Exodus 36:37

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And he made an hanging for the tabernacle door [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, of needlework;

Complete Jewish Bible:

For the entrance to the tent he made a screen of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely woven linen, in colors, the work of a weaver;

Berean Standard Bible:

For the entrance to the tent, he made a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen,

American Standard Version:

And he made a screen for the door of the Tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And he made{H6213} an hanging{H4539} for the tabernacle{H168} door{H6607} of blue{H8504}, and purple{H713}, and scarlet{H8144}{H8438}, and fine twined{H7806} linen{H8336}, of needlework{H7551}{H4639};

Cross-References (KJV):

Exodus 40:28

  • And he set up the hanging [at] the door of the tabernacle.

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 26:37

  • And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars [of] shittim [wood], and overlay them with gold, [and] their hooks [shall be of] gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:


Commentary for Exodus 36:37

1. **Themes:**
- **Divine Instruction and Craftsmanship:** The verse reflects the meticulous and skillful craftsmanship involved in creating the Tabernacle, following God's explicit instructions. The emphasis is on the beauty and holiness of the materials and workmanship, which symbolize the sanctity of the space where God would dwell among the Israelites.
- **Symbolism of Colors:** The colors blue, purple, and scarlet are often associated with royalty and divinity in the ancient world. Blue represents the heavens, purple signifies royalty, and scarlet may symbolize the blood of sacrifices. These colors, along with the fine white linen, are recurring in the Tabernacle's design, highlighting its sacred purpose.
- **Needlework as an Act of Worship:** The detailed needlework indicates that every aspect of the Tabernacle's construction was an act of worship and devotion. The care and skill put into the hanging for the tabernacle door show reverence for God and the sacred space.

2. **Historical Context:**
- **The Exodus Era:** Exodus 36:37 is set during the time of Moses, after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and while they are wandering in the Sinai Desert. This period is characterized by the establishment of the covenant between God and Israel, with the Tabernacle serving as the center of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence.
- **The Construction of the Tabernacle:** The verse is part of the detailed description of the Tabernacle's construction, which occupies much of the latter half of the Book of Exodus. The Israelites, filled with generosity and enthusiasm, contribute materials and skills for the project, which is overseen by Bezalel and Oholiab, two artisans appointed by God.
- **Cultic Significance:** The Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites before the establishment of the Temple in Jerusalem. It was designed to be movable, allowing the rituals and worship practices to continue as the people journeyed through the wilderness.

In summary, Exodus 36:37 reflects the intricate and divinely inspired craftsmanship of the Tabernacle, with a focus on the symbolic significance of materials and colors. It underscores the importance of the Tabernacle as a sacred space for worship and God's presence among the Israelites during their journey to the Promised Land.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H6213
    There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: עָשָׂה
    Transliteration: ʻâsâh
    Pronunciation: aw-saw'
    Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use.
  2. Strong's Number: H4539
    There are 25 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מָסָךְ
    Transliteration: mâçâk
    Pronunciation: maw-sawk'
    Description: from סָכַךְ; a cover, i.e. veil; covering, curtain, hanging.
  3. Strong's Number: H168
    There are 369 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אֹהֶל
    Transliteration: ʼôhel
    Pronunciation: o'-hel
    Description: from אָהַל; a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance); covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent.
  4. Strong's Number: H6607
    There are 154 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: פֶּתַח
    Transliteration: pethach
    Pronunciation: peh'-thakh
    Description: from פָּתַח; an opening (literally), i.e. door (gate) or entrance way; door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate, opening, place.
  5. Strong's Number: H8504
    There are 49 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: תְּכֵלֶת
    Transliteration: tᵉkêleth
    Pronunciation: tek-ay'-leth
    Description: probably for שְׁחֶלֶת; the cerulean mussel, i.e. the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith; blue.
  6. Strong's Number: H713
    There are 465 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אַרְגָּמָן
    Transliteration: ʼargâmân
    Pronunciation: ar-gaw-mawn'
    Description: of foreign origin; purple (the color or the dyed stuff); purple.
  7. Strong's Number: H8144
    There are 42 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שָׁנִי
    Transliteration: shânîy
    Pronunciation: shaw-nee'
    Description: of uncertain derivation; crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it; crimson, scarlet (thread).
  8. Strong's Number: H8438
    There are 43 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: תּוֹלָע
    Transliteration: tôwlâʻ
    Pronunciation: to-law'
    Description: and (feminine) תּוֹלֵעָה; or תּוֹלַעַת; or תֹּלַעַת; from יָלַע; a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of שָׁנִי); the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the colorfrom it, and cloths dyed therewith; crimson, scarlet, worm.
  9. Strong's Number: H7806
    There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שָׁזַר
    Transliteration: shâzar
    Pronunciation: shaw-zar'
    Description: a primitive root; to twist (a thread of straw); twine.
  10. Strong's Number: H8336
    There are 37 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שֵׁשׁ
    Transliteration: shêsh
    Pronunciation: shaysh
    Description: or (for alliteration with מֶשִׁי) שְׁשִׁי; for שַׁיִשׁ; bleached stuff, i.e. white linen or (by analogy) marble; [idiom] blue, fine (twined) linen, marble, silk.
  11. Strong's Number: H7551
    There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: רָקַם
    Transliteration: râqam
    Pronunciation: raw-kam'
    Description: a primitive root; to variegate color, i.e. embroider; by implication, to fabricate; embroiderer, needlework, curiously work.
  12. Strong's Number: H4639
    There are 221 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מַעֲשֶׂה
    Transliteration: maʻăseh
    Pronunciation: mah-as-eh'
    Description: from עָשָׂה; an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property; act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought.