Exodus 26:31
And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:
Original Language Analysis
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
And thou shalt make
H6213
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
תְּכֵ֧לֶת
of blue
H8504
תְּכֵ֧לֶת
of blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
3 of 13
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
וְתוֹלַ֥עַת
H8438
וְתוֹלַ֥עַת
Strong's:
H8438
Word #:
5 of 13
a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl
שָׁנִ֖י
and scarlet
H8144
שָׁנִ֖י
and scarlet
Strong's:
H8144
Word #:
6 of 13
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
וְשֵׁ֣שׁ
linen
H8336
וְשֵׁ֣שׁ
linen
Strong's:
H8336
Word #:
7 of 13
bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ה
work
H4639
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ה
work
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
9 of 13
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
חֹשֵׁ֛ב
of cunning
H2803
חֹשֵׁ֛ב
of cunning
Strong's:
H2803
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
And thou shalt make
H6213
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Matthew 27:51And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;2 Chronicles 3:14And he made the vail of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubims thereon.Exodus 36:35And he made a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubims made he it of cunning work.Exodus 26:1Moreover 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 36:8And 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.Leviticus 16:2And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.
Historical Context
This veil hung on the four pillars (v.32), creating an impenetrable barrier before the ark. Only the high priest could pass through, once yearly on Yom Kippur (Leviticus 16), representing Christ who would enter heaven itself for us.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Christ's flesh both reveal God and limit access until His death?
- What did the veil's tearing at Christ's death accomplish for your access to God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The veil (פָּרֹכֶת, paroketh) of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen with cherubim separates Holy Place from Most Holy. This veil represents Christ's flesh (Hebrews 10:19-20)—His humanity that both revealed God and separated man from direct access until His death. The cherubim woven into it show that the way to God's throne passes through holiness' guardians. When Christ died, this veil tore (Matthew 27:51), opening access.