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 26:31KJV
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Exodus 26:31 (KJV)

What does Exodus 26:31 mean?

Exodus 26:31 describes God’s instructions to Moses for making a special curtain, called a veil, for the tabernacle. This veil was to be made from blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, and fine linen, skillfully crafted with images of cherubim (angelic beings) woven into it.

In this verse, God is speaking directly to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving detailed directions for building the tabernacle, which was the portable sanctuary for Israel’s worship. The veil would later separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place inside the tabernacle, marking a boundary between where priests could go and the innermost area where God’s presence was believed to dwell.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 26:31

  • וילאה (parokhet; transliterated as "vail" or "veil"): This word refers specifically to a curtain or screen that serves as a divider, not just any fabric covering. Its use here highlights the veil’s role as a barrier between sacred spaces.
  • תכלת (tekelet; "blue"), ארגמן (argaman; "purple"), שני (shani; "scarlet"): These colors were rare and costly, often associated with royalty or holiness, showing the importance and honor of the space being divided.
  • כרבים (keruvim; "cherubims"): The cherubim are angelic figures, and their inclusion in the design emphasizes the holiness and heavenly nature of the area behind the veil.
  • חשב (chashav; "cunning work"): This phrase means skillful or artistic craftsmanship, indicating that the veil was not just functional but also beautifully and thoughtfully made.

Why Exodus 26:31 matters

  • Exodus 26:31 clarifies that the veil was not a simple curtain but a richly decorated, meaningful barrier, marking the separation between God’s presence and the people.
  • The verse highlights the care and reverence required in approaching God, as seen in the specific materials and skilled work commanded for the veil.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain later references to the veil in the Bible, including its significance in Israel’s worship and its symbolic meaning in later Jewish and Christian traditions.