Exodus 25:4 — Word Study
WLCוּתְכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י וְשֵׁ֥שׁ וְעִזִּֽים׃
BSAbluetᵉkêleth [violet, obtained from a mussel] purpleʼargâmân [royal color] and scarlet yarntôwlâʻ [deep red, crimson] fine linenshêsh [luxurious, white cloth] and goat hairʻêz [she-goat, kid]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וּתְכֵ֧לֶת | and violet stuff | Conjunction, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן | and purple | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וְתוֹלַ֥עַת | and scarlet stuff of | Conjunction, noun common feminine singular construct |
| שָׁנִ֖י | scarlet | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| וְשֵׁ֥שׁ | and fine linen | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וְעִזִּֽים׃ | and goat hair | Conjunction, noun common masculine plural absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair; |
| KJV | And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair, |
| ASV | and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair, |
| YLT | and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and linen, and goats' [hair], |
| WEB | blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats’ hair, |
| BBE | And blue and purple and red, and the best linen, and goats' hair; |
The translations agree on the materials listed in this verse — see How Translations Differ.
The verse is a single main clause listing various materials, emphasizing their significance in the context of the Tabernacle.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Exodus 25:4
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Offerings for the Tabernaclegenerated
Exodus 25:4 is part of God's detailed instructions to Moses regarding the materials needed for the construction of the Tabernacle. This verse emphasizes the importance of specific colors and fabrics, which were to be used in the priestly garments and the sacred space, reflecting the beauty and holiness of the worship of God. The materials listed here, including blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, are not just functional but also carry deep symbolic meaning, representing royalty, sacrifice, and the divine presence.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 41:42 | Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 16:10 | I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of fine leather. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk. |
| 3 | 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. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 3 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — תְּכֵלֶת, u.te.Khe.letgenerated
The word תְּכֵלֶת (tekhélet) is a feminine noun meaning blue or violet, specifically derived from a dye obtained from a certain type of mussel. This color was highly valued in ancient Israel and was used in the garments of priests and the Tabernacle, indicating its significance in religious practices.
This term is often associated with the idea of richness and beauty in biblical texts. The parsing as a singular absolute noun indicates its use as a specific item in the list of materials, highlighting its importance in the context of worship and offerings.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The verse is rendered in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The structure of the verse is straightforward, listing a series of noun phrases that describe the materials. The finite verb is implied in the context of the offerings being presented, with each phrase contributing to the overall list of items needed.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the specific materials, with conjunctions linking each item, creating a rhythm that underscores the importance of each color and fabric in the worship setting.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the word for blue is rendered as ὑάκινθον (hyakinthon), which reflects a similar hue but may carry different connotations in the Greek context. This choice indicates a broader understanding of the color and its significance in the ancient world.
The other colors are translated with words that align closely with their meanings in Hebrew, maintaining the rich symbolism associated with these materials.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Exodus 25:4 lists the materials needed for the Tabernacle, including blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, fine linen, and goat hair. Each of these materials has a specific purpose and significance in the context of worship, reflecting the beauty and holiness of the offerings made to God.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The colors blue, purple, and scarlet symbolize richness, royalty, and sacrifice, respectively, and are significant in the context of the priestly garments.
Fine linen represents purity and is often associated with the garments worn by priests, emphasizing the holiness required in worship.
Goat hair was used for its durability and practicality, making it suitable for the coverings of the Tabernacle, which needed to withstand the elements.
These materials reflect the beauty, richness, and holiness of the Tabernacle, which was the dwelling place of God among His people.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What do the colors mentioned in this verse teach us about the nature of God and worship?
- How can we apply the symbolism of these materials in our own lives today?
- In what ways do we see beauty and holiness reflected in our worship practices?
- How does understanding the significance of these materials enhance our appreciation of the Tabernacle?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Gregory the Dialogist references this verse to discuss the importance of being zealous for the spiritual life of others.
It is very necessary that when we are moved by compunction concerning ourselves, we also be zealous for the life of those entrusted to us.Early Church Fathers on Exodus 25 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Exodus 25:4 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd blue, and purple, and scarlet,.... The Jewish doctors are much divided about the sense of the words so rendered by us; some will have one colour, and some another meant; but, according to those
Read John Gill on Exodus 25 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, Blue , [ uwtkeelet (H8504)] - from a shellfish, Helix Ianthina (Linnoeus), a species of mussel found in the Mediterranean, with a
Read Robert Jamieson on Exodus 25 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleBlue, or sky-coloured; but here you must not understand the mere colours, which could not be offered, but some materials proper for the work, and of the colours here mentioned, to wit, wool, or threads, or some suchlike things, as appears from , and from the testimony of the Jews. Fine linen, which was of great esteem in ancient times, and used by priests and great officers of state. See ,14. Goats’ hair; Heb. goats. But that their hair is understood, is apparent from the nature of the thing, and from the use of the word in that sense in other places.
