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Exodus 28:5 - Priestly garments' divine colors

Exodus 28:5 - שמות 28:5

Hebrew Text

וְהֵם יִקְחוּ אֶת־הַזָּהָב וְאֶת־הַתְּכֵלֶת וְאֶת־הָאַרְגָּמָן וְאֶת־תּוֹלַעַת הַשָּׁנִי וְאֶת־הַשֵּׁשׁ׃

English Translation

And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.

Transliteration

Vehem yikchu et-hazahav ve'et-hatechelet ve'et-ha'argaman ve'et-tola'at hasheni ve'et-hashesh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהֵם֙ יִקְח֣וּ אֶת־הַזָּהָ֔ב וְאֶת־הַתְּכֵ֖לֶת וְאֶת־הָֽאַרְגָּמָ֑ן וְאֶת־תּוֹלַ֥עַת הַשָּׁנִ֖י וְאֶת־הַשֵּֽׁשׁ׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וְהֵם֙ יִקְח֣וּ אֶת־הַזָּהָ֔ב וְאֶת־הַתְּכֵ֖לֶת וְאֶת־הָֽאַרְגָּמָ֑ן וְאֶת־תּוֹלַ֥עַת הַשָּׁנִ֖י וְאֶת־הַשֵּֽׁשׁ׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Source and Context

This verse appears in Shemot (Exodus) 28:5, detailing the materials to be used in crafting the priestly garments (bigdei kehunah) for Aharon and his sons. The verse lists five materials: gold (zahav), blue (techelet), purple (argaman), scarlet (tola'at shani), and fine linen (shesh). These materials were essential for the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and the garments of the Kohanim, symbolizing sanctity and divine service.

Symbolism of the Materials

Traditional commentators explain that each material carries deep spiritual significance:

  • Gold (Zahav): Rashi (Exodus 28:5) notes that gold represents splendor and majesty, fitting for the sacred garments. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8:13) emphasizes that gold was used to overlay threads, symbolizing the enduring and elevated nature of the priesthood.
  • Blue (Techelet): The Talmud (Menachot 43b) teaches that techelet resembles the sea, which reflects the sky, and ultimately the Kisei HaKavod (Divine Throne), reminding the wearer of heavenly obligations.
  • Purple (Argaman): Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 11) associates argaman with royalty, signifying the dignity of the Kohanim as servants of Hashem.
  • Scarlet (Tola'at Shani): The color red, derived from a worm, symbolizes humility and repentance, as the Kohanim must approach their service with a contrite heart (Zohar, Terumah 152a).
  • Fine Linen (Shesh): The Ibn Ezra (Exodus 28:5) explains that linen represents purity, as it is a simple, unadulterated material, free from mixtures (unlike wool).

Spiritual Lessons

The combination of these materials teaches that divine service requires a balance of qualities:

  • Majesty and Humility: Gold and scarlet together remind the Kohen to serve with both dignity and humility.
  • Heavenly and Earthly Connection: Techelet (heavenly blue) and shesh (earthly linen) signify the Kohen's role in bridging the spiritual and physical worlds.

Practical Halachic Considerations

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 9:5) and later poskim discuss the importance of these colors in tzitzit, connecting the priestly garments to everyday mitzvot. The absence of techelet today (due to its lost source) is a reminder of the incomplete state of the Temple service, as noted by the Chatam Sofer.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 71b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the materials used for the priestly garments and the Tabernacle.
📖 Menachot 42b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the materials required for the making of the priestly garments and the Tabernacle's curtains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do the materials in Exodus 28:5 represent?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, the gold, blue (techelet), purple (argaman), scarlet (tola'at shani), and fine linen (shesh) were materials used for making the Kohen Gadol's (High Priest's) garments. Each material had symbolic meaning—gold represented royalty, techelet resembled the sea and heaven (reminding us of divine presence), and scarlet atoned for sins (as the red dye came from a worm, symbolizing humility).
Q: Why were these specific colors chosen for the Kohen Gadol's clothing?
A: The Midrash teaches that the colors correspond to different spiritual concepts: blue (techelet) represents heaven and divine connection, purple (argaman) signifies royalty, and scarlet (tola'at shani) symbolizes atonement and humility. The fine linen (shesh) represents purity. Together, they reflect the Kohen Gadol's role in connecting the Jewish people to Hashem.
Q: What is the significance of 'techelet' (blue) in this verse?
A: Techelet (blue dye) was a special color derived from the chilazon (a sea creature). The Talmud (Menachot 43b) explains that techelet resembles the sea and sky, reminding us of Hashem's presence. It was used in tzitzit (fringes) and the Kohen Gadol's garments to inspire awe and mindfulness of mitzvot.
Q: How does Exodus 28:5 apply to us today?
A: Although we no longer have the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) or the Kohen Gadol's garments, the message remains relevant. The colors teach us about humility (scarlet), divine connection (blue), and spiritual elevation (gold and purple). Many also see a connection to the mitzvah of tzitzit, which includes a thread of techelet (when available) as a daily reminder of Torah values.
Q: Why was gold included in the Kohen Gadol's clothing?
A: Gold, the most precious metal, symbolized the honor and sanctity of the Kohen Gadol's role. The Rambam explains that the splendor of the garments elevated the status of the service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Gold also represents spiritual refinement, as it must be purified through fire, just as a leader must refine their character.