Exodus 28:6

The Ephod · Exodus 28:6–14
Read Exodus 28

Translations

Modern
They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.
Traditional
And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.
Literal
And they shall make the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely woven linen, the work of a designer.
Latin
Facient autem superhumerale de auro et hyacintho et purpura, coccoque bis tincto, et bysso retorta, opere polymito.

Original

Hebrew
English
They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.

Notes

the ephod: The ephod was a kind of apron consisting of front and back pieces joined by shoulder straps and secured with a decorative sash (28:7, 8, 27–28). Moses probably mentions it first because it was a unique garment of the high priest.

Gideon later made a gold ephod. This suggests that people believed the garment had special powers (Judges 8:27).

These holy garments for Aaron were to distinguish him as a priest set apart (Hebrew qadash, “consecrated”) for the Lord's service (28:2, 3). The beauty of these garments matched the beauty of the Tent of Meeting, which was God's portable earthly palace (or tabernacle).

One day, Jesus Christ, the true High Priest, would enter the Most Holy Place once for all. Then the difference between priests and people would disappear (Hebrews 10:11–22). Until then, human mediators represented how Christ would fulfill the types of wonderful things God accomplishes for his people.

Events

Parallels

Exodus 39:1–7

Glossary

Aaron Beauty Biblical Concept of Law Book of Exodus Deuteronomy, Book of Embroiderer, Embroidery History of Israel Lebanon Leviticus, Book of Purple Scarlet Snail Tabernacle Temple

Topics

Colors: These Colors Figured Largely in the Symbolisms of the Tabernacle Furnishing Ephod: A Sacred Vestment Worn by the High Priest: Described Gold: Priestly and Royal Garments Adorned With Linen: Vestments of Priests Made of Priest: (The Function he Served Was Superior to That of Other Priests): Vestments of Priest: The Time of Moses: Vestments of The Ephod for the High Priest: Made of Gold, Blue, Purple, Scarlet The High Priest: Special Garments of Ephod with Its Curious Girdle