Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.

EXODUS 26:1KJV
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Exodus 26:1 (KJV)

What does Exodus 26:1 mean?

Exodus 26:1 gives instructions for making the main covering of the tabernacle, telling the Israelites to use ten curtains of fine linen, colored blue, purple, and scarlet, decorated with cherubim in skillful designs. This verse sets the standard for the craftsmanship and materials that would be used in building the central worship tent for Israel.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving detailed directions for constructing the tabernacle, which would serve as the portable sanctuary for the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. The mention of cherubim and the specific colors and materials highlights the sacredness and beauty expected in the worship space, showing that every part of the tabernacle was to be made with care and meaning.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 26:1

  • "Tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan, H4908) refers to a dwelling place or sanctuary, emphasizing that this was to be the place where God would "dwell" among His people.
  • "Curtains" (יְרִיעָה, yeriah, H3407) points to large, woven panels, not just small drapes, showing the scale and importance of these coverings.
  • "Cherubims" (כְּרוּב, keruv, H3742) are angelic figures, often understood as guardians of sacred spaces; their images woven into the curtains signal the holiness of the tabernacle.
  • "Cunning work" (חָשַׁב, chashav, H2803) means skillful or artistic craftsmanship, stressing that these curtains were not plain but carefully and beautifully made.

Why Exodus 26:1 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the tabernacle was not a simple tent but a carefully designed and richly decorated sanctuary, reflecting the importance of worship in Israel's life.
  • The specific mention of colors and cherubim connects the tabernacle’s design to heavenly themes, showing that the space was meant to represent something greater than just a physical shelter.
  • By starting with the curtains, Exodus 26:1 sets the tone for the detailed instructions that follow, emphasizing that every part of the tabernacle had spiritual and symbolic significance.

Where else these words appear

“twined” Hebrew H7806 · used in 21 verses

  • 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:
  • Exodus 28:8 And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.
  • Exodus 38:18 And the hanging for the gate of the court was needlework, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: and twenty cubits was the length, and the height in the breadth was five cubits, answerable to the hangings of the court.

“curtains” Hebrew H3407 · used in 32 verses

  • Exodus 26:2 The length of one curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of the curtains shall have one measure.
  • Exodus 26:13 And a cubit on the one side, and a cubit on the other side of that which remaineth in the length of the curtains of the tent, it shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it.
  • Exodus 36:17 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.

“linen” Hebrew H8336 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 41:42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
  • Exodus 35:6 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair,
  • Exodus 39:3 And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, with cunning work.

“purple” Hebrew H713 · used in 38 verses

  • Exodus 25:4 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair,
  • Exodus 35:35 Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.
  • Exodus 39:29 And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.