Exodus 26:31

KJV

¶ 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt make {H6213} a vail {H6532} of blue {H8504}, and purple {H713}, and scarlet {H8144}{H8438}, and fine twined {H7806} linen {H8336} of cunning {H2803} work {H4639}: with cherubims {H3742} shall it be made {H6213}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are to make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely woven linen. Make it with k'ruvim worked in, that have been crafted by a skilled artisan.

Berean Standard Bible

Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt make a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubim the work of the skilful workman shall it be made:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 26:31 presents the divine specifications for the construction of the Tabernacle's most significant internal partition: the vail. This sacred curtain, meticulously crafted from blue, purple, and scarlet threads, interwoven with fine twined linen and adorned with cherubim through "cunning work," was designed to separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Its purpose was to delineate the sacred space, emphasizing God's transcendent holiness and the restricted access to His immediate, glorious presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a highly detailed block of divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai, spanning [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - The Appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab"). These chapters provide the architectural blueprint for the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priestly garments, all intended to facilitate God's dwelling among His people. Specifically, [Exodus 26](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - The Tabernacle and Its Curtains") focuses on the Tabernacle's structure, detailing its curtains, frames, and bars. Exodus 26:31-35 describes the vail's construction and placement, emphasizing its role in separating the two main compartments of the sanctuary. The verses immediately preceding this passage ([Exodus 26:1-30](/exodus/26-1-30 "Exodus 26:1-30 - Tabernacle Curtains and Frames")) describe the outer curtains and structural elements, making the vail the culminating interior feature that defines the most sacred space.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle was God's chosen means of dwelling among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, fulfilling the command given in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God Commands a Sanctuary"). This portable sanctuary was revolutionary in the ancient Near East, as it implied a holy God would reside in the very midst of a sinful people. The vail was a critical component in maintaining the necessary distinction between God's absolute holiness and humanity's inherent impurity. While other ancient temples had inner sanctuaries, the Israelite Tabernacle's design, with its strict access protocols—only priests in the Holy Place, and only the High Priest, once a year, into the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement"))—underscored a unique divine transcendence and the profound consequences of sin. The specified materials and craftsmanship reflected the highest possible value and reverence, befitting the dwelling place of the Almighty.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 26:31 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **God's Holiness and Transcendence**, demonstrating that His presence is utterly distinct and unapproachable apart from His prescribed means. The vail's function as a barrier reinforces the theme of **Separation and Atonement**, illustrating the chasm created by sin between God and humanity, a chasm that would later be bridged through sacrificial atonement. Furthermore, the meticulous detail in the divine blueprint underscores the theme of **Divine Order and Meticulous Design**, revealing God's precise instructions for worship and fellowship. The inclusion of cherubim and "cunning work" also speaks to the theme of **Sacred Artistry and Reverence**, indicating that only the finest materials and most skilled craftsmanship were acceptable for the sanctuary of the Most High, reflecting the glory of the One who commanded its creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vail (Hebrew, _pôreketh'_):** This term specifically denotes the inner curtain that served as the primary divider between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) within both the Tabernacle and, later, the Temple. Unlike other curtains or screens, the _pôreketh_ had the unique function of guarding the innermost sanctuary, signifying a profound barrier to God's immediate presence. Its tearing at the moment of Christ's death (as recorded in [Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")) holds immense theological significance, marking the end of the old covenant's restricted access.
* **Cunning (Hebrew, _châshab'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to plait or interpenetrate," this word, when used in conjunction with "work," refers to the highest level of intricate artistic skill, particularly in weaving or embroidery. It implies the work of a master craftsman who could integrate complex figures and patterns directly into the fabric, rather than merely stitching them on. This signifies that the vail was not just a functional barrier but a masterpiece of divine art, reflecting the glory and majesty of the One whose presence it guarded and underscoring that only the absolute best was acceptable for God's sanctuary.
* **Cherubims (Hebrew, _kᵉrûwb'_):** These are angelic beings, often depicted with wings, consistently associated in Scripture with guarding sacred spaces and God's glory. Their presence woven into the vail recalls their role in guarding the way to the tree of life after the expulsion from Eden ([Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guard Eden")). On the vail, they served as visual sentinels, reinforcing the sanctity and inaccessibility of the Most Holy Place, emphasizing that access to God's immediate presence was restricted and divinely protected.
* **Work (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** This term, derived from the root "to do or make," refers broadly to an action, transaction, or, by implication, a product or something made. In the context of "cunning work," it emphasizes the tangible result of the highly skilled craftsmanship. It signifies not just the act of making, but the resulting masterpiece—the vail itself—as a product of divine instruction and human artistry, highlighting its sacred purpose and the effort invested in its creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt make a vail":** This opening imperative establishes the vail as a divinely ordained and absolutely essential component of the Tabernacle's design. The direct command "shalt make" underscores God's authority and meticulous involvement in every detail of His dwelling place, emphasizing that this barrier was not a human invention but a divine requirement.
* **"[of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work":** This clause specifies the precise materials and colors, each imbued with symbolic significance. "Blue" often represents the heavens and the divine nature; "purple" signifies royalty and kingship; "scarlet" points to life, blood, and atonement; and "fine twined linen" denotes purity and righteousness. The phrase "of cunning work" highlights the exquisite artistry and skill required, ensuring the vail's beauty, sacredness, and durability, befitting its role in God's sanctuary.
* **"with cherubims shall it be made":** This final directive mandates the intricate weaving of cherubim into the very fabric of the vail. Their presence served as a powerful visual reminder of God's holiness and the guarded nature of His immediate presence, reinforcing the sanctity of the Most Holy Place and the restricted access to it, echoing their role as guardians of sacred space.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 26:31 is rich in **Symbolism**, where each element of the vail carries profound theological meaning. The vail itself is a potent symbol of the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity, representing the inaccessibility of God's immediate presence due to sin. The specific colors—blue for heaven, purple for royalty, scarlet for sacrifice and life, and fine twined linen for purity—collectively symbolize the divine nature, sovereign rule, atoning work, and righteousness inherent to God and required for approaching Him. The cherubim symbolize divine guardians and the sanctity of God's presence, echoing their role in guarding the way to the tree of life after the expulsion from Eden. The phrase "cunning work" functions as **Emphasis**, highlighting the extraordinary skill, precision, and dedication demanded for God's sanctuary, implying that nothing less than perfection was acceptable for the dwelling place of the Most High. The entire verse, as part of a larger divine blueprint, exemplifies **Divine Instruction**, showcasing God's meticulousness and His desire for a holy dwelling place among His people, structured according to His perfect will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The vail of the Tabernacle serves as a profound theological statement about God's absolute holiness and the utter separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. It visually and physically represented the chasm that sin erected, making direct, unmediated fellowship with God impossible apart from divine provision. The meticulous details of its construction—the precious materials, vibrant colors, and watchful cherubim—all underscored the immense value and sacredness of God's presence, while simultaneously highlighting the inaccessibility of His glory to the common person. This separation was not arbitrary but a necessary consequence of God's pure nature and humanity's fallen state, emphasizing the profound need for atonement and a divinely appointed mediator to bridge the divide. The vail stood as a constant, tangible reminder of humanity's inability to approach God on its own terms.

