King James Version

What Does Exodus 36:8 Mean?

Exodus 36:8 in the King James Version says “And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains of fine twined linen, an... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet : with cherubims of cunning work made he them.

Exodus 36:8 · KJV


Context

6

And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing.

7

For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.

8

And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet : with cherubims of cunning work made he them.

9

The length of one curtain was twenty and eight cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: the curtains were all of one size.

10

And he coupled the five curtains one unto another: and the other five curtains he coupled one unto another.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The actual tabernacle construction begins with 'every wise hearted man' making ten curtains of fine twined linen (שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר, shesh mashzar) and colored threads. These innermost curtains, visible only to ministering priests, featured cherubim embroidered with 'cunning work' (מַעֲשֵׂה חֹשֵׁב, ma'aseh choshev—'designer's work')—artistic excellence dedicated to God though rarely seen. This teaches that God deserves our finest work regardless of human visibility; we work for Him, not for applause. The cherubim design recalls Eden's guarded entrance (Genesis 3:24), now opened through the sacrificial system.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These ten curtains, each approximately 42' × 6', joined to form the tabernacle's ceiling and walls. The fine linen represented purity, while blue (heaven), purple (royalty), and scarlet (sacrifice) woven with gold thread (divinity) created a magnificent display visible only to priests—teaching that God values hidden excellence.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the creation of beautiful curtains seen only by priests teach about working for God's eyes rather than human applause?
  2. How do the cherubim embroidered on the inner curtains connect Eden's closed entrance to the tabernacle's mediated access?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
עָשָׂ֥ה1 of 21

among them that wrought

H6213

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

כָל2 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חֲכַם3 of 21

And every wise

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

לֵ֜ב4 of 21

hearted man

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

עָשָׂ֥ה5 of 21

among them that wrought

H6213

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

הַמְּלָאכָ֛ה6 of 21

the work

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

אֶת7 of 21
H853

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

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן8 of 21

of 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

עֶ֣שֶׂר9 of 21

ten

H6235

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

יְרִיעֹ֑ת10 of 21

curtains

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

שֵׁ֣שׁ11 of 21

linen

H8336

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

מָשְׁזָ֗ר12 of 21

of fine twined

H7806

to twist (a thread of straw)

וּתְכֵ֤לֶת13 of 21

and blue

H8504

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

וְאַרְגָּמָן֙14 of 21

and purple

H713

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

וְתוֹלַ֣עַת15 of 21
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

שָׁנִ֔י16 of 21

and scarlet

H8144

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

כְּרֻבִ֛ים17 of 21

with cherubims

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ה18 of 21

work

H4639

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

חֹשֵׁ֖ב19 of 21

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

עָשָׂ֥ה20 of 21

among them that wrought

H6213

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

אֹתָֽם׃21 of 21
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 36:8 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 36:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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