Lexical Summary matveh: Garment, clothing Original Word: מַטְוֶה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance spun From tavah; something spun -- spun. see HEBREW tavah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tavah Definition that which is spun, yarn NASB Translation what they had spun (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַטְוֶה noun [masculine] that which is spun, yarn, Exodus 35:25 (P). Topical Lexicon Entry: מַטְוֶה (matveh) Biblical Occurrence • Exodus 35:25 records the only use of the noun: “Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun—blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.” Historical Setting During the wilderness period the people of Israel were commanded to build the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that would visually and ceremonially proclaim God’s dwelling among His people. Though the overall design and materials were given by divine revelation (Exodus 25–31), their realization depended on the willing participation of the whole nation. מַטְוֶה refers to the spun yarn contributed by the women. These threads of blue, purple, and scarlet—together with fine linen—formed the fabric for the curtains, priestly garments, and other textile elements of the Tabernacle. The quality of the dyes suggests access to precious resources; yet Scripture highlights the voluntary nature of the offering far more than its cost (Exodus 35:21). Craftsmanship and Spiritual Gifting The text links spinning with “every skilled woman” (literally, every woman “wise of heart”). The same expression appears for Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 35:30–35), indicating that artistic skill is viewed as wisdom given by the Spirit of God. מַטְוֶה therefore illustrates how everyday abilities—domestic, manual, and seemingly ordinary—become sacred instruments when offered to the Lord. The principle anticipates New Testament teaching that diverse gifts are bestowed “for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7) and that whatever is done should be done “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). Symbolic Colors and Theological Messaging • Blue: heavenly and priestly associations (Numbers 15:38–40). The spun yarn allowed these colors to be woven into every curtain and vestment, visibly uniting themes of heaven, kingship, and redemption. מַטְוֶה thus served not only structural but also theological purposes. Worship, Community, and Gender Exodus underscores that women, alongside men, held indispensable roles in sanctuary service. Their spinning of מַטְוֶה parallels the men’s work in woodworking and metalwork, demonstrating a complementary partnership in covenant worship. Proverbs 31:19, 22 reflects a similar honor for textile skill within the ideal household, reinforcing that diligent craftsmanship is virtuous and God-honoring. Stewardship and Generosity The supply of מַטְוֶה arose from freewill offerings (Exodus 35:29). Israel gave so abundantly that Moses eventually had to restrain them (Exodus 36:6–7). This episode provides a pattern for cheerful giving later commended in 2 Corinthians 9:7. The yarn symbolizes resources voluntarily surrendered for God’s dwelling, prefiguring the fuller indwelling of the Spirit in believers (1 Corinthians 3:16). Christological Perspective The Tabernacle anticipates the incarnation, where “the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us” (John 1:14). The fabrics produced from מַטְוֶה formed the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place—a veil later torn at Christ’s death (Matthew 27:51). Thus the spun threads indirectly point to the removal of the barrier between God and humanity through Jesus’ atoning work. Practical Ministry Applications • Encourage recognition of diverse talents within the congregation, affirming that all skills can be consecrated to the Lord. Related Topics for Further Study Tabernacle textiles (Exodus 26) Women in Israelite worship (Judges 5:24; Luke 8:3) Spiritual gifts and craftsmanship (Exodus 31:1–11; Romans 12:6–8) Symbolism of colors in Scripture (Esther 8:15; Revelation 17:4) Forms and Transliterations מַטְוֶ֗ה מטוה maṭ·weh matVeh maṭwehLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 35:25 HEB: טָו֑וּ וַיָּבִ֣יאוּ מַטְוֶ֗ה אֶֽת־ הַתְּכֵ֙לֶת֙ NAS: and brought what they had spun, [in] blue KJV: and brought that which they had spun, [both] of blue, INT: spun and brought what blue and purple 1 Occurrence |
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