Exodus 35 6

Exodus 35:6 kjv

And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair,

Exodus 35:6 nkjv

blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goats' hair;

Exodus 35:6 niv

blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair;

Exodus 35:6 esv

blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen; goats' hair,

Exodus 35:6 nlt

blue, purple, and scarlet thread;
fine linen and goat hair for cloth;

Exodus 35 verses

Exodus 35 6 Meaning

Exodus 35:6 specifies some of the raw materials the Israelites were to voluntarily contribute for the construction of the Tabernacle. These included ram skins dyed red, tachash skins (often translated as badger, dugong, or fine leather), and acacia wood. These components were essential for constructing the protective coverings and structural framework of the sacred dwelling place for God's presence.

Exodus 35 6 Context

Exodus chapter 35 details Moses' public proclamation of the divine commands for constructing the Tabernacle, beginning with a reminder to observe the Sabbath (vv. 1-3) before transitioning to a general call for offerings (vv. 4-9). Verse 6 is part of a comprehensive list of specific materials (gold, silver, bronze, blue/purple/scarlet material, fine linen, goat hair, etc.) that the community was encouraged to donate, all according to what the Lord had previously commanded (Exo 25:1-7). This initiative for building God's dwelling place comes immediately after the grave sin of the golden calf (Exo 32-34) and God's renewed covenant with Israel. It emphasizes a fresh opportunity for the people to participate in God's redemptive plan through obedience, generosity, and skillful service, ensuring a portable sanctuary where God could dwell among His wilderness-wandering people.

Exodus 35 6 Word analysis

• וְעֹרֹת (ve'orot): "and skins of". The initial Hebrew letter וְ (ve-) functions as a conjunctive, meaning "and," indicating this material is one among several contributions. The word עֹרֹת (orot) is the plural construct form of עוֹר (or), meaning "skin" or "hide." In this context, it refers to processed animal hides used for covering.
• אֵילִים (eilim): "rams". This noun specifically designates male sheep. Rams were common domestic animals in the ancient Near East and held significant ritual importance, often sacrificed as burnt offerings or peace offerings, symbolizing dedication, substitution, or sanctification within the Israelite sacrificial system.
• מְאָדָּמִים (me'adamim): "dyed red". This word is a Piel participle, derived from the root אָדַם (adam), meaning "to be red" or "to be ruddy." The Piel stem denotes an intensive action, implying a thorough and deliberate process of dyeing the ram skins a deep red color. Red frequently symbolized blood, life, purification, or atonement in the Old Testament, suggesting a purposeful selection beyond mere aesthetics for a layer of the Tabernacle's covering.
• וְתַחֲשִׁים (ve'tachashim): "and tachash skins". The conjunctive וְ (ve-) again links this material. The term תַּחַשׁ (tachash) is one of the most debated words in Tabernacle scholarship. Its precise identification is uncertain, leading to various translations such as "badger," "seal," "dugong," "porpoise," or a type of durable, finely processed leather (Septuagint implies "hyacinth" referring to a color/type of leather). Regardless of the specific animal, its function as the outermost, durable, and weather-resistant covering for the Tabernacle is paramount, signifying robust protection and divine providence.
• וַעֲצֵי (va'atzei): "and wood of". The conjunctive וַ (va-) connects this item to the list of contributions. עֲצֵי (atzei) is the construct plural of עֵץ (etz), meaning "tree" or "wood," denoting the foundational timber.
• שִׁטִּים (shittim): "acacia". This refers specifically to the wood of the acacia tree (Acacia nilotica or Acacia seyal), which was abundant in the desert regions traversed by the Israelites. Acacia wood is exceptionally hard, dense, and resistant to decay, warping, and insect infestation, making it an ideal building material in the harsh desert climate. It formed the foundational structural elements of the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, altars, and the framework, symbolizing enduring strength, resilience, and the stable presence of God.

Exodus 35 6 Bonus section

The hierarchy and symbolism of the Tabernacle coverings illustrate progressive degrees of holiness and separation. The tachash skins formed the uppermost, impervious, and aesthetically plain outer layer, signifying protection from the external, profane world. This utilitarian covering concealed the inherent glory and precious materials (gold, fine linen, etc.) within, which could only be approached according to divine stipulations. This concept foreshadows aspects of Christ's incarnation—His outwardly humble, human appearance, yet inwardly embodying the full glory and presence of God (Jn 1:14; Phil 2:6-8). The use of ram skins dyed red, often interpreted with reference to the sacrificial system and atonement, consistently points to the necessity of purification through blood for divine communion, a theme brought to its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's shed blood. The acacia wood, serving as the foundational structure, stable and incorruptible, provides an earthly representation of divine truth and the unwavering nature of God's Word, which endures forever.

Exodus 35 6 Commentary

Exodus 35:6, listing "ram skins dyed red, tachash skins, and acacia wood," presents three crucial elements of the Tabernacle's construction, each embodying significant practical and symbolic value within God's meticulously designed dwelling. The ram skins dyed red likely constituted one of the inner coverings, with the color possibly pointing towards blood and the necessary atonement, purifying the sacred space, or serving as a distinct visual layer. The enigmatic tachash skins formed the outermost layer, serving as a robust, waterproof, and durable shield against the desert's harsh elements, representing divine provision and steadfast protection over the holy presence within. Acacia wood, renowned for its exceptional durability and resistance to decay, formed the unyielding skeletal framework for the sacred furniture and the very walls of the Tabernacle. Its resilience mirrored the enduring nature of God's covenant and His unchanging faithfulness to His people, even in the desolation of the wilderness. These contributions, willingly offered by the Israelites, not only physically established the Tabernacle but also instilled in the community a sense of shared ownership and active participation in God's redemptive work, emphasizing that the dwelling of the Most High was built upon both divine command and human generosity and skill.