Exodus 39 34

Exodus 39:34 kjv

And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering,

Exodus 39:34 nkjv

the covering of ram skins dyed red, the covering of badger skins, and the veil of the covering;

Exodus 39:34 niv

the covering of ram skins dyed red and the covering of another durable leather and the shielding curtain;

Exodus 39:34 esv

the covering of tanned rams' skins and goatskins, and the veil of the screen;

Exodus 39:34 nlt

the tent coverings of tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather;
the inner curtain to shield the Ark;

Exodus 39 verses

Exodus 39 34 Meaning

Exodus 39:34 describes key components of the Tabernacle's completed structure: the protective outer layers made of dyed rams' skins and durable takhash skins, and the significant inner veil known as "the veil of the screen." These items were meticulously crafted by Bezalel, Oholiab, and other skilled workers precisely according to the divine instructions given to Moses, representing their completed work before being assembled for God's dwelling place.

Exodus 39 34 Context

Exodus chapter 39 is part of a larger section (chapters 35-40) detailing the construction and erection of the Tabernacle and its priestly garments, fulfilling the commands given in Exodus 25-31. This specific chapter focuses on the making of the sacred vestments for the priests (vv. 1-31) and the completion of all the items for the Tabernacle itself (vv. 32-41). Verse 34 falls within the latter section, listing distinct finished components of the Tabernacle that were prepared and gathered to be presented to Moses. The overarching historical and cultural context is that of ancient Israel in the wilderness, being commanded by God to construct a portable sanctuary as a visible sign of His presence among them and a means for atonement and worship, differentiating them from surrounding idolatrous nations and their worship practices. The meticulous detail in this chapter emphasizes that the Tabernacle was not of human design or preference but built according to God's exact divine blueprint.

Exodus 39 34 Word analysis

• הַמִּכְסֶה (ham-mikh-seh) – the covering:

  • From the root כסה (kasah), meaning "to cover," "to conceal."
  • Refers to an outer protective layer, typically for tents or structures.
  • It indicates a specific, pre-determined covering among the various components.

• עֹרֹת (orot) – skins of:

  • Plural of עוֹר (or), meaning "skin" or "hide."
  • These are processed animal hides, providing durability and protection.

• אֵילִים (eylim) – rams:

  • Plural of אַיִל (ayil), "ram."
  • Rams were common livestock and significant for their meat, wool, and use in sacrifice.

• מְאָדָּמִים (me'ad-da-mim) – dyed red:

  • Participle from the verb אָדַם (adam), meaning "to be red" or "to become red."
  • Implies a deliberate dyeing process, indicating special preparation and expense for these specific hides, possibly to symbolize atonement or sanctity. Red often carries connotations of blood, life, and purification in the Old Testament.

• וּמִכְסֵה (u-mikh-seh) – and a covering:

  • The prefix וּ (u-) means "and," connecting this second covering to the first.
  • It signifies another distinct protective layer of the Tabernacle.

• תַּחַשׁ (takhash) – badgers' (or durable aquatic animals'):

  • The meaning of תַּחַשׁ (takhash) is debated. Traditionally translated as "badger," based on Rabbinic interpretations.
  • Modern scholarship often suggests marine animals like dugongs, porpoises, or sea cows, which were common in the Red Sea region. Their skins are known for being thick, durable, and naturally waterproof, making them ideal for a resilient outer covering for the Tabernacle in a desert climate.
  • Regardless of the exact animal, its significance lies in providing an extremely robust, weather-resistant, and aesthetically drab (in contrast to inner colorful layers) outermost layer, emphasizing protection from external elements and a distinction between the outer appearance and inner glory.

• וּפָרֹכֶת (u-pa-ro-khet) – and the veil:

  • From פָּרֹכֶת (parokhet), specifically refers to the intricately woven curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) within the Tabernacle.
  • This veil symbolized the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity, signifying limited access to God's immediate presence under the Old Covenant.

