Exodus 36:35 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:35 mean?

Exodus 36:35 describes how skilled craftsmen made a special curtain, called a veil, using blue, purple, and scarlet yarns along with finely twisted linen, and decorated it with images of cherubim using expert workmanship. This verse explains part of the process for constructing the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary for Israel’s worship during their journey in the wilderness.

In the context of Exodus, Moses is overseeing the building of the tabernacle as God instructed. The craftsmen are following detailed directions to create the veil, which would separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place inside the tabernacle. The mention of cherubim and the specific colors and materials highlights the sacredness and artistry involved in making this central part of Israel’s worship space.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:35

• "vail" (פָּרֹכֶת, parokhet): This word refers to a dividing curtain, not just any cloth, but one that marks a boundary between spaces considered more or less holy. Its use here emphasizes the separation between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place.
• "cherubims" (כְּרוּבִים, keruvim): These are angelic figures, often associated with guarding sacred spaces. Their images woven into the veil signal the presence and protection of the divine.
• "cunning" (חָשַׁב, khashav): This word means skillful or artistic work, indicating that the veil was not only functional but also beautifully and thoughtfully crafted, requiring expert hands.
• "blue" (תְּכֵלֶת, tekhelet), "purple" (אַרְגָּמָן, argaman), "scarlet" (שָׁנִי, shani): These colors were expensive and symbolically significant, often associated with royalty, wealth, and holiness in the ancient world.

Why Exodus 36:35 matters

• This verse clarifies that the tabernacle was constructed with great care, artistry, and obedience to God’s instructions, not with ordinary or haphazard materials.
• The description of the veil and its cherubim connects this passage to earlier instructions in Exodus, showing the builders’ faithfulness in following God’s detailed design.
• Understanding the role of the veil helps explain the structure of Israel’s worship and the idea of separation between God’s holiness and the people, a theme that runs throughout the tabernacle narrative.