Exodus 36 8

Exodus 36:8 kjv

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 cherubim of cunning work made he them.

Exodus 36:8 nkjv

Then all the gifted artisans among them who worked on the tabernacle made ten curtains woven of fine linen, and of blue, purple, and scarlet thread; with artistic designs of cherubim they made them.

Exodus 36:8 niv

All those who were skilled among the workers made the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by expert hands.

Exodus 36:8 esv

And all the craftsmen among the workmen made the tabernacle with ten curtains. They were made of fine twined linen and blue and purple and scarlet yarns, with cherubim skillfully worked.

Exodus 36:8 nlt

The skilled craftsmen made ten curtains of finely woven linen for the Tabernacle. Then Bezalel decorated the curtains with blue, purple, and scarlet thread and with skillfully embroidered cherubim.

Exodus 36 verses

Exodus 36 8 Meaning

Exodus 36:8 describes the crucial moment when the divine blueprint for the Tabernacle began to take tangible form. It details the initial act of creation by the divinely endowed craftsmen—Bezaleel, Aholiab, and all "wise-hearted men"—who started constructing the innermost layer of the Tabernacle's covering. This included ten magnificent curtains woven from fine twined linen and threads of blue, purple, and scarlet, intricately designed with cherubim. This verse marks the transition from planning and preparation (gatherings, offerings) to the skilled execution of God's instructions for His dwelling place among His people.

Exodus 36 8 Context

Exodus 36 continues the narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, following the detailed instructions given by God in chapters 25-31 and the collection of vast offerings in chapters 35. After Moses receives the materials, the process of actual building commences. Chapter 36 specifically details the skilled work performed by Bezaleel, Aholiab, and other artisans whom God had supernaturally gifted. Verse 8 marks the initial phase of their craftsmanship, focusing on the intricate inner coverings of the Tabernacle. This immediate application of God's design reflects the people's readiness and the divine enablement for the task, signifying the move from passive listening and giving to active, precise obedience in building God's dwelling place. Historically, the Tabernacle was the central point of Israelite worship and the manifestation of God's presence during their wilderness wanderings, preceding the permanent Temple in Jerusalem.

Exodus 36 8 Word analysis

• And all the wise-hearted men (וְכָל־חֲכְמֵי־לֵב, v'khol chakmei-lev): This phrase highlights a specific quality—"wise-hearted." In Hebrew thought, the heart (lev) is the center of intellect, will, and emotion. Thus, "wise-hearted" means those with understanding, skill, and insight, particularly that which is divinely imparted (Exo 31:3). It signifies not just intelligence but practical wisdom, enabling them to understand and execute intricate designs. This wisdom is a gift from God (Exo 35:31), essential for the sacred work.
• among them that wrought the work (מֵעֹשֵׂי הַמְּלָאכָה, me'osei ha'mla'khah): Specifies that these wise-hearted individuals are actively involved in the skilled labor. M'la'khah (work/task) here refers to the precise, divinely ordained tasks of constructing the Tabernacle. It distinguishes them from general laborers or contributors.
• of the tabernacle (הַמִּשְׁכָּן, ha'mishkan): Refers to the sacred dwelling place for God, the mobile sanctuary. The term Mishkan means "dwelling place," emphasizing God's presence among His people. The work is explicitly dedicated to this divine abode.
• made ten curtains (עָשׂוּ עֶשֶׂר יְרִיעֹת, asu eser yeri'ot): Asu means "they made" or "they wrought." Eser (ten) emphasizes the specific number, indicating the precision of the divine instructions. Yer'iot are large sheets or panels, here referring to the innermost and most significant set of curtains, directly over the ark and Holy of Holies, serving as the interior roof and walls of the Tabernacle's framework. The number ten often symbolizes completeness and divine order.
• of fine twined linen (שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר, shesh mashzar): "Fine linen" (שֵׁשׁ, shesh) was expensive, pure, and associated with royalty and sacred items in the ancient Near East. "Twined" (mashzar) indicates a tightly woven, durable fabric. Spiritually, white linen often represents purity and righteousness (Rev 19:8).
• and blue, and purple, and scarlet (וּתְכֵלֶת וְאַרְגָּמָן וְתוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי, u'tkhelet v'argaman v'tole'at shani): These specific dyes are repeated throughout Tabernacle instructions.
  • Blue (tkhelet): Thought to symbolize heaven, divinity, and truth. Derived from a special sea snail.
  • Purple (argaman): Represents royalty and kingship, traditionally produced from a mix of blue and red dyes.
  • Scarlet (tole'at shani): Represents life, vitality, sacrifice (from a specific worm, coccus ilicis, yielding a deep red dye). Also speaks of blood, atonement, and the blood covenant. Their combined presence suggests a kingly, divine presence, whose atonement grants access.
• with cherubims of cunning work made he them (כְּרֻבִים מַעֲשֵׂה חֹשֵׁב עָשָׂה אֹתָם, k'ruvīm ma'aseh khoshev asah otam):
  • Cherubim (k'ruvīm): Celestial beings often depicted guarding sacred spaces (Gen 3:24 at Eden, Ezekiel's visions). Their presence on the curtains emphasizes the holiness of the Tabernacle, God's transcendence, and access to His presence being by divine arrangement.
  • Cunning work (ma'aseh khoshev): Implies artistic, ingenious, or interwoven designs by a master weaver. It indicates highly skilled, intricate tapestry work, reflecting the highest level of craftsmanship dedicated to God. It highlights the beauty and complexity demanded by God for His dwelling.

Exodus 36 8 Bonus section

• The divine wisdom imparted to the craftsmen (Bezaleel and Aholiab, along with all the "wise-hearted") illustrates a foundational principle: God not only calls individuals to service but also provides the necessary abilities and gifts to fulfill that calling. Their wisdom and skill were not merely natural talents but supernatural endowments, highlighting that all true skill for God's kingdom originates from Him (Exo 31:3-5).
• The progression in the Tabernacle narrative—from command to offering to construction—shows a divinely ordered process. The offerings provide the means, the divine Spirit provides the skill, and human hands apply themselves to the holy work, culminating in the Tabernacle's completion (Exo 39-40). This structured approach serves as a model for all divine work.
• The meticulous detail regarding colors (blue, purple, scarlet) and materials (fine twined linen) for the Tabernacle's innermost curtains highlights that God desires not merely functionality but also beauty and excellence in His worship. Each color and material carried symbolic significance for the ancient Israelites, teaching profound truths about God's nature and His plan for redemption, foreshadowing the person and work of Christ in vivid ways. The Tabernacle, down to its smallest threads, served as a "shadow" of heavenly realities (Heb 8:5).

Exodus 36 8 Commentary

Exodus 36:8 shifts the focus from Israel's willingness to give to the divine enabling and human skill in constructing the Tabernacle. It showcases God's provision for His commands: He not only dictates the design but also gifts the individuals required to execute it with "wise hearts" and skilled hands. The verse describes the start of making the Tabernacle's innermost layer, emphasizing the detailed use of exquisite materials—fine linen symbolizing purity, and blue, purple, and scarlet threads signifying divine origin, royalty, and redemption respectively. The embroidered cherubim, mystical guardians of God's holiness, underscore the sacred nature of the Tabernacle and its connection to God's heavenly throne. This act of "making" is a fulfillment of God's instruction, marking a concrete step in bringing God's presence among His people through their consecrated labor. It reflects a partnership: God instructs and equips, and His people obey and create with excellence, ensuring the Tabernacle accurately prefigures Christ and His ultimate work of bringing God to dwell fully with humanity.