This verse, which introduces the chapter in a general way, is a summary of 28.4-5. The blue and purple and scarlet stuff is frequently repeated in the same form, with the word stuff added for clarity. (See the comment at 25.4.) The usual reference to “fine twined linen,” however, is omitted in this case. They made refers to Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other skilled workers mentioned in 36.1. Finely wrought garments, literally “clothes of serad,” is translated in various ways, since the meaning of serad is not clear. (See the comment at 31.10.) Good News Translation‘s “magnificent garments,” or Contemporary English Version‘s “Beautiful priestly clothes,” provide safe models.

For ministering in the holy place, literally “to serve in the holy [place],” uses the same word for “serve” as 28.35. (See the comment there and at 28.43.) The holy garments were not different from the finely wrought garments, but the expression is used for clothing that was specifically for Aaron, as in 28.2. As the LORD had commanded Moses is literally “just as Yahweh commanded Moses.” The use of the English pluperfect, with had, helps to place the actual command of Yahweh at an earlier time, specifically in chapter 28.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .