King James Version

What Does Exodus 35:7 Mean?

Exodus 35:7 in the King James Version says “And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,”

Exodus 35:7 · KJV

Context

5

Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,

6

And blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine linen, and goats' hair,

7

And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,

8

And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,

9

And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Rams' skins dyed red (עֹרֹת אֵילִם מְאָדָּמִים, orot eilim me'addamim) and badgers' skins (עֹרֹת תְּחָשִׁים, orot techashim) provided protective coverings. The red-dyed rams' skins evoke substitutionary sacrifice—rams throughout Scripture symbolize sacrificial atonement (Genesis 22, Leviticus 16). The outer covering of badger/dugong skins was plain and protective, concealing the glory within, much as Christ's humanity veiled His divine glory (Isaiah 53:2).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The exact identity of techashim remains debated—possibly dugongs from the Red Sea, or a leather processed to be water-resistant. These durable outer coverings protected the tabernacle during desert wanderings, demonstrating practical design alongside symbolic meaning.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the progression from glorious inner materials to plain outer coverings teach about spiritual realities versus external appearances?
  2. How does the use of animal skins in the tabernacle point to the necessity of substitutionary sacrifice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְעֹרֹ֥ת1 of 7

“skins”

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

אֵילִ֧ם2 of 7

“And rams”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

מְאָדָּמִ֛ים3 of 7

“dyed red”

H119

to show blood (in the face), i.e., flush or turn rosy

וְעֹרֹ֥ת4 of 7

“skins”

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

תְּחָשִׁ֖ים5 of 7

“and badgers”

H8476

a (clean) animal with fur, probably a species of antelope

וַֽעֲצֵ֥י6 of 7

“wood”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

שִׂטִּֽים׃7 of 7

“and shittim”

H7848

the acacia (from its scourging thorns)

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 35:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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