Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 28:8
The Hebrew word for a decorative belt or strap, often used to describe the intricate design of the ephod, a priestly garment, in Exodus.
Definition: 1) girdle, band, ingenious work 1a) ingenious work-the name of the girdle or band of the ephod
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: curious girdle. See also: Exodus 28:8; Exodus 39:5; Leviticus 8:7.
A special garment worn by priests, including the high priest, made of valuable materials like gold, blue, and purple, and decorated with gems, as described in the book of Exodus.
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 1b) a metallic covering for idols, a plating over
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: ephod, ornament. See also: Exodus 28:8; Exodus 39:5; Isaiah 30:22.
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
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.
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Context — The Ephod
6They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.
7It shall have two shoulder pieces attached at two of its corners, so it can be fastened.
8And 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.
9Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel:
10six of their names on one stone and the remaining six on the other, in the order of their birth.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Exodus 28:27–28 |
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. |
| 2 |
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. |
| 3 |
Exodus 29:5 |
Take the garments and clothe Aaron with the tunic, the robe of the ephod, the ephod itself, and the breastplate. Fasten the ephod on him with its woven waistband. |
| 4 |
1 Peter 1:13 |
Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. |
| 5 |
Exodus 39:20–21 |
They made two additional gold rings and attached them to the bottom of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, on its front, near the seam just above its woven waistband. Then they tied the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue yarn, so that the breastpiece was above the waistband of the ephod and would not swing out from the ephod, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. |
| 6 |
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. |
| 7 |
Isaiah 11:5 |
Righteousness will be the belt around His hips, and faithfulness the sash around His waist. |
Exodus 28:8 Summary
Exodus 28:8 describes the waistband of the ephod, a special garment worn by the priest, which was carefully crafted from beautiful materials like gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. The waistband was made of one piece, symbolizing unity and wholeness, and reminding us of the importance of integrity in our own lives, as encouraged in Psalm 86:11. Just as the waistband was carefully woven, we are called to carefully cultivate our relationship with God, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40. By reflecting on this verse, we can learn to value unity, beauty, and attention to detail in our own spiritual journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the waistband of the ephod in Exodus 28:8?
The waistband represents the unity and wholeness of the priest's ministry, as it is made of one piece, symbolizing the cohesion of the priest's role in serving God, as seen in Exodus 28:6-14, and reflecting the unity of God's people, as expressed in Leviticus 26:11-12.
Why are specific materials, such as gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, used for the waistband?
These materials signify the richness and beauty of God's presence, as well as the priest's role in mediating between God and the people, as described in Exodus 25:1-8 and reflected in Revelation 21:18-21.
How does the craftsmanship of the waistband relate to the overall message of Exodus 28:8?
The skillful weaving of the waistband highlights the importance of careful attention to detail in serving God, as emphasized in Exodus 35:30-35, and demonstrates the value of human creativity and skill in worship, as seen in Psalm 90:17.
What can we learn from the description of the waistband being 'of one piece'?
This phrase teaches us about the importance of unity and integrity in our own lives, as followers of God, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:3-6, and reminds us that our service to God should be characterized by wholeness and cohesion, as expressed in Psalm 86:11.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of the waistband, carefully crafted and made of one piece, reveal to me about God's desire for unity and wholeness in my own life?
- How can I, like the priest, cultivate a sense of reverence and care in my service to God, as reflected in the meticulous craftsmanship of the waistband?
- What are some ways in which I can, like the materials used for the waistband, reflect the beauty and richness of God's presence in my daily life?
