Exodus 27:16
And for the gate of the court shall be an hanging of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework: and their pillars shall be four, and their sockets four.
Original Language Analysis
הֶֽחָצֵ֜ר
of the court
H2691
הֶֽחָצֵ֜ר
of the court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
2 of 17
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
אַמָּ֗ה
cubits
H520
אַמָּ֗ה
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
תְּכֵ֨לֶת
of blue
H8504
תְּכֵ֨לֶת
of blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
6 of 17
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
וְתוֹלַ֧עַת
H8438
וְתוֹלַ֧עַת
Strong's:
H8438
Word #:
8 of 17
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
שָׁנִ֛י
and scarlet
H8144
שָׁנִ֛י
and scarlet
Strong's:
H8144
Word #:
9 of 17
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
וְשֵׁ֥שׁ
linen
H8336
וְשֵׁ֥שׁ
linen
Strong's:
H8336
Word #:
10 of 17
bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה
H4639
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
12 of 17
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
רֹקֵ֑ם
wrought with needlework
H7551
רֹקֵ֑ם
wrought with needlework
Strong's:
H7551
Word #:
13 of 17
to variegate color, i.e., embroider; by implication, to fabricate
עַמֻּֽדֵיהֶם֙
and their pillars
H5982
עַמֻּֽדֵיהֶם֙
and their pillars
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
14 of 17
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
Historical Context
This 20-cubit (30-foot) wide gate hung from four pillars, creating a substantial and striking entrance. The colorful embroidered hanging contrasted dramatically with the plain white linen walls, clearly identifying where worshipers should enter.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's 'beauty' (colorful gate) attract you to enter God's presence?
- What does the gate's needlework (intricate design) teach about divine providence in Christ's life?
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Analysis & Commentary
The gate itself: 20 cubits of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen with needlework—matching the tabernacle's entrance and veil but without cherubim. The colorful, beautiful gate stands out from the plain white courtyard walls, drawing eyes and feet to the entrance. Christ, our Gate, displays heaven (blue), royalty (purple), sacrifice (scarlet), and righteousness (linen). His beauty attracts; His sacrifice enables entry. The needlework suggests the intricate providence weaving His life.