And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work made he them.

EXODUS 36:8KJV
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Exodus 36:8 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:8 mean?

Exodus 36:8 describes how skilled workers among the Israelites made ten curtains for the tabernacle out of fine linen, colored blue, purple, and scarlet, and decorated them with cherubim using expert craftsmanship. This verse highlights the careful and artistic work done to create the main coverings for the tabernacle, the sacred tent where God would meet with His people.

In this passage, Moses is overseeing the construction of the tabernacle as God instructed. The "wise hearted" men are those specially gifted with skill and understanding for this work. The verse focuses on the quality and detail of the materials and the artistry involved, showing the importance placed on both obedience and excellence in building the place of worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:8

  • חָכָם (ḥākām, "wise"): This word refers to someone with skill or expertise, not just intelligence. Here, it points to craftsmen who are gifted in their work, emphasizing that their abilities are seen as wisdom from God.
  • לֵב (lēv, "heart"): The phrase "wise hearted" combines wisdom and heart, suggesting that skill involves both talent and a willing, dedicated spirit.
  • מַעֲשֶׂה (ma'ăseh, "work"): This word for "work" highlights the actual labor and craftsmanship, not just planning or design.
  • כְּרֻבִים (keruvim, "cherubims"): These are angelic figures, and their inclusion in the curtain design shows the sacredness and heavenly connection of the tabernacle.

Why Exodus 36:8 matters

  • Exodus 36:8 clarifies that the construction of the tabernacle was not just functional but also artistic, involving skilled labor and beautiful materials, which shows the value placed on both worship and craftsmanship.
  • The verse connects the physical work of building with spiritual obedience, as the workers are described as "wise hearted," indicating that their skills and willingness are both important.
  • By describing the specific materials and decorations, the verse ties this part of the story back to God’s earlier instructions, showing that the people followed the divine pattern closely and with care.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“curtains” Hebrew H3407 · used in 32 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 26:12 And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle.
  • 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 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.

“purple” Hebrew H713 · used in 38 verses

  • Exodus 25:4 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair,
  • Exodus 35:25 And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen.
  • Exodus 39:29 And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.