Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 26:31
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
This word refers to a curtain or veil, like a screen that separates one area from another. In the Bible, it is used to describe the veil in the Temple that separated the holy place from the most holy place.
Definition: curtain, veil
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: vail. See also: Exodus 26:31; Exodus 40:22; 2 Chronicles 3:14.
Describes the color blue or violet, obtained from a specific type of mussel, used to dye fabrics in Exodus 28. It is a distinct color in the biblical spectrum.
Definition: 1) violet, violet stuff 1a) violet thread 1b) violet stuff or fabric 2) (TWOT) blue (covering spectrum from brilliant red through deep purple)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: blue. See also: Exodus 25:4; Exodus 39:1; Jeremiah 10:9.
The Hebrew word for purple, describing the color or dyed fabric, is used in the Bible to describe royal garments, like those worn by King Solomon. In Exodus 28:5, it is used to describe the priestly robes. The color symbolized wealth and power.
Definition: purple, red-purple
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: purple. See also: Exodus 25:4; Exodus 39:1; Proverbs 31:22.
The Hebrew word for worm or maggot, this term is also used to describe a deep red or crimson color. It's associated with a specific type of worm that produces a vibrant dye. In the Bible, it's used to describe the color of cloth or other materials.
Definition: 1) worm, scarlet stuff, crimson 1a) worm-the female 'coccus ilicis' 1b) scarlet stuff, crimson, scarlet 1b1) the dye made from the dried body of the female of the worm "coccus ilicis" Also means: to.le.ah (תּוֹלֵעָה "worm" H8438B)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: crimson, scarlet, worm. See also: Exodus 16:20; Exodus 39:2; Psalms 22:7.
This Hebrew word describes the deep red color of the coccus ilicis insect, used to dye fabric scarlet or crimson, like the scarlet thread in Joshua 2:18. It symbolizes wealth and importance.
Definition: 1) scarlet, crimson 1a) properly, the insect 'coccus ilicis', the dried body of the female yielding colouring matter from which is made the dye used for cloth to colour it scarlet or crimson
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: crimson, scarlet (thread). See also: Genesis 38:28; Exodus 39:1; Proverbs 31:21.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to fine white linen or marble, often used to describe the luxurious clothing and buildings of ancient times, like the Temple in Jerusalem.
Definition: alabaster, similar stone, marble, material of pavement
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] blue, fine (twined) linen, marble, silk. See also: Genesis 41:42; Exodus 36:35; Proverbs 31:22.
This word means to twist, like twisting a thread or straw. It's used to describe the act of twining or turning something. In the Bible, it's translated as 'twine'.
Definition: 1) to twist, be twisted 1a) (Hophal) 1a1) to be twisted 1a2) twisted (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: twine. See also: Exodus 26:1; Exodus 36:35; Exodus 39:29.
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
A cherub is an angelic being in the Bible, often depicted as guarding important places like Eden or God's throne. They're also shown as images on the Ark of the Covenant. The KJV translates this word as cherub or cherubims.
Definition: 1) cherub, cherubim (pl) 1a) an angelic being 1a1) as guardians of Eden 1a2) as flanking God's throne 1a3) as an image form hovering over the Ark of the Covenant 1a4) as the chariot of Jehovah (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: cherub, (plural) cherubims. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Chronicles 3:10; Psalms 18:11.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Matthew 27:51 |
At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split. |
| 2 |
2 Chronicles 3:14 |
He made the veil of blue, purple, and crimson yarn and fine linen, with cherubim woven into it. |
| 3 |
Exodus 36:35 |
Next, he made the veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. |
| 4 |
Exodus 36:8 |
All the skilled craftsmen among the workmen made the ten curtains for the tabernacle. They were made of finely spun linen, as well as blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them. |
| 5 |
Exodus 26:1 |
“You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, each with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and cherubim skillfully worked into them. |
| 6 |
Leviticus 16:2 |
And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat. |
| 7 |
Exodus 25:18 |
Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat, |
| 8 |
Mark 15:38 |
And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. |
| 9 |
Hebrews 9:3–8 |
Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. Above the ark were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now. When everything had been prepared in this way, the priests entered regularly into the first room to perform their sacred duties. But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. By this arrangement the Holy Spirit was showing that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing. |
| 10 |
Exodus 28:15 |
You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment with the same workmanship as the ephod. Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen. |
Exodus 26:31 Summary
The veil in Exodus 26:31 was a special curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle. It was made with beautiful colors and had cherubim, or angel-like creatures, embroidered on it, representing God's presence and holiness. The veil reminds us of the separation between God and humanity, but also points to Jesus Christ, who tore apart the veil of separation at his death, giving us access to God (Matthew 27:51, Hebrews 10:19-20). By understanding the significance of the veil, we can deepen our reverence for God's holiness and our gratitude for the access to God provided through Jesus Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the colors used in the veil?
The colors blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, held spiritual significance in the Bible, often representing heaven, royalty, and sacrifice, as seen in Exodus 28:5-6 and Leviticus 16:19.
What do the cherubim represent in the veil?
The cherubim, skillfully worked into the veil, represent the guardians of God's holiness and the presence of God, as described in Ezekiel 1:5-14 and Exodus 25:18-22.
Why was the veil necessary in the tabernacle?
The veil was necessary to separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, as stated in Exodus 26:33, to emphasize the distinction between the two areas and to symbolize the separation between God and humanity, as seen in Isaiah 59:2.
How does the veil relate to Jesus Christ?
The veil represents the separation between God and humanity, which was torn apart at the death of Jesus Christ, as described in Matthew 27:51, symbolizing the new access to God through Jesus Christ, as stated in Hebrews 10:19-20.