Read Matthew Poole on Exodus 25 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsExodus 25:4 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ [hair],Ver. 4. And blue, and purple, and scarlet,] i.e., Wool dyed with these colours; to teach the Church that both themselves and their actions should be washed and dyed in the blood of Christ.
Read John Trapp on Exodus 25 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(4) And blue, and purple, and scarlet.—The colours intended are probably a dark blue produced from indigo, which was the only blue known to the Egyptians, a purplish crimson derived from the murex trunculus, the main source of the “Tyrian dye” of the ancients, and a scarlet furnished by the coccus ilicis, or cochineal insect of the holm oak, which was largely employed in antiquity, though now superseded by the brighter tint obtained from the coccus cacti of Mexico. Linen yarn of the three colours mentioned seems to have been what the people were asked to furnish (Exodus 35:25; Exodus 39:1). Fine linen—i.e., white thread spun from flax, which is found to be the material of almost all the…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Exodus 25 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 4. Blue] תכלת techeleth, generally supposed to mean an azure or sky colour; rendered by the Septuagint ὑακινθον, and by the Vulgate hyacinthum, a sky-blue or deep violet. Purple] ארגמן argaman, a very precious colour, extracted from the purpura or murex, a species of shell-fish, from which it is supposed the famous Tyrian purple came, so costly, and so much celebrated in antiquity. See this largely described, and the manner of dyeing it, in Pliny, Hist. Nat., lib. ix., c. 60-65, edit. Bipont. Scarlet] תולעת tolaath, signifies a worm, of which this colouring matter was made; and, joined with שני shani, which signifies to repeat or double, implies that to strike this colour the wool or…
Read AdamClarke on Exodus 25 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges4. Materials spun or woven. blue] more exactly, purple-blue (LXX. ὑάκινθος, ὑακίνθινος, ‘dark blue’), or violet (Esther 1:6 AV.), i.e. yarn or stump so coloured by means of a dye obtained from a shell-fish, found adhering to rocks in the Medit. Sea (cf. Ezekiel 27:7), and said to be the Helix Ianthina (Ges. Thes. 1503; DB. i. 457a). Both this and the next named stuff were highly prized in antiquity, on account of their costliness and brilliancy. Violet is mostly mentioned in connexion with the Tent of meeting: but see also Jeremiah 10:9, Ezekiel 23:7; Ezekiel 27:7; Ezekiel 27:24, Esther 1:6; Esther 8:15, Sir 6:30. purple] more exactly, purple-red (LXX. πορφύρα), a dye extracted from a small…
Read Cambridge on Exodus 25 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible4. Blue, and purple, and scarlet — The exact colours, tints, or shades denoted by the Hebrew words thus translated it is now hardly possible to determine with absolute certainty.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Exodus 25 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair;
blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats’ hair,
blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair;
blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goat’s hair,
Tyndale line
And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair,
and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair,
and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair;
And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair.
And blewe silke, and purple, and skarlet, and fine linnen, and goates heare,
Strictly literal
and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and byssus, and goats' [hair],
and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and linen, and goats' [hair],
and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and linen, and goats’ [hair],
And blue, and purple, and scarlet yarn, and linen thread, and goats' hair,
blue, purple, and scarlet material; fine linen; goats' hair;
From the Latin
Violet and purple, and scarlet twice dyed, and fine linen, and goats’ hair,
Simplified
blue, purple, and crimson thread; finely-spun linen and goat hair;
And blue and purple and red, and the best linen, and goats' hair;
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text is supported by the Septuagint and the Samaritan Pentateuch, which agree word for word with the Hebrew text in this verse. This consistency across ancient witnesses underscores the reliability of the text in its description of the materials for the Tabernacle.
וּתְכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י וְשֵׁ֥שׁ וְעִזִּֽים׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
תכלת וארגמן ותולעת שׁני ושׁשׁ ועזים
Agrees with the Masoretic Text here, word for word.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Exodus 25:4
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
תְּכֵ֫לֶת (tekhelet) refers to a violet color, specifically associated with violet thread and fabric. The term may also encompass a broader spectrum, including blue hues. It is linked to the cerulean mussel, which produces the dye used for this color. The entries consistently emphasize its connection to both violet and blue.
