And for the gate of the court shall be an hanging of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework: and their pillars shall be four, and their sockets four.

EXODUS 27:16KJV
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Exodus 27:16 (KJV)

What does Exodus 27:16 mean?

Exodus 27:16 gives instructions for making the gate of the courtyard around the tabernacle, describing its size and the materials to be used. The gate was to be a twenty-cubit-wide curtain made from blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, as well as fine linen, all skillfully embroidered, and supported by four pillars set in four bases.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving him detailed directions for constructing the entrance to the sacred area where the Israelites would worship. The focus on specific colors, materials, and craftsmanship highlights the importance and dignity of the tabernacle’s entrance, setting it apart as a special and holy space.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 27:16

  • The word for "gate" (שַׁעַר, shaʿar) refers specifically to an entrance or opening, emphasizing that this is not just a wall but a designated way in.
  • "Hanging" (מָסָךְ, masakh) means a curtain or screen, indicating that the entrance was covered by a decorative fabric rather than a solid door.
  • The colors "blue" (תְּכֵלֶת, tekhelet), "purple" (אַרְגָּמָן, argaman), and "scarlet" (שָׁנִי, shani; תּוֹלַעַת, tolaʿat) were expensive dyes, often associated with royalty or sacredness, which would make the entrance visually striking.
  • "Fine twined linen" (שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר, shesh mashzar) refers to high-quality, tightly woven linen, showing that only the best materials were used for the tabernacle.

Why Exodus 27:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the entrance to the tabernacle courtyard was meant to be both beautiful and distinct, not just functional, emphasizing the reverence due to the worship space.
  • The detailed instructions connect to the broader theme in Exodus of God caring about both the physical and spiritual aspects of worship.
  • Understanding the materials and design helps modern readers appreciate the value and effort placed on creating a space where people could approach God, reflecting the seriousness and honor of that encounter.

Where else these words appear

“needlework” Hebrew H7551 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 26:36 And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.
  • 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 38:23 And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen.

“twined” Hebrew H7806 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 26:1 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 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.

“hanging” Hebrew H4539 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 26:36 And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.
  • Exodus 39:38 And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,
  • Numbers 3:26 And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.

“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.