- How can I apply the principle of attention to detail, seen in the weaving of the waistband, to my own spiritual practices and service to God?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 28:8
And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it,.... Which was worn along with it, and went out from it like two thongs, as Jarchi says, which girt the ephod close to the back and breast: shall
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 28:8
And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work. Ephod.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 28:8
The girdle of the ephod was for the closer fastening and girding of it. Which is upon it: this is added to distinguish it from the other girdle, , which was to gird all the garments, and was tied in a lower place. Of the same; either, 1. Of the same piece; or rather, 2. Of the same kind of materials and workmanship, as the following words explain it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 28:8
(8) The curious girdle.—The word khésheb, which is thus translated, means properly “device,” “ornamental work,” and has not in itself the sense of “belt” or “girdle.” Still, there is no reason to doubt that the khêsheb of the ephod was in fact a girdle, as Josephus calls it (Ant. Jud., iii. 7, §4), though named from the peculiar skill displayed in its patterning. Josephus says it was “a girdle dyed of many hues, with gold interwoven in it.”Shall be of the same.—Not sewn on, but woven continuously with the front or back piece.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 28:8
Verse 8. The curious girdle of the ephod] The word חשב chesheb, rendered here curious girdle, signifies merely a kind of diaper, or embroidered work; (See Clarke on Exodus 26:1;) and it is widely different from אבנט abnet, which is properly translated girdle, Exodus 28:4. The meaning therefore of the text, according to some, is this, that the two pieces, Exodus 28:7, which connected the parts of the ephod at the shoulders where the onyx stones were set, should be of the same texture with the ephod itself, i.e., of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, embroidered together. But others suppose that some kind of a girdle is meant, different from the abnet, Exodus 28:39, being only of plain workmanship.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 28:8
8. And the artistically woven band (or simply, And the band: see below) of its attachment, which is upon it, shall be, &c.] ‘Artistically woven band’ is in the Heb. one word, ḥ ?ηsheb, cognate apparently with ḥ ?τshηb, ‘designer,’ v. 6. As however the entire ephod was to be of the same material, and the ḥ ?ηsheb was indeed to be of the same piece with it, it is not apparent why the term should be applied to this particular part of the entire fabric: hence many suppose ḥ ?ηsheb to be derived by metathesis from ḥ ?ηbesh (from ḥ ?βbash, to bind on), and to mean simply band (cf. kιsheb, and kιbesh, both = ‘lamb’). Whichever etymology be adopted, the general sense remains the same: the band, as the following words shew, was to be of the same work, and the same piece, as the ephod itself, though perhaps of a different pattern, so as to form a border along the bottom of the ephod. The word is used only of this band of the ephod: vv. 27, 28, Exodus 29:5 (|| Leviticus 8:7), Exodus 39:5; Exodus 39:20-21†. of its attachment] cognate with ‘ephod’; the word which in Isaiah 30:22 is rendered ‘plating’ (viz. of gold round an idol), probably lit. encasement. The rend. ‘to gird’ is not sufficiently distinctive.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 28:8
8. The curious girdle — By means of which the two pieces of the ephod were to be fastened about the body. These were of the same material as the rest. Comp. Exodus 28:6.
Sermons on Exodus 28:8
| Sermon | Description |
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The Tabernacle 10 the High Priest-ex.28:
by J. Henry Brown
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In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the high priest's breastplate and its connection to the communication with God. He mentions how the stones on the breastpl |
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(1 Peter - Part 11): Wherefore, Gird Up Your Minds and Be Sober
by A.W. Tozer
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and vigilant. He uses the analogy of a violinist who neglects to tune his instrument, resulting |
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Jude
by A.W. Tozer
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting the truth as it is. He encourages believers to build themselves up in their faith by reading a |
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The Election of Grace
by E.W. Johnson
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the Glorious Gospel in establishing the kingdom of mercy. He explains that God became man through the Virgin Mary to fulfi |
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Feeding 5000+
by Norman Meeten
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of responding to the word of God without argument. He highlights the repetition of certain events in the Bible, such as the fe |
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Christian Maturity
by Denny Kenaston
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of applying the Word of God in our lives. He encourages Christians to mature in their faith by allowing the Word of God to sha |
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Be Thou Holy
by Charles Anderson
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In this sermon, the speaker discusses the main subject of the Bible, which is man's reconciliation to God and redemption from sin through Christ. He emphasizes that the Bible tells |