תְּכֵ֫לֶת 48 n.f. violet, i.e. violet thread and stuff
base
H8504 תְּכֵ֫לֶת violet, i.e. violet thread and stuff
8504 tkeleth tek-ay'-leth
probably for 7827; the cerulean mussel, i.e. the color
(violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith:--blue.
see HEBREW for 07827
תְּכֵ֫לֶת (te.khe.let) — blue.
1) violet, violet stuff
1a) violet thread
1b) violet stuff or fabric
2) (TWOT) blue (covering spectrum from brilliant red through deep purple)
Conj | N-fs — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular absoluteHC/Ncfsa
stuf (keli; skeuos): "Material" for any purpose (Eze 12:3,4,7); or "supplies" in a more general sense (Ex 36:7, Hebrew mela'-khah; compare the King James Version, the English Revised Version 1Sa 10:22; 25:13; 30:24 (the American Standard Revised Version substitutes "baggage")); frequently, "household possessions" (Ge 31:37; 45:20; Ex 22:7; Jos 7:11; Ne 13:8; /RAPC Jdt 16:19; the King James Version Judith 15:11 (skeuasmata, the Revised Version (British and American) "furniture"); the King James Version
אַרְגָּמָן (argaman) refers to the color purple or the dyed material itself, specifically purple thread and cloth. The entries indicate that it encompasses shades of purple and red-purple, with a focus on its use in textiles.
אַרְגָּמָן n.[m.] purple, red-purple, i.e. purple thread & cloth
base
H713 אַרְגָּמָן purple
713 'argaman ar-gaw-mawn'
of foreign origin; purple (the color or the dyed
stuff):--purple.
אַרְגָּמָן (ar.ga.man) — purple.
purple, red-purple
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Ncmsa
pur'-p'-l ('argaman; Chaldaic 'argewan (2Ch 2:7); compare Arabic 'urjuwan, and Persian 'arghawan; porphura, porphureos Septuagint and New Testament)):
Purple dye was manufactured by the Phoenicians from a marine mollusk, Murex trunculus. The shell was broken in order to give access to a small gland which was removed and crushed. The crushed gland gives a milky fluid that becomes red or purple on exposure to the air. Piles of these broken shells still remain on the coast at Sidon and Tyre. The purple gland is found in various species of Murex and also of Purpura.
Purple cloth was used in the furnishings of the tabernacle (Ex 25:4, etc.) and of Solomon's temple (2Ch 2:14; 3:14); in the palanquin of Solomon (
The famous and costly Tyrian purple, the royal color of the ancients, is said to have been discovered by the Tyrian Hercules, whose dog having by chance eaten a shellfish called Purpura, and returning to his master with his lips tinged with a purple color, occasioned the discovery of this precious dye. Purple, however, is much more ancient than this, since we find it mentioned by Moses in several places. Two kinds of purple are mentioned in the Old Testament:
1. Argamon, rendered in our version "purple," denoting a reddish purple obtained from a species of muscle or shellfish found on the coasts of the Mediterranean.
2. Techieleth, rendered in the English Bible "blue." This was a bluish or cerulean purple, likewise obtained from another species of shellfish. The "scarlet" or "crimson," for the two words denote essentially the same color, was produced from the coccus in sect, coccus…
תּוֹלָע (towla') refers to a worm, specifically the crimson-grub from which scarlet dye is made. It can also denote scarlet stuff or crimson color derived from this worm. The feminine forms תּוֹלֵעָה (towle'ah) and תּוֹלַ֫עַת (tolai'ath) also mean worm. The entries indicate a connection between the worm and the dye used in textiles.
תּוֹלָע n.[m.] worm, scarlet stuff
base
תּוֹלֵעָה, תּוֹלַ֫עַת 40 n.f. worm
base
H8438a תּוֹלָע worm, scarlet stuff H8438b תּוֹלֵעָה, תּוֹלַ֫עַת worm
8438 towla` to-law'
and (feminine) towleoah {to-lay-aw'}; or towla ath
{to-lah'-ath}; or tolaiath {to-lah'-ath}; from 3216; a maggot
(as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of 8144) the
crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color
from it, and cloths dyed therewith:--crimson, scarlet, worm.
see HEBREW for 03216
see HEBREW for 08144
תּוֹלָע (to.la) — worm.
