Exodus 39:3

Exodus 39:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

They 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.

King James Version KJV

And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, with cunning work.

American Standard Version ASV

And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, the work of the skilful workman.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Hammering the gold into thin plates and cutting it into wires to be worked into the blue and the purple and the red and the linen by the designer.

Free Bible Version FBV

They hammered out thin sheets of gold and cut threads from them to weave in with the blue, purple, and scarlet thread, together with fine linen, all skillfully worked.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And they did beate the golde into thinne plates, and cut it into wiers, to worke it in ye blewe silke and in the purple, and in the skarlet, and in the fine linen, with broydred worke.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and they expand the plates of gold, and have cut off wires to work in the midst of the blue, and in the midst of the purple, and in the midst of the scarlet, and in the midst of the linen — work of a designer;

World English Bible WEB

They beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in with the blue, the purple, the scarlet, and the fine linen, the work of the skillful workman.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And they beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, with curious work.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

With embroidered work: and he cut thin plates of gold, and drew them small into threads, that they might be twisted with the woof of the aforesaid colours,

Translation for Translators T4T

They hammered some thin sheets of gold and cut them into thin strips which they embroidered into the fine linen and into the blue, purple, and red cloth.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 39:3

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 39:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַֽ/יְרַקְּע֞וּ אֶת פַּחֵ֣י הַ/זָּהָב֮ וְ/קִצֵּ֣ץ פְּתִילִם֒ לַ/עֲשׂ֗וֹת בְּ/ת֤וֹךְ הַ/תְּכֵ֨לֶת֙ וּ/בְ/ת֣וֹךְ הָֽ/אַרְגָּמָ֔ן וּ/בְ/ת֛וֹךְ תּוֹלַ֥עַת הַ/שָּׁנִ֖י וּ/בְ/ת֣וֹךְ הַ/שֵּׁ֑שׁ מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה חֹשֵֽׁב

וַֽ/יְרַקְּע֞וּ râqaʻ H7554 to beat Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

פַּחֵ֣י pach H6341 snare N-mp

הַ/זָּהָב֮ zâhâb H2091 gold Art | N-ms

וְ/קִצֵּ֣ץ qâtsats H7112 to cut Conj | V-Piel-Perf-3ms

פְּתִילִם֒ pâthîyl H6616 cord N-mp

לַ/עֲשׂ֗וֹת ʻâsâh H6213 to make Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

בְּ/ת֤וֹךְ tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms

הַ/תְּכֵ֨לֶת֙ tᵉkêleth H8504 blue Art | N-fs

וּ/בְ/ת֣וֹךְ tâvek H8432 midst Conj | Prep | N-ms

הָֽ/אַרְגָּמָ֔ן ʼargâmân H713 purple Art | N-ms

וּ/בְ/ת֛וֹךְ tâvek H8432 midst Conj | Prep | N-ms

תּוֹלַ֥עַת tôwlâʻ H8438 worm N-fs

הַ/שָּׁנִ֖י shânîy H8144 scarlet Art | N-ms

וּ/בְ/ת֣וֹךְ tâvek H8432 midst Conj | Prep | N-ms

הַ/שֵּׁ֑שׁ shêsh H8336 alabaster Art | N-ms

מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה maʻăseh H4639 deed N-ms

חֹשֵֽׁב châshab H2803 to devise V-Qal

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 39:3

וַֽ/יְרַקְּע֞וּ râqaʻ H7554 "to beat" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew verb means to beat or pound something, like metal, to shape or expand it. It is used to describe the process of making metal plates for the tabernacle in Exodus. The word also implies a sense of passion or strong emotion.

Definition: 1) to beat, stamp, beat out, spread out, stretch 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stamp, beat out 1a2) one who beats out (participle) 1b) (Piel) to overlay, beat out (for plating) 1c) (Pual) beaten out (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to make a spreading (of clouds)

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: beat, make broad, spread abroad (forth, over, out, into plates), stamp, stretch. See also: Exodus 39:3; Isaiah 40:19; Psalms 136:6.

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.

פַּחֵ֣י pach H6341 "snare" N-mp

This word refers to a thin, flat piece of metal, like a plate. It can also describe a net used for catching animals, spread out like a thin sheet of metal.

Definition: 1) bird trap, trap, snare 1a) bird trap (literal) 1b) of calamities, plots, source or agent of calamity (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: gin, (thin) plate, snare. See also: Exodus 39:3; Psalms 142:4; Psalms 11:6.

הַ/זָּהָב֮ zâhâb H2091 "gold" Art | 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.

וְ/קִצֵּ֣ץ qâtsats H7112 "to cut" Conj | V-Piel-Perf-3ms

This verb means to cut something off, either physically or figuratively. It is used in the Bible to describe cutting off a branch or a piece of wood, and also to describe being cut off from a group or community.

Definition: 1) to cut off 1a) (Qal) to cut off 1b) (Piel) to cut or hew off, cut in two, cut in pieces 1c) (Pual) to be cut or hewn off Aramaic equivalent: qe.tsats (קְצַץ "to cut" H7113)

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: cut (asunder, in pieces, in sunder, off), [idiom] utmost. See also: Exodus 39:3; 2 Kings 24:13; Psalms 46:10.

פְּתִילִם֒ pâthîyl H6616 "cord" N-mp

This word refers to a cord or thread, like something used for tying. It appears in Exodus 28:28, where it describes the threads used in priestly garments. It is a twisted thread or cord.

Definition: cord, thread (twisted)

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: bound, bracelet, lace, line, ribband, thread, wire. See also: Genesis 38:18; Exodus 39:21; Ezekiel 40:3.

לַ/עֲשׂ֗וֹת ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

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.

בְּ/ת֤וֹךְ tâvek H8432 "midst" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)

Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.

הַ/תְּכֵ֨לֶת֙ tᵉkêleth H8504 "blue" Art | 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.

וּ/בְ/ת֣וֹךְ tâvek H8432 "midst" Conj | Prep | N-ms

This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.

הָֽ/אַרְגָּמָ֔ן ʼargâmân H713 "purple" Art | 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.

וּ/בְ/ת֛וֹךְ tâvek H8432 "midst" Conj | Prep | N-ms

This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.

תּוֹלַ֥עַת tôwlâʻ H8438 "worm" 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.

הַ/שָּׁנִ֖י shânîy H8144 "scarlet" Art | 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.

וּ/בְ/ת֣וֹךְ tâvek H8432 "midst" Conj | Prep | N-ms

This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.

הַ/שֵּׁ֑שׁ shêsh H8336 "alabaster" Art | N-ms

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.

מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה 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.

חֹשֵֽׁב 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.

Study Notes — Exodus 39:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 39:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 39:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 39:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 39:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 39:3
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 39:3
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 39:3
Sermons on Exodus 39:3

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.

4They made shoulder pieces for the ephod, which were attached at two of its corners, so it could be fastened. 5And the skillfully woven waistband of the ephod was of one piece with the ephod, of the same workmanship—with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 36:8	All the skilled craftsmen among the workmen made the ten curtains for the tabernacle. They were made of finely spun linen, as well as blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them.
2	Exodus 26:1	“You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, each with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and cherubim skillfully worked into them.

Exodus 39:3 Summary

In Exodus 39:3, the craftsmen are making beautiful clothes for the priests to wear when they worship God. They take thin sheets of gold and cut them into threads, then weave them together with other colorful threads to make something truly special. This shows us that when we use our talents and skills to serve God, we can create something beautiful and pleasing to Him, just like the Psalmist says in Psalm 100:2, 'Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.' It's a reminder that our work, when done with excellence and love, can be a form of worship to God, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24, where it says 'Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.'

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to hammer out thin sheets of gold in Exodus 39:3?

