Exodus 38:18

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּמָסַ֞ךְ

H4539

And the hanging

a cover, i.e., veil

שַׁ֤עַר

H8179

for the gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הֶֽחָצֵֽר׃

H2691

of the court

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

רֹקֵ֔ם

H7551

was needlework

to variegate color, i.e., embroider; by implication, to fabricate

תְּכֵ֧לֶת

H8504

of blue

the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith

וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן

H713

and purple

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

וְתוֹלַ֥עַת

H8438

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

H8144

and scarlet

crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it

#10

וְשֵׁ֣שׁ

H8336

linen

bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble

#11

מָשְׁזָ֑ר

H7806

and fine twined

to twist (a thread of straw)

#12

וְעֶשְׂרִ֤ים

H6242

and twenty

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

#13

אַמּ֔וֹת

H520

cubits

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)

#14

אֹ֔רֶךְ

H753

was the length

length

#15

וְקוֹמָ֤ה

H6967

and the height

height

#16

בְרֹ֙חַב֙

H7341

in the breadth

width (literally or figuratively)

#17

חָמֵ֣שׁ

H2568

was five

five

#18

אַמּ֔וֹת

H520

cubits

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)

#19

לְעֻמַּ֖ת

H5980

answerable

conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with

#20

קַלְעֵ֥י

H7050

to the hangings

a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself

#21

הֶֽחָצֵֽר׃

H2691

of the court

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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