* [Leviticus 16:2](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - Aaron Not to Come at All Times into Holy Place")
* [Hebrews 9:8](/hebrews/9-8 "Hebrews 9:8 - Holy Spirit Signified Restricted Access")
* [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Confidence to Enter the Holiest by the Blood of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 26:31, though detailing an ancient architectural component, speaks volumes to us today about the unchanging nature of God and the profound transformation in our relationship with Him. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's unapproachable holiness, a truth that should inspire profound reverence, awe, and humility in our hearts. The vail, with its intricate design and formidable presence, served as a constant reminder to ancient Israel that sin creates an insurmountable barrier between humanity and a perfect God. For us, this should cultivate a deep appreciation for the immense cost and grace involved in bridging that chasm. It challenges us to consider the purity and sanctity required to stand in God's presence, fostering humility and a desire for holiness in our own lives, not as a means to earn access, but as a response to the access already granted. Understanding the vail's purpose helps us grasp the magnitude of the open access we now have, not through our own merit or ritual, but solely through the perfect, once-for-all work of Christ. This glorious privilege calls us to draw near with confidence, yet always with a profound sense of respect and worship for the One we approach.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the vail deepen your understanding of God's absolute holiness and the pervasive seriousness of sin?**
* **What does the "cunning work" and precious materials of the vail teach us about the value God places on His dwelling place and, by extension, on our worship and spiritual lives?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "restricted access" to God's presence, as symbolized by the vail, shape your gratitude for the open and confident access we now have through Christ?**
* **How can we maintain a balance between confident access to God and a reverent awe of His majesty in our daily lives and worship?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary purpose of the vail in the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the vail, as meticulously described in [Exodus 26:31](/exodus/26-31 "Exodus 26:31 - The Vail's Construction"), was to create a physical and symbolic barrier separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies) within the Tabernacle. This sacred partition underscored God's absolute holiness and the inaccessibility of His immediate, glorious presence to sinful humanity. Only the High Priest was permitted to pass beyond the vail, and then only once a year on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement")), after specific purification rituals, to offer atonement for the sins of the people. It served as a constant visual reminder of the separation between a holy God and an unholy people.

