attire (Exodus 28:4-7).

- It functioned like an ornate apron or vest, supporting the breastpiece and the stones of remembrance (Exodus 28:12, 30).

- By wearing it, Aaron represented the people before God—a foreshadowing of our greater High Priest, Jesus, who “ever lives to intercede for us” (Hebrews 7:25).


Of finely spun linen

- Linen was a symbol of purity and righteousness (Revelation 19:8).

- “Fine” linen required painstaking effort, hinting at the excellence God expects in service (Proverbs 22:29).

- The fabric’s smooth, cool texture also provided comfort, reminding us that God’s requirements, though exacting, are never harsh (Matthew 11:30).


Embroidered with gold

- Gold speaks of divine glory and enduring worth (1 Kings 6:22).

- Threading real gold into fabric demanded both skill and patience, mirroring how God weaves His glory into willing lives (2 Corinthians 4:7).

- The use of precious material for priestly service underscores that nothing offered to God is too costly (2 Samuel 24:24).


Blue, purple, and scarlet yarn

- Blue often pictures heaven and covenant faithfulness; Israelites saw it daily in the tassels of their garments as a reminder of God’s commands (Numbers 15:38-40).

- Purple, the color of royalty, points to the priest-king role ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Revelation 19:16).

- Scarlet evokes sacrifice and atonement (Hebrews 9:22). Together, the colors weave a visual gospel: heaven’s King secures redemption through blood.

- The same tri-color pattern runs through the tabernacle curtains and veil (Exodus 26:1, 31), tying every element of worship into one cohesive story.


summary

Exodus 39:2 shows Spirit-gifted Bezalel crafting the high priest’s ephod exactly as God ordered—fine linen for purity, gold for glory, and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn for heavenly royalty secured by sacrificial blood. Each detail whispers the bigger narrative: God provides a righteous, glorious, and costly way for His people to draw near, a way ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Bezalel made
וַיַּ֖עַשׂ (way·ya·‘aś)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

the ephod
הָאֵפֹ֑ד (hā·’ê·p̄ōḏ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 646: A girdle, the ephod, highpriest's shoulder-piece, an image

out of gold,
זָהָ֗ב (zā·hāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

with blue,
תְּכֵ֧לֶת (tə·ḵê·leṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8504: The cerulean mussel, the color, obtained therefrom, stuff dyed therewith

purple,
וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן (wə·’ar·gā·mān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 713: Purple, red-purple

and scarlet yarn,
וְתוֹלַ֥עַת (wə·ṯō·w·la·‘aṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8438: The crimson-grub, of the color, from it, cloths dyed therewith

and finely spun
מָשְׁזָֽר׃ (mā·šə·zār)
Verb - Hofal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7806: To be twisted

linen.
וְשֵׁ֥שׁ (wə·šêš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8336: Bleached stuff, white linen, marble


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OT Law: Exodus 39:2 He made the ephod of gold blue (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 39:1
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