King James Version

What Does Exodus 36:37 Mean?

Exodus 36:37 in the King James Version says “And he made an hanging for the tabernacle door of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen, of needlework ;...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he made an hanging for the tabernacle door of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen, of needlework ; of needlework: Heb. the work of a needleworker or, embroiderer”

Exodus 36:37 · KJV

Context

35

And he made a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen: with cherubims made he it of cunning work.

36

And he made thereunto four pillars of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold: their hooks were of gold; and he cast for them four sockets of silver.

37

And he made an hanging for the tabernacle door of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen, of needlework ; of needlework: Heb. the work of a needleworker or, embroiderer

38

And the five pillars of it with their hooks: and he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets with gold: but their five sockets were of brass.

Read Exodus 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The veil (פָּרֹכֶת, parokhet) of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen with cherubim worked in 'cunning work' separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, barring access to God's immediate presence. This barrier represented sin's separation between God and humanity—only the high priest could pass through once yearly with blood (Hebrews 9:7). At Christ's death, this veil tore top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), signifying that His sacrifice opened direct access to God's presence for all believers (Hebrews 10:19-20).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The veil hung from golden clasps on four pillars, approximately 30 feet high. Its thickness prevented seeing through, and the cherubim design recalled Eden's guarded entrance (Genesis 3:24), emphasizing holiness and exclusion. Only one person (high priest) entered once yearly (Day of Atonement).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the veil's tearing at Christ's death demonstrate the completeness of His atoning work?
  2. What do the cherubim on the veil teach about the holiness barrier sin created at the Fall?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ1 of 12

“And he made”

H6213

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

מָסָךְ֙2 of 12

“an hanging”

H4539

a cover, i.e., veil

לְפֶ֣תַח3 of 12

“door”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

הָאֹ֔הֶל4 of 12

“for the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

תְּכֵ֧לֶת5 of 12

“of blue”

H8504

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

וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן6 of 12

“and purple”

H713

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

וְתוֹלַ֥עַת7 of 12
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

שָׁנִ֖י8 of 12

“and scarlet”

H8144

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

וְשֵׁ֣שׁ9 of 12

“linen”

H8336

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

מָשְׁזָ֑ר10 of 12

“and fine twined”

H7806

to twist (a thread of straw)

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֖ה11 of 12
H4639

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

רֹקֵֽם׃12 of 12

“of needlework”

H7551

to variegate color, i.e., embroider; by implication, to fabricate

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 36:37 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 36:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 26:36-37Exodus 40:28

Test Your Knowledge

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