King James Version

What Does Exodus 36:19 Mean?

Exodus 36:19 in the King James Version says “And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers' skins above that.” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers' skins above that.”

Exodus 36:19 · KJV

Context

17

And he made fifty loops upon the uttermost edge of the curtain in the coupling, and fifty loops made he upon the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.

18

And he made fifty taches of brass to couple the tent together, that it might be one.

19

And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers' skins above that.

20

And he made boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood, standing up.

21

The length of a board was ten cubits, and the breadth of a board one cubit and a half.

Read Exodus 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Rams' skins dyed red (עֹרֹת אֵילִם מְאָדָּמִים, orot eilim me'addamim) formed the third covering, explicitly associated with sacrifice (rams were primary offerings, as in Abraham's substitution, Genesis 22:13). The red dye emphasizes blood and atonement—covering sin through substitutionary death. Above this, badgers'/dugongs' skins (עֹרֹת תְּחָשִׁים, orot techashim) provided waterproof outer protection. Four coverings total (linen, goat hair, rams' skins, badgers' skins) demonstrate progressive concealment of glory and layered protection of holiness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Red-dyed rams' skins required significant processing: tanning the leather and applying expensive red dye. The badgers' skins (possibly dugong or dolphin from the Red Sea) were water-resistant, providing essential weather protection. Multiple layers created insulation and durability for desert conditions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the four progressive coverings (linen, goat hair, rams' skins, badgers' skins) illustrate layers of meaning in approaching God?
  2. What does the emphasis on red-dyed rams' skins teach about the necessity of sacrificial blood for approaching God's presence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ1 of 10

“And he made”

H6213

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

וּמִכְסֵ֛ה2 of 10

“a covering”

H4372

a covering, i.e., weatherboarding

לָאֹ֔הֶל3 of 10

“for the tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

עֹרֹ֥ת4 of 10

“skins”

H5785

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

אֵילִ֖ם5 of 10

“of rams”

H352

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

מְאָדָּמִ֑ים6 of 10

“dyed red”

H119

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

וּמִכְסֵ֛ה7 of 10

“a covering”

H4372

a covering, i.e., weatherboarding

עֹרֹ֥ת8 of 10

“skins”

H5785

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

תְּחָשִׁ֖ים9 of 10

“of badgers”

H8476

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

מִלְמָֽעְלָה׃10 of 10

“above”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

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 36:19 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 36:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 26:14

Test Your Knowledge

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