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)
תּוֹלֵעָה (to.le.ah) — worm.
1) worm, maggot
1a) worm, grub
1b) the worm "coccus ilicis"
Conj | N-cs — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular constructHC/Ncfsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
שָׁנִי (shaniy) refers to the color scarlet or crimson, derived from the insect coccus ilicis, which produces a dye. The entries indicate it can refer both to the insect itself and to the fabric dyed with its coloring matter.
שָׁנִי 42 n.[m.] scarlet (prop. coccus ilicis, which attaches itself to leaves and twigs of quercus coccifera; the dried body of female yields colouring matter)
base
H8144 שָׁנִי scarlet (prop. coccus ilicis, which attaches itself to leaves and twigs of quercus coccifera; the dried body of female yields colouring matter)
8144 shaniy shaw-nee'
of uncertain derivation; crimson, properly, the insect or its
color, also stuff dyed with it:--crimson, scarlet (thread).
שָׁנִי (sha.ni) — scarlet.
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
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
skar'-let.
See COLORS; DYEING.
Scarlet
This dye was obtained by the Egyptians from the shell-fish Carthamus tinctorius; and by the Hebrews from the Coccus ilicis, an insect which infests oak trees, called kermes by the Arabians.
This colour was early known (Gen. 38:28). It was one of the colours of the ephod (Ex. 28:6), the girdle (8), and the breastplate (15) of the high priest. It is also mentioned in various other connections (Josh. 2:18; 2 Sam. 1:24; Lam. 4:5; Nahum 2:3). A scarlet robe was in mockery placed on our Lord (Matt. 27:28;
[COLORS]
A color much prized by the ancients, Ex 25:4 26:1,31,36. It is assigned as a merit of Saul, that he clothed the daughters of Israel in scarlet, 2Sa 1:24. So the diligent and virtuous woman is said to clothe her household in scarlet, Pr 31:21. The depth and strength of the color are alluded to in Isa 1:18; and it is used as a symbol of profligacy in Re 17:3,4. This color was obtained from the Coccus Ilicis of Linnaeus, a small insect found on the leaves of a species of oak, the Quercus Cocciferus, in Spain and the countries on the eastern part of the Mediterranean, which was used by the ancients for dyeing a beautiful…
שֵׁשׁ (shesh) refers to fine materials, primarily white linen or byssus, often associated with Egyptian textiles. It can also denote alabaster or similar stones like marble, indicating a range of meanings related to both fabric and stone. The entries suggest a connection to bleached or fine materials, but there is no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
שֵׁשׁ n.m. id. [שַׁ֫יִשׁ]; material of pavement
base
שֵׁשׁ n.m. byssus, fine Egyptian linen
base
H8336a שֵׁשׁ id. [שַׁ֫יִשׁ] H8336b שֵׁשׁ byssus, fine Egyptian linen
8336 shesh shaysh
or (for alliteration with 4897) shshiy {shesh-ee'}; for 7893;
bleached stuff, i.e. white linen or (by analogy) marble:--X
blue, fine ((twined)) linen, marble, silk.
see HEBREW for 04897
see HEBREW for 07893
שֵׁשׁ (shesh) — alabaster.
alabaster, similar stone, marble, material of pavement
שֵׁשׁ (shesh) — linen.
something bleached white, byssus, linen, fine linen
Conj | Adj — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Ncmsa
lin'-en (badh, "white linen," used chiefly for priestly robes, buts, "byssus," a fine white Egyptian linen, called in the earlier writings shesh; pesheth, "flax," cadhin; bussos, othonion, linon, sindon): Thread or cloth made of flax.
1. History:
Ancient Egypt was noted for its fine linen (Ge 41:42; Isa 19:9). From it a large export trade was carried on with surrounding nations, including the Hebrews, who early learned the art of spinning from the Egyptians (Ex 35:25) and continued to rely on them for the finest linen (Pr 7:16; Eze 27:7). The culture of flax in Palestine probably antedated the conquest, for in
Linen
(1.) Heb., pishet, pishtah, denotes “flax,” of which linen is made (Isa. 19:9); wrought flax, i.e., “linen cloth”, Lev. 13:47, 48, 52, 59; Deut. 22:11.
