King James Version

What Does Exodus 39:34 Mean?

Exodus 39:34 in the King James Version says “And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering, — study this verse from Exodus chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering,

Exodus 39:34 · KJV


Context

32

Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.

33

And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, the tent, and all his furniture, his taches, his boards, his bars, and his pillars, and his sockets,

34

And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering,

35

The ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy seat,

36

The table, and all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread ,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The coverings—rams' skins dyed red (עֹרֹת אֵילִם מְאָדָּמִים, orot eilim me'adamim) and badgers' skins (עֹרֹת תְּחָשִׁים, orot techashim, possibly seals or dolphins)—plus the veil (פָּרֹכֶת הַמָּסָךְ, parokhet haMasakh, veil of the screen) protected the tabernacle. The rams' skins' red dye symbolizes substitutionary sacrifice; the outer covering's durability indicates enduring protection. The veil separated Holy Place from Most Holy, teaching that access to God's immediate presence requires mediation. Christ, the veil torn at His death (Matthew 27:51), opened the way to the Father.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The layered coverings—fine linen innermost (beauty), goats' hair (provision), rams' skins (sacrifice), badgers' skins outermost (protection)—demonstrated that God's dwelling required both beauty (internal) and durability (external). The veil's thick weaving made tearing it humanly impossible.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the layered coverings (beauty inside, durability outside) apply to the church's nature?
  2. What does Christ's body torn as the veil reveal about His sacrifice opening access to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְאֶת1 of 12
H853

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

מִכְסֵ֖ה2 of 12

And the covering

H4372

a covering, i.e., weatherboarding

עֹרֹ֣ת3 of 12

skins

H5785

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

הָֽאֵילִם֙4 of 12

of rams

H352

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

הַמְאָדָּמִ֔ים5 of 12

dyed red

H119

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

וְאֶת6 of 12
H853

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

מִכְסֵ֖ה7 of 12

And the covering

H4372

a covering, i.e., weatherboarding

עֹרֹ֣ת8 of 12

skins

H5785

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

הַתְּחָשִׁ֑ים9 of 12

of badgers

H8476

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

וְאֵ֖ת10 of 12
H853

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

פָּרֹ֥כֶת11 of 12

and the vail

H6532

a separatrix, i.e., (the sacred) screen

הַמָּסָֽךְ׃12 of 12

of the covering

H4539

a cover, i.e., veil


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 39:34 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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