2 Chronicles 3:14

KJV

And he made the vail [of] blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubims thereon.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he made {H6213} the vail {H6532} of blue {H8504}, and purple {H713}, and crimson {H3758}, and fine linen {H948}, and wrought {H5927} cherubims {H3742} thereon.

Complete Jewish Bible

He made the curtain of blue, purple and crimson material and of fine linen, with a design of k'ruvim worked into it.

Berean Standard Bible

He made the veil of blue, purple, and crimson yarn and fine linen, with cherubim woven into it.

American Standard Version

And he made the veil of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubim thereon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 3:14 describes the intricate and highly symbolic veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) within Solomon's Temple. Crafted from luxurious materials—blue, purple, and crimson fabrics, along with fine linen, and adorned with embroidered cherubim—this sacred curtain served as a profound physical and theological barrier, emphasizing the absolute holiness of God and the limited, divinely ordained access to His immediate presence. Its design reflected continuity with the Tabernacle and underscored the Temple's grandeur as a dwelling place for the Almighty, pointing to the reverent awe required in approaching the divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the detailed architectural specifications for Solomon's Temple, specifically describing the interior furnishings and divisions. Following the completion of the main structure (2 Chronicles 3:1-9), the narrative shifts to the internal elements: the two pillars (2 Chronicles 3:15-17), and then the various vessels and implements (2 Chronicles 4). The veil, or *parokhet*, is a critical component, directly mirroring the design and function of the veil in the wilderness [Tabernacle](/exodus/26-31 "Exodus 26:31 - The Tabernacle Veil") (Exodus 26:31-33). Its placement here highlights its central role in defining the most sacred space, the Holy of Holies, which housed the Ark of the Covenant and represented the very presence of God. The Chronicler's emphasis on these details underscores the Temple's divine blueprint and its continuity with earlier patterns of worship established by God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's Temple was the culmination of generations of Israelite worship, moving from the portable Tabernacle to a permanent, magnificent structure in Jerusalem. Built around the 10th century BCE, it served as the central hub of Israelite religious life, a physical manifestation of God's covenant presence among His people. The concept of sacred space, with progressively restricted access, was common in ancient Near Eastern temples, but in Israel, it uniquely emphasized God's transcendent holiness and His unapproachable purity. The veil, therefore, was not merely a decorative curtain but a theological statement, physically embodying the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. Only the High Priest, once a year on the [Day of Atonement](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement"), was permitted to pass beyond it, after extensive purification rituals, to make atonement for the sins of the nation.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully conveys the theme of **Divine Separation and Holiness**. The veil underscored God's absolute purity and the reverence required to approach Him, marking the Most Holy Place as uniquely sacred. Secondly, the **Symbolism of Materials and Colors** is paramount: "blue" often represented heaven and divinity; "purple" signified royalty and majesty, fitting for the King of the universe; "crimson" (or scarlet) pointed to life, vitality, and often sacrifice; and "fine linen" symbolized purity and righteousness. The **Cherubim** embroidered on the veil reinforced this theme of guarded holiness, echoing their role in [guarding the Garden of Eden](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding Eden") after the Fall. Thirdly, the verse highlights **Continuity and Perfection** in God's prescribed worship, as the Temple's veil mirrored the Tabernacle's, demonstrating consistency in divine instruction. The lavishness of the materials also showcased the Temple's grandeur, reflecting the honor due to the Almighty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vail (Hebrew, _parokhet'_):** This specific Hebrew term (פָּרֹכֶת) refers exclusively to the inner curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in both the Tabernacle and the Temple. It is distinct from other curtains or screens. Its primary function was to act as a barrier, signifying the sacred, unapproachable nature of God's immediate presence. The *parokhet* was not merely a physical divider but a profound theological symbol of the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, a chasm that could only be bridged by divine provision.
* **Blue, Purple, and Crimson (Hebrew, _tekhelet, 'argaman, tola'at shani'_):** These three colors, along with fine linen, were consistently used for the most sacred elements of the Tabernacle and Temple. "Blue" (תְּכֵלֶת) often symbolized the heavens, the divine, and God's celestial dwelling. "Purple" (אַרְגָּמָן) was a color of royalty, majesty, and wealth, signifying the sovereign rule of God. "Crimson" (תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי), derived from a worm, was a deep red, often associated with life, blood, and sacrifice, foreshadowing the atoning blood shed for sin. The combination of these rich, divinely specified colors underscored the holiness, royalty, and redemptive purpose associated with God's dwelling place.
* **Cherubims (Hebrew, _keruvim'_):** These are winged angelic beings (כְּרוּבִים) frequently depicted in Scripture as guardians of God's holy presence and glory. They appear in Genesis guarding the way to the tree of life, in Ezekiel's visions of God's throne-chariot, and as decorative elements in the Tabernacle and Temple. Their presence on the veil was not merely artistic but functional: they visually reinforced the sanctity and guarded nature of the Holy of Holies, serving as a constant reminder that this space was off-limits to all but the High Priest, and then only under strict conditions. They symbolized the divine protection of God's holiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made the vail":** This clause directly attributes the creation of this significant architectural element to Solomon, under divine instruction. The "vail" (parokhet) was not an afterthought but a central, divinely mandated feature, crucial for defining the sacred space and regulating access to God's presence. Its construction was an act of obedience and worship, fulfilling the patterns established in the Tabernacle.
* **"[of] blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen":** This specifies the luxurious and symbolically rich materials used for the veil. The inclusion of these specific colors and fine linen was not arbitrary; they were divinely prescribed for sacred textiles (Exodus 26:31). Each material carried profound theological weight, collectively signifying the heavenly, royal, atoning, and pure nature of the God who dwelt within. The lavishness also communicated the immense value and honor ascribed to God's presence.
* **"and wrought cherubims thereon":** This describes the intricate embroidery of cherubim onto the veil. "Wrought" implies skilled craftsmanship, indicating that these angelic figures were woven into the fabric itself. Their presence was a powerful visual reminder of God's transcendence and the guarded nature of His holiness. Just as cherubim guarded the entrance to Eden after the Fall, so too did their depiction on the veil signify that access to God's unmediated presence was restricted and protected, emphasizing the profound separation between God and humanity due to sin.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the entire veil, its colors, materials, and embroidered cherubim, are rich with symbolic meaning, representing divine holiness, royalty, atonement, purity, and guarded access to God. The specific listing of colors ("blue, purple, and crimson, and fine linen") can be seen as a form of **Merism**, where a comprehensive reality (the veil's composition) is conveyed by listing its key, representative parts. Furthermore, the veil itself, as a physical barrier to God's presence, functions as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**. It subtly points forward to a time when this barrier would be removed, hinting at a future, more direct access to God. The detailed description also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the extreme importance and sacredness of this particular element within the Temple structure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The veil of the Temple stands as a profound theological statement about the nature of God and humanity's relationship with Him under the Old Covenant. It vividly depicted God's unapproachable holiness, His transcendent purity, and the absolute necessity of a mediator and atonement for sinful humanity to draw near. The barrier was a constant, tangible reminder of the consequences of sin—separation from God's immediate presence. Yet, even in its restrictive nature, it pointed to God's gracious provision for limited, ritualistic access through the High Priest, foreshadowing a more perfect and permanent way to bridge the chasm between Creator and creature.

