King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering,
Complete Jewish Bible:
the covering of tanned ram skins, the covering of fine leather and the curtain for the screen;
Berean Standard Bible:
the covering of ram skins dyed red, the covering of fine leather, and the veil of the covering;
American Standard Version:
and the covering of rams’ skins dyed red, and the covering of sealskins, and the veil of the screen;
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And the covering{H4372} of rams{H352}' skins{H5785} dyed red{H119}, and the covering{H4372} of badgers{H8476}' skins{H5785}, and the vail{H6532} of the covering{H4539},
Cross-References (KJV):
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Exodus 39:34
Exodus 39:34 is a verse that details the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable dwelling place for God's presence among the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness after the exodus from Egypt. The verse specifically mentions two types of coverings used for the Tabernacle: one of rams' skins dyed red and another of badgers' skins. These coverings were part of a layered system that protected the sanctuary from the elements and also served as a symbolic representation of the sacred space within.
The rams' skins dyed red likely symbolized the blood of the sacrifice, which was an essential element in the Israelite worship system for atonement and purification. Red dye in the ancient world was often derived from expensive and rare sources, adding to the sanctity and beauty of the Tabernacle. The badgers' skins, whose exact identity is debated among scholars but could refer to a durable material suitable for the outermost layer, provided a tough, protective covering against the harsh desert conditions.
Additionally, the verse references "the vail of the covering," which refers to the curtain or veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. This veil was a powerful symbol of the separation between God and humanity due to sin, a barrier that would later be torn in two at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, according to the New Testament (Matthew 27:51), signifying the new access to God through Christ's sacrifice.
In its historical context, Exodus 39:34 reflects the meticulous care and adherence to divine instructions with which the Israelites constructed the Tabernacle. It underscores the importance of worship and the physical representation of God's dwelling among His people, themes that resonate throughout the Old Testament and set the stage for the understanding of sacred space and God's presence in Jewish and later Christian theology.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H4372
There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִכְסֶה
Transliteration: mikçeh
Pronunciation: mik-seh'
Description: from כָּסָה; a covering, i.e. weatherboarding; covering. - Strong's Number: H352
There are 256 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אַיִל
Transliteration: ʼayil
Pronunciation: ah'-yil
Description: from the same as אוּל; properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically a chief (politically); also a ram (from his strength); a pilaster (as a strong support); an oak or other strong tree; mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree. - Strong's Number: H5785
There are 82 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עוֹר
Transliteration: ʻôwr
Pronunciation: ore
Description: from עוּר; skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather; hide, leather, skin. - Strong's Number: H119
There are 125 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָדַם
Transliteration: ʼâdam
Pronunciation: aw-dam'
Description: to show blood (in the face), i.e.; flush or turn rosy; be (dyed, made) red (ruddy). - Strong's Number: H8476
There are 14 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תַּחַשׁ
Transliteration: tachash
Pronunciation: takh'-ash
Description: probably of foreign derivation; a (clean) animal with fur, probably a species of antelope; badger. - Strong's Number: H6532
There are 23 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: פֹּרֶכֶת
Transliteration: pôreketh
Pronunciation: po-reh'-keth
Description: feminine active participle of the same as פֶּרֶךְ; a separatrix, i.e. (the sacred) screen; vail. - 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.