• הַמָּסָךְ (ham-ma-sakh) – of the screen:

  • From מָסָךְ (masakh), which refers generally to a "screen" or "curtain" at an entrance or separating space.
  • When paired with פָּרֹכֶת, as פָּרֹכֶת הַמָּסָךְ (parokhet hammasakh), it specifies the "veil" which serves as the "screen," primarily indicating the main inner veil to the Holy of Holies. While masakh can also refer to the tent entrance screen (as distinct from parokhet), here, its combined form with parokhet strongly points to the innermost dividing curtain and its function as a sacred barrier.

• Covering of dyed rams' skins, and the covering of badgers' skins:

  • These two elements formed the top-most protective layers of the Tabernacle. The dyed rams' skins provided a significant layer under the takhash skin covering, and its color potentially added to its sacred or symbolic representation, while the takhash skins provided ultimate durability and weatherproofing. Together, they represent God's meticulous care for the physical dwelling of His presence and foreshadow God's protective nature over His people.

• And the veil of the screen:

  • This phrase refers to the holy inner curtain. It served as a physical barrier preventing casual entry into God's immediate, most holy presence. This veil was a profound visual representation of the separation between a sinful people and a perfect God, emphasizing divine transcendence and human inadequacy. Its presence underscored the strict conditions and rituals required for access to God, fulfilled only through the High Priest once a year on the Day of Atonement. This item would later find its profound typological fulfillment in the New Testament.

Exodus 39 34 Bonus section

• Symbolic Layers: The Tabernacle coverings, of which the ram and takhash skins were the uppermost, often convey symbolic meaning. The plain, durable outer takhash skin covering visually distinguished the Tabernacle from common tents but hid the inner beauty and glory of God's dwelling from casual observation, reflecting divine majesty and separation from the world.
• Significance of Obedience: The repetitive phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" (e.g., Exod 39:32, 42, 43) found throughout chapters 36-39 underscores the ultimate theological message: the Tabernacle was not a human innovation but a divine blueprint, demanding exact obedience in its construction. This meticulousness was paramount because it was to be the earthly dwelling place of a holy God, demonstrating that true worship stems from precise adherence to God's revealed will.
• Fulfillment in Christ: The explicit detailing of the "veil of the screen" highlights its critical function as a barrier. This physical barrier was a continuous reminder that direct access to God's intimate presence was prohibited for all except the high priest, and for him only under strict conditions and once a year with sacrificial blood. Its profound significance culminates in its fulfillment through Jesus Christ's crucifixion, where the literal temple veil was torn from top to bottom at the moment of His death (Matt 27:51), signifying the abolishment of separation and the inauguration of a "new and living way" into God's presence through Christ's shed blood and torn body (Heb 10:19-20).

Exodus 39 34 Commentary

Exodus 39:34 provides a snapshot of three crucial completed components of the Tabernacle's structure: two types of external coverings and the central inner veil. The mention of "dyed rams' skins" highlights not only the material but also the specialized preparation involved, potentially connecting to themes of sacrifice and consecration through the color red. The "badgers' skins" (or durable aquatic animal skins) point to the outermost, unadorned, yet highly functional layer, designed for harsh desert elements, symbolizing robustness and divine provision. In stark contrast to its drab exterior, this rugged covering shielded the beautiful, glorious, and intricately designed inner tent of the Tabernacle. This duality also reminds us that outward appearances do not always reflect inner sanctity or glory.

The "veil of the screen" refers to the parokhet, the monumental curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. This veil was paramount for regulating access to the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's throne, symbolizing His holy, inaccessible presence to the general populace. Its precise fabrication, described in earlier chapters, underscores God's insistence on perfect adherence to His plan. This verse's enumeration of these finished components serves to affirm the unwavering obedience of the craftsmen to God's detailed commands given through Moses, an underlying theme throughout the construction narratives. These elements, meticulously crafted and now ready for assembly, ultimately foreshadow the New Covenant reality in Christ, where access to God's presence is made free through the tearing of the greater "veil"—Christ's own body broken on the cross (Heb 10:20), granting believers direct entry into the spiritual Holy of Holies.