In Exodus 39:3, hammering out thin sheets of gold refers to the process of beating gold into thin leaves or threads, which were then cut and interwoven with other materials to create intricate designs, as seen in Exodus 28:6-14 where God commands Moses to make a breastpiece for Aaron.

Why were the craftsmen so skilled in their work?

The craftsmen were skilled because God had filled them with the Spirit of God, giving them wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts, as mentioned in Exodus 35:30-35, where Bezalel is described as a skilled craftsman.

What is the significance of interweaving gold threads with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn?

The interweaving of gold threads with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn symbolizes the union of divine and human elements, as well as the beauty and richness of God's creation, reflecting the description of the tabernacle in Exodus 25:1-22, where God gives Moses instructions on how to build it.

How does this verse relate to our lives as Christians?

This verse reminds us of the importance of excellence and skill in our work, as we are called to be good stewards of the gifts and talents God has given us, as mentioned in Matthew 25:14-30, where Jesus teaches about the parable of the talents.

Reflection Questions

What does the image of hammering out thin sheets of gold evoke in my heart, and how can I apply this to my own walk with God?
In what ways can I, like the skilled craftsmen, use my gifts and talents to create something beautiful for God's glory?
How can I balance the 'gold' of divine guidance with the 'blue, purple, and scarlet yarn' of human effort in my daily life?
What does the attention to detail in this verse teach me about the character of God, and how can I reflect this in my own life?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 39:3

[See comments on Exodus 39:2].

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 39:3

And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, with cunning work.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 39:3

(3) They did beat the gold into thin plates and cut it into wires.—This very primitive method of forming gold thread is nowhere else mentioned. It implies a ruder state of the art of metallurgy than we should have expected. To work it in the blue.—The blue, the purple, the scarlet, and the white linen thread were woven into a patterned fabric. The gold was inserted afterwards in the way of embroidery. A similar practice prevailed in Egypt (Wilkinson, Ancient Egyptians, vol. iii., p. 128).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 39:3

Verse 3. They did beat the gold into thin plates] For the purpose, as it is supposed, of cutting it into wires (פתילם) or threads; for to twist or twine is the common acceptation of the root פתל pathal. I cannot suppose that the Israelites had not then the art of making gold thread, as they possessed several ornamental arts much more difficult: but in the present instance, figures made in a more solid form than that which could have been effected by gold thread, might have been required.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 39:3

3. As far as fine linen, an addition, not in Exodus 28:6, explaining how the gold was used; it was beaten into thin plates, and these were then cut into narrow strips, forming wires or threads, which were worked in with the variously coloured yarns (Exodus 35:25). Cf. Wilk.-B. ii. 166 f. beat] cf. Numbers 16:38-39. The verb is the one from which râḳ ?îa‘, ‘firmament,’ lit. something beaten out, is derived. the cunning workman] the designer, or pattern-weaver.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 39:3

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 39:3

	Sermon	Description
	(Exodus) Exodus 26:1-14 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the different coverings of the tabernacle in the Bible. The first covering, made of fine twine and linen, represents the b
	(Exodus) Exodus 37:1-29 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the structure and symbolism of the tabernacle in the Bible. The tabernacle had three compartments and three entrances: the outer court, the ho
	Through the Bible - Exodus - Part 2 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tabernacle described in the book of Exodus. He explains that the tabernacle is a picture of the body of Christ, with believers closely hel
	Prayer Summit - Part 6 by Gerhard Dutoit by Gerhard Du Toit	This sermon delves into the significance of prayer in the Word of God, emphasizing the importance of developing intimacy with God through prayer passages in the New Testament. It e
	The Tabernacle 11 the Curtains by J. Henry Brown	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tabernacle as a model of what was in the wilderness. He explains that the tabernacle represents Christ personally and corporately. The spe
	From the Exodus Out of Egypt to the Rejection of the Generation by Flavius Josephus	Flavius Josephus describes the construction of the tabernacle and the garments of the priests, highlighting the intricate details and symbolic meanings behind each element. The tab