* [Exodus 26:31](/exodus/26-31 "Exodus 26:31 - The Tabernacle Veil") - Details the divine command for the Tabernacle veil, establishing the pattern for the Temple veil.
* [Leviticus 16:2](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - Restrictions on Entering the Holy of Holies") - Emphasizes the severe restriction on entering the Most Holy Place, highlighting the veil's purpose.
* [Hebrews 9:3](/hebrews/9-3 "Hebrews 9:3 - The Second Veil") - Describes the "second veil" (the *parokhet*) in the Tabernacle/Temple, confirming its role in separating the holiest place.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The veil of 2 Chronicles 3:14, with its rich materials and guarded symbolism, serves as a powerful reminder of God's transcendent holiness and the profound separation that sin creates between humanity and the divine. For the ancient Israelite, it instilled a deep sense of awe and reverence, underscoring that access to God's immediate presence was not to be taken lightly but was a sacred privilege, tightly regulated by divine command. Today, as believers living under the New Covenant, this ancient barrier invites us to reflect on the immense privilege we have in Christ. The tearing of the veil at Jesus' crucifixion signifies that the way into God's presence is now wide open, not through ritual or human merit, but through the perfect sacrifice of the Son. This truth should cultivate in us both a profound gratitude for such unhindered access and a continued reverence for the holy God whom we now approach, not with fear of judgment, but with humble confidence and worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the symbolism of the veil's materials and the cherubim deepen your understanding of God's character?**
* **What does the historical function of the veil teach us about the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God?**
* **In what ways does knowing the veil was torn impact your daily approach to God in prayer and worship?**
* **How can we maintain a proper reverence for God's holiness even as we celebrate our direct access to Him through Christ?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the veil in Solomon's Temple?**
Answer: The primary purpose of the veil (or *parokhet*) in Solomon's Temple was to serve as a sacred barrier, physically and symbolically separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). This separation underscored the absolute holiness of God and the profound chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity. It restricted access to God's immediate presence, allowing only the High Priest to enter the Most Holy Place once a year on the [Day of Atonement](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement") to make atonement for the sins of the people. It was a constant visual reminder that direct, unmediated access to God was not possible under the Old Covenant due to sin.

**Why were cherubim embroidered onto the veil?**
Answer: The cherubim embroidered onto the veil were not merely decorative; they carried significant theological meaning. Cherubim are angelic beings consistently associated with guarding God's holy presence and glory throughout Scripture. They were first seen [guarding the way to the tree of life](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding Eden") after humanity's expulsion from Eden. Their presence on the veil reinforced the sanctity and guarded nature of the Holy of Holies, emphasizing that this was the dwelling place of a holy God, protected from unauthorized access. They visually communicated the awe and reverence required to approach the divine, symbolizing the divine protection of God's sacred space.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The veil described in 2 Chronicles 3:14, with its profound symbolism of separation and guarded holiness, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This physical barrier, which for centuries prevented direct access to God's presence, was dramatically torn in two from top to bottom at the moment of Christ's death on the cross ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn"); [Mark 15:38](/mark/15-38 "Mark 15:38 - The Temple Veil Torn"); [Luke 23:45](/luke/23-45 "Luke 23:45 - The Temple Veil Torn")). This miraculous event was a divine declaration that the old covenant system, with its limitations and barriers, had been superseded. Through His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, Jesus, our great High Priest, opened a "new and living way" into the very presence of God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - New Access Through Christ")). His flesh became the "veil" that was torn, allowing all who believe to boldly draw near to the throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Approaching God's Throne")). The vibrant colors and cherubim on the ancient veil pointed to God's majesty and the need for atonement; Christ's blood is the ultimate crimson, His royalty is eternal, and His sacrifice perfectly atones, granting us direct, unhindered access to the Holy of Holies not made with human hands ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Thus, what the veil symbolized—God's holiness and humanity's separation—Christ perfectly addressed, bringing reconciliation and intimate communion.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 9:3

And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;

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:

Exodus 26:35

And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side.

Matthew 27:51

And, 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;

Hebrews 10:20

By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;