Reflection Questions
- What does the veil represent in my own life, and how can I apply the symbolism of the veil to my relationship with God?
- How can I balance the holiness of God with the access to God provided through Jesus Christ, as represented by the torn veil?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's presence in my life, as symbolized by the cherubim on the veil?
- In what ways can I use the image of the veil to explain the gospel to others, highlighting the separation between God and humanity and the access provided through Jesus Christ?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 26:31
And thou shalt make a vail,.... The use of this, as follows, was to divide the holy place from the most holy place in the tabernacle; it has its name from hardness, it being very stiff and strong,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 26:31
And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made: A veil ... This veil, which was embroidered in the same way as the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 26:31
Thou shalt make a veil, which was thick and strong that none could see through it, called the second veil, , whereby the holy of holies, which represented the highest heaven, was divided from the holy place, where the church militant, or its representatives, met and served God, . For the signification of this veil, see ,24 10:19,20.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 26:31
Exodus 26:31 And thou shalt make a vail [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:Ver. 31. With cherubims.] To note the special presence and attendance of the holy angels in the assemblies of the saints.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 26:31
5. THE VAIL, AND THE WHICH IT WAS TO OCCUPY.(31) Thou shalt make a vail.—It was of the essence of the mishkân that it should have an outer and an inner sanctuary, a place for the daily ministrations of the priests, and an adytum or penetrale of extreme holiness, in which was to be the Divine Presence, and into which the high priest alone was to be privileged to enter, and he but once in the year. (See Exodus 30:10; Leviticus 16:2-34; Hebrews 9:7.) The separation between these two chambers was to be made by a vail of the same materials and workmanship as the inner covering of the mishkân (Exodus 26:1).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 26:31
Verse 31. Thou shalt make a veil.] פרכת parocheth, from פרך parach, to break or rend; the inner veil of the tabernacle or temple, (2 Chronicles 3:14), which broke, interrupted, or divided between the holy place and the most holy; the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was standing. Compare Hebrews 9:8. The Septuagint constantly render it by καταπετασμα. Does not the Hebrew name פרכת parocheth moreover intimate the typical correspondence of this veil to the body or flesh of Christ? For this καταπετασμα or veil was his flesh, (Hebrews 10:20), which, being rent, affords us a new and living way into the holiest of all, i.e., into heaven itself. Compare Hebrews 10:19-20; Hebrews 9:24. And accordingly when his blessed body was rent upon the cross, this veil also (τοκαταπετασματουιερου) εσχισθη, was RENT in twain from the top to the bottom; Matthew 27:51. - See Parkhurst, under the word . The veil in the tabernacle was exceedingly costly; it was made of the same materials with the inner covering, blue, purple, scarlet, fine twined linen, embroidered with cherubim, c. It served to divide the tabernacle into two parts: one, the outermost, called the holy place the other, or innermost, called the holy of holies, or the most holy place.
In this was deposited the ark of the covenant, and the other things that were laid up by way of memorial. Into this the high priest alone was permitted to enter, and that only once in the year, on the great day of atonement. It was in this inner place that Jehovah manifested himself between the cherubim. The Jews say that this veil was four fingers' breadth in thickness, in order to prevent any person from seeing through it; but for this, as Calmet observes, there was no necessity, as there was no window or place for light in the tabernacle, and consequently the most simple veil would have been sufficient to obstruct the discovery of any thing behind it, which could only be discerned by the light that came in at the door, or by that afforded by the golden candlestick which stood on the outside of this veil.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 26:31
31–35. The veil, to separate the Holy place from the Holy of holies, made of the same richly coloured tapestry, with figures of cherubim woven into it (the ‘work of the designer’), as the curtain (v. 1), and suspended on four gilt pillars of acacia wood, vv. 31–33 (cf. Exodus 36:35-36). The position of the ark, the table of the Presence-bread, and he candlestick, vv. 34–5 (cf. Exodus 40:20; Exodus 40:22; Exodus 40:24).
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 26:31
31, 32. A vail — ôøëú, a separation, a dividing curtain to separate the two inner apartments of the sanctuary. Exodus 26:33. The material and workmanship were to correspond exactly with those of the tabernacle curtains.
Sermons on Exodus 26:31
| Sermon | Description |
|
The Throne of Grace
by Bill McLeod
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping the Lord in the beauty of holiness rather than relying on superficial appearances. He shares the story of Dunca |
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Spiritual Exercise - Life Within the Veil
by Stephen Kaung
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In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of being broken in order to release Christ's life within us. He explains that this process is achieved through the enlightenmen |
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Priesthood - Part 4
by Ron Bailey
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding fulfillment in giving our hearts to God rather than pursuing our own ambitions and career plans. The speaker encour |
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His Resting Place
by Jim Cymbala
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the incredible love that God has for humanity. He highlights the sacrifice of Jesus, who endured a fake trial, beatings, and crucifixion for |
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The Tabernacle (1 of 2)
by G.W. North
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In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his excitement for the weekend, as it allows for a deeper focus on spiritual matters. After some initial announcements, the speaker |
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The Difference Between Old and New Covenant
by Zac Poonen
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Zac Poonen delves into Romans 6:14, highlighting the crucial difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. He emphasizes that being under Grace means sin cannot master |
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Hints on the Tabernacle Exodus 25-34
by John Nelson Darby
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John Nelson Darby explores the significance of the tabernacle as a divine pattern reflecting heavenly realities, emphasizing that the tabernacle serves as a shadow of good things t |