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.

EXODUS 38:18KJV
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Exodus 38:18 (KJV)

What does Exodus 38:18 mean?

Exodus 38:18 describes the entrance curtain for the courtyard of the tabernacle, saying it was made with skillful needlework using blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, along with finely twisted linen. The curtain was twenty cubits long and five cubits high, matching the other hangings around the courtyard.

This verse is part of a detailed account of how the Israelites, under Moses’ direction, constructed the tabernacle in the wilderness. The focus here is on the craftsmanship and specific measurements of the gate curtain, showing the care and precision given to every part of the tabernacle’s design. The colors and materials mentioned were considered valuable and symbolized importance and reverence for the space.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 38:18

  • "Hanging" (מָסָךְ, masakh): This word refers to a screen or curtain, emphasizing that the entrance was covered by a decorative but functional barrier, not a solid door.
  • "Needlework" (רִקְמָה, riqmah and מַעֲשֵׂה, ma'aseh): These words together highlight that the curtain was not plain but carefully embroidered, indicating skilled artistry.
  • "Blue" (תְּכֵלֶת, tekhelet), "purple" (אַרְגָּמָן, argaman), and "scarlet" (שָׁנִי, shani): These colors were made from rare dyes, often associated with royalty or sacred use, underlining the special status of the tabernacle.
  • "Twined linen" (שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר, shesh mashzar): This phrase means finely spun linen, which was strong and pure, adding to the quality and beauty of the curtain.

Why Exodus 38:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the tabernacle’s entrance was both beautiful and carefully measured, not just a simple opening, reflecting the importance of approaching a holy space with respect.
  • The specific mention of colors and materials connects this entrance to the rest of the tabernacle, showing unity in design and purpose throughout the structure.
  • Understanding these details helps readers see the value placed on skilled work and the use of precious materials in worship, which was significant for the Israelites’ relationship 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 38:16 All the hangings of the court round about were of fine twined linen.

“hangings” Hebrew H7050 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 27:9 And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side:
  • Exodus 38:12 And for the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.
  • 1 Samuel 17:40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

“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.