And he made an hanging for the tabernacle door of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, of needlework;

EXODUS 36:37KJV
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Exodus 36:37 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:37 mean?

Exodus 36:37 describes how a special curtain, or "hanging," was made for the entrance to the tabernacle using blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, along with finely twisted linen, all crafted with skilled needlework. This verse highlights the careful and artistic work that went into making the entrance covering for the sacred tent where the Israelites worshipped.

In the context of Exodus, skilled artisans are building the tabernacle as God instructed Moses, and this verse focuses on the creation of the curtain for the main doorway. The materials—blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen—were valuable and symbolized beauty and importance, while the mention of "needlework" points to the craftsmanship involved. The verse emphasizes both the care and the quality that went into preparing a space for worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:37

  • "Hanging" (מָסָךְ, masakh) refers to a screen or curtain, not just a simple drape but a crafted barrier marking a significant entryway.
  • "Blue" (תְּכֵלֶת, tekhelet), "purple" (אַרְגָּמָן, argaman), and "scarlet" (שָׁנִי, shani; תּוֹלַעַת, tola‘at) were expensive dyes, often reserved for special or sacred uses, showing the importance of the tabernacle.
  • "Twined" (שָׁזַר, shazar) and "linen" (שֵׁשׁ, shesh) together describe the fine, high-quality fabric, spun and woven with skill.
  • "Needlework" (רִקְמָה, riqmah; מַעֲשֶׂה, ma‘aseh) points to embroidery or decorative stitching, suggesting the curtain was not plain but beautifully adorned.

Why Exodus 36:37 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the tabernacle entrance was not just functional but also beautiful and meaningful, reflecting the value placed on worship and the presence of God.
  • The detailed description connects to earlier instructions in Exodus, showing the Israelites' obedience and attention to God's commands.
  • Understanding the materials and craftsmanship helps readers appreciate the effort and resources dedicated to creating a space set apart for meeting with God.

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 28:39 And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework.
  • 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 28:6 And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.
  • 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 28:39 And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework.
  • 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.