**Why were specific colors and cherubim chosen for the vail?**

Answer: The specific colors—blue, purple, and scarlet—along with fine twined linen and woven cherubim, were divinely chosen for their rich symbolic meanings, reflecting the nature of God and the purpose of the sanctuary. "Blue" often represented the heavens and God's divine, transcendent nature, connecting the earthly sanctuary to the heavenly realm. "Purple" symbolized royalty and kingship, signifying God's sovereign rule over all creation. "Scarlet" pointed to life, blood, and atonement, foreshadowing the sacrifice necessary for reconciliation with God. "Fine twined linen" represented purity and righteousness, befitting God's holy dwelling. The "cherubim" woven into the vail served as visual guardians, reinforcing the sanctity and guarded nature of the Most Holy Place and recalling their role in guarding the way to the tree of life in [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guard Eden"). Together, these elements emphasized the glory, holiness, and guarded nature of God's presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The vail of the Tabernacle, meticulously described in [Exodus 26:31](/exodus/26-31 "Exodus 26:31 - The Vail's Construction"), finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This physical barrier, which once separated God's immediate presence from His people, powerfully foreshadowed the spiritual barrier of sin that stood between a holy God and fallen humanity. The dramatic moment when the vail of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom at the very instant of Christ's death on the cross (recorded in [Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn"), [Mark 15:38](/mark/15-38 "Mark 15:38 - The Veil Torn"), and [Luke 23:45](/luke/23-45 "Luke 23:45 - The Veil of the Temple Rent")) was no mere coincidence; it was a divine declaration that the way to God's presence was now opened. The author of Hebrews masterfully explains that Jesus Himself is our "new and living way" through the "vail, that is to say, his flesh" ([Hebrews 10:20](/hebrews/10-20 "Hebrews 10:20 - The New and Living Way")). His crucified body, torn for our sins, became the ultimate sacrifice, removing the barrier and granting believers direct, confident access to the throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). Thus, the vail, which once symbolized separation and restricted access, now points to the glorious union and intimate fellowship made possible solely through the atoning work of Christ, our great High Priest, who entered the true Holy of Holies once for all, securing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest of Good Things to Come")).

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

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;

2 Chronicles 3:14

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

Exodus 36:35

¶ And he made a vail [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: [with] cherubims made he it of cunning work.

Exodus 26:1

¶ Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle [with] ten curtains [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.

Exodus 36:8

¶ And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning work made he them.

Leviticus 16:2

And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy [place] within the vail before the mercy seat, which [is] upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.

Exodus 35:35

Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, [even] of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.