Flax was early cultivated in Egypt (Ex. 9:31), and also in Palestine (Josh. 2:6; Hos. 2:9). Various articles were made of it: garments (2 Sam. 6:14), girdles (Jer. 13:1), ropes and thread (Ezek. 40:3), napkins (
cloth made from flax. Several different Hebrew words are rendered linen, which may denote different fabrics of linen or different modes of manufacture. Egypt was the great centre of the linen trade. Some linen, made form the Egyptian byssus , a flax that grew on the banks of the Nile, was exceedingly soft and of dazzling whiteness. This linen has been sold for twice its weight in gold. Sir J.G. Wilkinson says of it, "The quality of the fine linen fully justifies all the praises of antiquity, and excites equal admiration at the present day, being to the touch comparable to silk, and not inferior in texture to our finest cambric."
As is well known, is made of the fine fibers of flax, and was much used by the ancients. Four different words in Hebrew are translated in our Bible, "Linen," "fine linen," and "silk:" PISHTAH, Jud 15:14 Eze 44:17,18; BAD, worn by the priests, Ex 28:42 39:28, and by king David, etc., 2Sa 6:14; SHESH, worn by Joseph when governor of Egypt, Ge 41:42, and by the virtuous woman in Pr 31:22, (see SILK;) and BUTZ, of which the veil of the temple and David’s outer mantle were made,
עֵז (ez) refers to a she-goat or female goat, and can also denote a kid. It is derived from a root meaning strength, and in the plural form, it can refer to goats in general or goat's hair. The word appears in various contexts in the Old Testament.
עֵז 74 n.f. she-goat
base
H5795 עֵז she-goat
5795 `ez aze
from 5810; a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural
(which also is used ellipt. for goat's hair):--(she) goat,
kid.
see HEBREW for 05810
עֵז (ez) — goat.
female goat, she-goat, goat, kid
Aramaic equivalent: ez (עֵז "goat" H5796)
Conj | N-fp — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural absoluteHC/Ncmpa
har (se`ar, sa`ar, Aramaic se`ar, and their derivatives; thrix, gen. case trichos, kome):
1. Hair Fashions:
Hair was worn in different fashions by the Orientals of Biblical times, and not always in the same way among the same people in different epochs. We know this clearly from Egyptian literature and monuments, as well as from the writings of Greek authors (especially Herodotus), that the dwellers on the Nile had their heads shaved in early youth, leaving but a side lock until maturity was attained, when this mark of childhood was taken away. Priests and warriors kept their heads closely shaved; nothing but the exigencies of arduous warfare were allowed to interfere with this custom. On the other hand, the Hebrew people, like their Babylonian neighbors (Herod. i.195), affected long and well-cared-for, bushy curls of hair as emblems of manly beauty. Proofs thereof are not infrequent in…
Hair
(1.) The Egyptians let the hair of their head and beard grow only when they were in mourning, shaving it off at other times. “So particular were they on this point that to have neglected it was a subject of reproach and ridicule; and whenever they intended to convey the idea of a man of low condition, or a slovenly person, the artists represented him with a beard.” Joseph shaved himself before going in to Pharoah (Gen. 41:14). The women of Egypt wore their hair long and plaited. Wigs were worn by priests and laymen to cover the shaven skull, and false beards were common. The great masses of hair seen in the portraits and statues of kings and priests are thus altogether artificial.
(2.) A precisely opposite practice, as regards men, prevailed among the Assyrians. In Assyrian sculptures the hair always appears long, and combed…
The Hebrews were fully alive to the importance of the hair as an element of personal beauty. Long hair was admired in the case of young men. (2 Samuel 14:26) In times of affliction the hair was altogether cut off. (Isaiah 3:17,24; 15:2; Jeremiah 7:29) Tearing the hair (Ezra 9:3) and letting it go dishevelled were similar tokens of grief. The usual and favorite color of the hair was black, (Solomon 5:11) as is indicated in the comparisons in (Solomon 1:5; 4:1) a similar hue is probably intended by the purple of (Solomon 7:6) Pure white hair was deemed characteristic of the divine Majesty. (Daniel 7:9; Revelation 1:14) The…
The Jewish men, except Nazarites, Nu 6:5,9, and cases like that of Absalom, 2Sa 14:26, cut their hair moderately short, 1Co 11:14, and applied fragrant ointments to it, Ex 30:30-33 Ps 23:5 Ec 9:8. In mourning they wholly neglected it, or shaved it close, or plucked it out by handfuls, Jer 7:29. Women prized a fine head of hair, and plaited, perfumed, and decked it in many ways, Isa 3:18,24 1Co 11:15, so much…