King James Version

What Does Exodus 26:1 Mean?

Exodus 26:1 in the King James Version says “Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet : with... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet : with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them. of cunning: Heb. the work of a cunning workman, or, embroiderer

Exodus 26:1 · KJV


Context

1

Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet : with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them. of cunning: Heb. the work of a cunning workman, or, embroiderer

2

The length of one curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of the curtains shall have one measure.

3

The five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and other five curtains shall be coupled one to another.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ten curtains of fine twined linen with cherubim embroidered in blue, purple, and scarlet form the tabernacle's inner covering. The linen represents righteousness (Revelation 19:8); the colors heaven (blue), royalty (purple), and sacrifice (scarlet). Cherubim woven throughout picture the heavenly reality—angels surrounding God's throne. This innermost layer, seen only by ministering priests, reflects the heavenly pattern Moses saw. Christ is our true tabernacle, containing all heavenly realities (Hebrews 8:2).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These curtains formed the ceiling and inner walls of the Holy Place and Most Holy Place. Made of the finest Egyptian linen, each was approximately 42 feet long and 6 feet wide, requiring skilled weavers to create the complex cherubim patterns.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the cherubim-embroidered ceiling represent worshipers gathering under heaven's watch?
  2. In what ways is Christ the 'true tabernacle' of which this was merely a copy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְאֶת1 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֥ן2 of 16

the tabernacle

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה3 of 16

Moreover thou shalt make

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עֶ֣שֶׂר4 of 16

with ten

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

יְרִיעֹ֑ת5 of 16

curtains

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

שֵׁ֣שׁ6 of 16

linen

H8336

bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble

מָשְׁזָ֗ר7 of 16

of fine twined

H7806

to twist (a thread of straw)

וּתְכֵ֤לֶת8 of 16

and blue

H8504

the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith

וְאַרְגָּמָן֙9 of 16

and purple

H713

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

וְתֹלַ֣עַת10 of 16
H8438

a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl

שָׁנִ֔י11 of 16

and scarlet

H8144

crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it

כְּרֻבִ֛ים12 of 16

with cherubims

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ה13 of 16

work

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

חֹשֵׁ֖ב14 of 16

of cunning

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה15 of 16

Moreover thou shalt make

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֹתָֽם׃16 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 26:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 26:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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