Exodus / Chapter 26

Exodus 26

37 verses • Westminster Leningrad Codex 1 tradition available

Translator's Introduction

What This Chapter Is About

God gives detailed instructions for the tabernacle's curtains, frames, and crossbars. The innermost layer features finely woven linen with cherubim in blue, purple, and scarlet. Goat-hair curtains form the outer tent. Gold-plated acacia frames create the structure, joined by silver bases.

What Makes This Chapter Remarkable

The tabernacle (mishkan, from shakan, 'to dwell') is a portable dwelling — theology in textile. The cherubim woven into the innermost curtains mirror the cherubim on the mercy seat, so that guardian figures surround God's space from every direction. The modularity of the design (two sets of five curtains, coupled by gold clasps, v6) reveals a structure built for assembly, disassembly, and transport — a community on the move carries God's presence with them. The veil (parokhet, v31) separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, creating the graduated holiness that defines tabernacle theology.

Translation Friction

The technical textile vocabulary posed consistent challenges. The Hebrew tekhelet (blue/violet), argaman (purple), and tola'at shani (scarlet) are dye terms with specific ancient referents; we retained the color terms without specifying the dyeing agents. The dimensions in cubits (approximately 18 inches each) we preserved in the Hebrew measurement, adding approximate modern equivalents in notes. The word qerashim ('frames,' v15) was traditionally rendered 'boards,' but recent scholarship favors open frameworks; we chose 'frames.'

Connections

The veil torn at Christ's death (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38) is this parokhet. The tabernacle as portable dwelling anticipates the temple of 1 Kings 6-8 and ultimately the incarnation (John 1:14, where skenoo, 'tabernacled,' echoes mishkan). The cherubim on the curtains connect to the garden guardians of Genesis 3:24.

Exodus 26:1

וְאֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֥ן תַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה עֶ֣שֶׂר יְרִיעֹ֑ת שֵׁ֣שׁ מׇשְׁזָ֗ר וּתְכֵ֤לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָן֙ וְתֹלַ֣עַת שָׁנִ֔י כְּרֻבִ֛ים מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה חֹשֵׁ֖ב תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה אֹתָֽם׃

"You shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them.

KJV 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.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The tabernacle (mishkan, from shakan, 'to dwell') is God's portable dwelling place. The innermost layer — finely woven linen with cherubim — creates a sacred canopy. The cherubim woven into the curtains echo the cherubim on the kapporet (25:18-20): the guardian figures surround God's space from every direction.
Exodus 26:2

אֹ֣רֶךְ ׀ הַיְרִיעָ֣ה הָֽאַחַ֗ת שְׁמֹנֶ֤ה וְעֶשְׂרִים֙ בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה וְרֹ֙חַב֙ אַרְבַּ֣ע בָּאַמָּ֔ה הַיְרִיעָ֖ה הָאֶחָ֑ת מִדָּ֥ה אַחַ֖ת לְכׇל־הַיְרִיעֹֽת׃

The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits. All the curtains shall be the same size.

KJV The length of one curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of the curtains shall have one measure.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Each curtain is approximately 42 x 6 feet. The uniformity ('all the same size') reflects the ordered perfection of sacred space — nothing in God's dwelling is haphazard or improvised.
Exodus 26:3

חֲמֵ֣שׁ הַיְרִיעֹ֗ת תִּֽהְיֶ֙יןָ֙ חֹֽבְרֹ֔ת אִשָּׁ֖ה אֶל־אֲחֹתָ֑הּ וְחָמֵ֤שׁ יְרִיעֹת֙ חֹֽבְרֹ֔ת אִשָּׁ֖ה אֶל־אֲחֹתָֽהּ׃

Five curtains shall be joined to one another, and the other five curtains shall be joined to one another.

KJV The five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and other five curtains shall be coupled one to another.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Two sets of five curtains, joined together, create two large panels that will be coupled to form the ceiling. The construction method is modular — designed for assembly, disassembly, and transport.
Exodus 26:4

וְעָשִׂ֜יתָ לֻֽלְאֹ֣ת תְּכֵ֗לֶת עַ֣ל שְׂפַ֤ת הַיְרִיעָה֙ הָאֶחָ֔ת מִקָּצָ֖ה בַּחֹבָ֑רֶת וְכֵ֤ן תַּעֲשֶׂה֙ בִּשְׂפַ֣ת הַיְרִיעָ֔ה הַקִּ֣יצוֹנָ֔ה בַּמַּחְבֶּ֖רֶת הַשֵּׁנִֽית׃

You shall make loops of blue yarn on the edge of the outermost curtain in the first set, and likewise on the edge of the outermost curtain in the second set.

KJV And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling; and likewise shalt thou make in the uttermost edge of another curtain, in the coupling of the second.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Blue yarn loops — the color tekhelet (blue/violet) is associated with royalty and divinity throughout the Torah. Even the functional connectors reflect the sacred nature of the space.
Exodus 26:5

חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים לֻֽלָאֹ֗ת תַּעֲשֶׂה֮ בַּיְרִיעָ֣ה הָאֶחָת֒ וַחֲמִשִּׁ֣ים לֻֽלָאֹ֗ת תַּעֲשֶׂה֙ בִּקְצֵ֣ה הַיְרִיעָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר בַּמַּחְבֶּ֣רֶת הַשֵּׁנִ֑ית מַקְבִּילֹת֙ הַלֻּ֣לָאֹ֔ת אִשָּׁ֖ה אֶל־אֲחֹתָֽהּ׃

You shall make fifty loops on the one curtain, and fifty loops on the edge of the curtain in the second set, the loops being opposite one another.

KJV Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain, and fifty loops shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that is in the coupling of the second; that the loops may take hold one of another.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Fifty loops on each panel, precisely aligned ('opposite one another'). The engineering detail ensures exact fit — sacred architecture demands precision.
Exodus 26:6

וְעָשִׂ֕יתָ חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים קַרְסֵ֣י זָהָ֑ב וְחִבַּרְתָּ֨ אֶת־הַיְרִיעֹ֜ת אִשָּׁ֤ה אֶל־אֲחֹתָהּ֙ בַּקְּרָסִ֔ים וְהָיָ֥ה הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן אֶחָֽד׃

You shall make fifty clasps of gold and join the curtains to one another with the clasps, so that the tabernacle forms a single unit.

KJV And thou shalt make fifty taches of gold, and couple the curtains together with the taches: and it shall be one tabernacle.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Gold clasps (qarssei zahav) join the two halves into 'a single unit' (echad). The word echad ('one') echoes the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4): as God is one, His dwelling is one. The tabernacle's unity reflects its builder's nature.
Exodus 26:7

וְעָשִׂ֙יתָ֙ יְרִיעֹ֣ת עִזִּ֔ים לְאֹ֖הֶל עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן עַשְׁתֵּי־עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה יְרִיעֹ֖ת תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה אֹתָֽם׃

"You shall make curtains of goats' hair for a tent over the tabernacle. You shall make eleven curtains.

KJV And thou shalt make curtains of goats’ hair to be a covering upon the tabernacle: eleven curtains shalt thou make.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The goats' hair tent (ohel) covers the linen tabernacle (mishkan). The outer layer protects the inner — the practical shields the sacred. Goats' hair is waterproof and durable: functional material serving holy purposes.
Exodus 26:8

אֹ֣רֶךְ ׀ הַיְרִיעָ֣ה הָֽאַחַ֗ת שְׁלֹשִׁים֙ בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה וְרֹ֙חַב֙ אַרְבַּ֣ע בָּאַמָּ֔ה הַיְרִיעָ֖ה הָאֶחָ֑ת מִדָּ֣ה אַחַ֔ת לְעַשְׁתֵּ֥י עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה יְרִיעֹֽת׃

The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits. The eleven curtains shall be the same size.

KJV The length of one curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and the eleven curtains shall be all of one measure.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Slightly larger curtains (30 x 6 feet vs 28 x 6) to provide overhang and complete coverage of the inner curtains beneath.
Exodus 26:9

וְחִבַּרְתָּ֞ אֶת־חֲמֵ֤שׁ הַיְרִיעֹת֙ לְבָ֔ד וְאֶת־שֵׁ֥שׁ הַיְרִיעֹ֖ת לְבָ֑ד וְכָפַלְתָּ֙ אֶת־הַיְרִיעָ֣ה הַשִּׁשִּׁ֔ית אֶל־מ֖וּל פְּנֵ֥י הָאֹֽהֶל׃

You shall join five curtains by themselves and six curtains by themselves, and you shall fold the sixth curtain double at the front of the tent.

KJV And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shalt double the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tabernacle.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The sixth curtain is doubled at the front — extra material providing a visible entrance flap. The tabernacle's approach is marked by the fold of its covering.
Exodus 26:10

וְעָשִׂ֜יתָ חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים לֻֽלָאֹ֗ת עַ֣ל שְׂפַ֤ת הַיְרִיעָה֙ הָֽאֶחָ֔ת הַקִּיצֹנָ֖ה בַּחֹבָ֑רֶת וַחֲמִשִּׁ֣ים לֻֽלָאֹ֗ת עַ֚ל שְׂפַ֣ת הַיְרִיעָ֔ה הַחֹבֶ֖רֶת הַשֵּׁנִֽית׃

You shall make fifty loops on the edge of the outermost curtain in one set, and fifty loops on the edge of the curtain in the other set.

KJV And thou shalt make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outmost in the coupling, and fifty loops in the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Fifty loops, mirroring the inner curtain construction. The outer tent replicates the inner pattern — the layers correspond.
Exodus 26:11

וְעָשִׂ֛יתָ קַרְסֵ֥י נְחֹ֖שֶׁת חֲמִשִּׁ֑ים וְהֵבֵאתָ֤ אֶת־הַקְּרָסִים֙ בַּלֻּ֣לָאֹ֔ת וְחִבַּרְתָּ֥ אֶת־הָאֹ֖הֶל וְהָיָ֥ה אֶחָֽד׃

You shall make fifty clasps of bronze, put the clasps into the loops, and join the tent together so that it forms a single unit.

KJV And thou shalt make fifty taches of brass, and put the taches into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Bronze clasps (qarssei nechoshet) for the outer tent — less precious than the gold of the inner curtains. Materials decrease in value from inside out: gold (holiest), then bronze (protective outer layer). Proximity to God determines material worth.
Exodus 26:12

וְסֶ֙רַח֙ הָעֹדֵ֔ף בִּירִיעֹ֖ת הָאֹ֑הֶל חֲצִ֤י הַיְרִיעָה֙ הָעֹדֶ֔פֶת תִּסְרַ֕ח עַ֖ל אֲחֹרֵ֥י הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃

The part that hangs over the back of the tabernacle — the extra half-curtain — shall hang over the back.

KJV And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The extra half-curtain hangs over the back — practical covering with aesthetic consequence. The rear of the tabernacle is draped, not exposed.
Exodus 26:13

וְהָאַמָּ֨ה מִזֶּ֜ה וְהָאַמָּ֤ה מִזֶּה֙ בָּעֹדֵ֔ף בְּאֹ֖רֶךְ יְרִיעֹ֣ת הָאֹ֑הֶל יִהְיֶ֨ה סָר֜וּחַ עַל־צִדֵּ֧י הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן מִזֶּ֥ה וּמִזֶּ֖ה לְכַסֹּתֽוֹ׃

The extra cubit on each side in the length of the tent curtains shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle, on this side and on that side, to cover it.

KJV And a cubit on the one side, and a cubit on the other side of that which remaineth in the length of the curtains of the tent, it shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The overhang on each side protects the linen curtains from exposure. The engineering accounts for weather and wear — sacred space is also practical space.

Samaritan Pentateuch (4th c. BCE divergence)minor

"(Slightly different measurements)"

SP has minor variants in several tabernacle measurements. These may reflect different architectural traditions or scribal errors in number transmission.

Exodus 26:14

וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ מִכְסֶה֙ לָאֹ֔הֶל עֹרֹ֥ת אֵילִ֖ם מְאׇדָּמִ֑ים וּמִכְסֵ֛ה עֹרֹ֥ת תְּחָשִׁ֖ים מִלְמָֽעְלָה׃ {פ}

You shall make a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of fine leather on top of that.

KJV And thou shalt make a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering above of badgers skins.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Two additional outer coverings: rams' skins dyed red and tachash (fine leather). Four layers total: linen, goats' hair, rams' skins, leather. Each layer adds protection; the outermost is the most weather-resistant.
Exodus 26:15

וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ אֶת־הַקְּרָשִׁ֖ים לַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן עֲצֵ֥י שִׁטִּ֖ים עֹמְדִֽים׃

"You shall make upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle.

KJV And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Upright frames (qerashim) of acacia wood form the tabernacle's structural skeleton. Acacia (shittah) is the hardest wood available in the Sinai wilderness — dense, durable, and insect-resistant.
Exodus 26:16

עֶ֥שֶׂר אַמּ֖וֹת אֹ֣רֶךְ הַקָּ֑רֶשׁ וְאַמָּה֙ וַחֲצִ֣י הָֽאַמָּ֔ה רֹ֖חַב הַקֶּ֥רֶשׁ הָאֶחָֽד׃

Each frame shall be ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide.

KJV Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and a cubit and a half shall be the breadth of one board.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Each frame is approximately 15 x 2.25 feet. The height (10 cubits) matches the height of the curtains, creating a precise fit between structure and covering.
Exodus 26:17

שְׁתֵּ֣י יָד֗וֹת לַקֶּ֙רֶשׁ֙ הָאֶחָ֔ד מְשֻׁ֨לָּבֹ֔ת אִשָּׁ֖ה אֶל־אֲחֹתָ֑הּ כֵּ֣ן תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה לְכֹ֖ל קַרְשֵׁ֥י הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃

Each frame shall have two tenons joined to one another. You shall make all the frames of the tabernacle this way.

KJV Two tenons shall there be in one board, set in order one against another: thus shalt thou make for all the boards of the tabernacle.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Tenons (yadot, literally 'hands') are projections that fit into sockets. The joinery is mortise-and-tenon — each frame locks into its base with two connection points for stability.
Exodus 26:18

וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ אֶת־הַקְּרָשִׁ֖ים לַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן עֶשְׂרִ֣ים קֶ֔רֶשׁ לִפְאַ֖ת נֶ֥גְבָּה תֵימָֽנָה׃

You shall make the frames for the tabernacle: twenty frames for the south side.

KJV And thou shalt make the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards on the south side southward.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Twenty frames on the south side — the tabernacle's longer walls. The total south-wall length is approximately 45 feet (20 frames x 1.5 cubits each).
Exodus 26:19

וְאַרְבָּעִים֙ אַדְנֵי־כֶ֔סֶף תַּעֲשֶׂ֕ה תַּ֖חַת עֶשְׂרִ֣ים הַקָּ֑רֶשׁ שְׁנֵ֨י אֲדָנִ֜ים תַּֽחַת־הַקֶּ֤רֶשׁ הָאֶחָד֙ לִשְׁתֵּ֣י יְדֹתָ֔יו וּשְׁנֵ֧י אֲדָנִ֛ים תַּֽחַת־הַקֶּ֥רֶשׁ הָאֶחָ֖ד לִשְׁתֵּ֥י יְדֹתָֽיו׃

You shall make forty bases of silver under the twenty frames — two bases under each frame for its two tenons.

KJV And thou shalt make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Silver bases (adnei kesef) — each frame sits in two silver sockets. Forty bases for twenty frames. The silver came from the census atonement money (30:11-16; 38:25-28), making the tabernacle's foundation literally built on atonement.
Exodus 26:20

וּלְצֶ֧לַע הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית לִפְאַ֣ת צָפ֑וֹן עֶשְׂרִ֖ים קָֽרֶשׁ׃

For the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side, twenty frames,

KJV And for the second side of the tabernacle on the north side there shall be twenty boards:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The north side mirrors the south: twenty frames, identical construction. The bilateral symmetry creates a balanced, ordered space.
Exodus 26:21

וְאַרְבָּעִ֥ים אַדְנֵיהֶ֖ם כָּ֑סֶף שְׁנֵ֣י אֲדָנִ֗ים תַּ֚חַת הַקֶּ֣רֶשׁ הָֽאֶחָ֔ד וּשְׁנֵ֣י אֲדָנִ֔ים תַּ֖חַת הַקֶּ֥רֶשׁ הָאֶחָֽד׃

with their forty bases of silver — two bases under each frame.

KJV And their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Forty silver bases on the north, matching the south. The repetition ensures structural consistency — both walls bear equal load.
Exodus 26:22

וּֽלְיַרְכְּתֵ֥י הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן יָ֑מָּה תַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה שִׁשָּׁ֥ה קְרָשִֽׁים׃

For the back of the tabernacle, on the west side, you shall make six frames.

KJV And for the sides of the tabernacle westward thou shalt make six boards.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Six frames for the western back wall — the narrow end. The tabernacle opens to the east, facing the sunrise. The Most Holy Place is at the western end, the deepest interior.
Exodus 26:23

וּשְׁנֵ֤י קְרָשִׁים֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה לִמְקֻצְעֹ֖ת הַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן בַּיַּרְכָתָֽיִם׃

You shall make two frames for the corners of the tabernacle at the back.

KJV And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Two additional corner frames solve the engineering challenge of joining the back wall to the side walls at right angles.
Exodus 26:24

וְיִֽהְי֣וּ תֹֽאֲמִם֮ מִלְּמַ֒טָּה֒ וְיַחְדָּ֗ו יִהְי֤וּ תַמִּים֙ עַל־רֹאשׁ֔וֹ אֶל־הַטַּבַּ֖עַת הָאֶחָ֑ת כֵּ֚ן יִהְיֶ֣ה לִשְׁנֵיהֶ֔ם לִשְׁנֵ֥י הַמִּקְצֹעֹ֖ת יִהְיֽוּ׃

They shall be joined at the bottom and coupled at the top in a single ring. Both of them shall be this way; they shall form the two corners.

KJV And they shall be coupled together beneath, and they shall be coupled together above the head of it unto one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The corner frames are joined top and bottom, creating rigid corners that hold the structure square. The detail 'coupled at the top in a single ring' describes a metal fitting that locks the corner.
Exodus 26:25

וְהָיוּ֙ שְׁמֹנָ֣ה קְרָשִׁ֔ים וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֣ם כֶּ֔סֶף שִׁשָּׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר אֲדָנִ֑ים שְׁנֵ֣י אֲדָנִ֗ים תַּ֚חַת הַקֶּ֣רֶשׁ הָאֶחָ֔ד וּשְׁנֵ֣י אֲדָנִ֔ים תַּ֖חַת הַקֶּ֥רֶשׁ הָאֶחָֽד׃

There shall be eight frames with their bases of silver — sixteen bases, two bases under each frame.

KJV And they shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Eight frames on the back (six plus two corners), sixteen silver bases. The total frame count: 20 + 20 + 8 = 48 frames on 96 silver bases.
Exodus 26:26

וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ בְרִיחִ֖ם עֲצֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֑ים חֲמִשָּׁ֕ה לְקַרְשֵׁ֥י צֶֽלַע־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן הָאֶחָֽד׃

"You shall make bars of acacia wood: five for the frames on one side of the tabernacle,

KJV And thou shalt make bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Cross-bars (berichim) of acacia wood brace the frames horizontally. Five bars per wall provide lateral stability — without them, the upright frames would sway.
Exodus 26:27

וַחֲמִשָּׁ֣ה בְרִיחִ֔ם לְקַרְשֵׁ֥י צֶֽלַע־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן הַשֵּׁנִ֑ית וַחֲמִשָּׁ֣ה בְרִיחִ֗ם לְקַרְשֵׁי֙ צֶ֣לַע הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן לַיַּרְכָתַ֖יִם יָֽמָּה׃

five bars for the frames on the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the frames on the back side of the tabernacle, to the west.

KJV And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Five bars on each of the three walled sides. The bar system creates a rigid box structure that can withstand desert winds.
Exodus 26:28

וְהַבְּרִ֥יחַ הַתִּיכֹ֖ן בְּת֣וֹךְ הַקְּרָשִׁ֑ים מַבְרִ֕חַ מִן־הַקָּצֶ֖ה אֶל־הַקָּצֶֽה׃

The middle bar, halfway up the frames, shall run from end to end.

KJV And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall reach from end to end.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The middle bar runs the entire length of the wall — a single continuous timber that unifies the frame system. This is the structural spine of each wall.
Exodus 26:29

וְֽאֶת־הַקְּרָשִׁ֞ים תְּצַפֶּ֣ה זָהָ֗ב וְאֶת־טַבְּעֹֽתֵיהֶם֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה זָהָ֔ב בָּתִּ֖ים לַבְּרִיחִ֑ם וְצִפִּיתָ֥ אֶת־הַבְּרִיחִ֖ם זָהָֽב׃

You shall overlay the frames with gold and make their rings of gold as holders for the bars, and you shall overlay the bars with gold.

KJV And thou shalt overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for places for the bars: and thou shalt overlay the bars with gold.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Gold overlay on frames and bars — even the structural members are covered in gold. The entire interior surface is golden. Nothing exposed to view inside the tabernacle is bare wood.
Exodus 26:30

וַהֲקֵמֹתָ֖ אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן כְּמִ֨שְׁפָּט֔וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הׇרְאֵ֖יתָ בָּהָֽר׃ {ס}

You shall set up the tabernacle according to the plan that was shown you on the mountain.

KJV And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was shewed thee in the mount.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. 'According to the plan shown you on the mountain' (kemishpato asher hor'eta bahar) — the chapter closes with the same insistence on heavenly pattern that opened the tabernacle instructions (25:9, 40). Human builders follow divine design.
Exodus 26:31

וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ פָרֹ֗כֶת תְּכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י וְשֵׁ֣שׁ מׇשְׁזָ֑ר מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה חֹשֵׁ֛ב יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה אֹתָ֖הּ כְּרֻבִֽים׃

"You shall make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it.

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:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The veil (parokhet) separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Its materials — blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen — match the inner curtains. Cherubim are woven into it, as they were on the curtains and fashioned on the kapporet. The cherubim guard every threshold of God's presence.
Exodus 26:32

וְנָתַתָּ֣ה אֹתָ֗הּ עַל־אַרְבָּעָה֙ עַמּוּדֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֔ים מְצֻפִּ֣ים זָהָ֔ב וָוֵיהֶ֖ם זָהָ֑ב עַל־אַרְבָּעָ֖ה אַדְנֵי־כָֽסֶף׃

You shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold, with hooks of gold, on four bases of silver.

KJV And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Four gold-overlaid pillars support the veil. Silver bases, gold hooks — the materials match the space's holiness. The veil hangs between the accessible and the inaccessible.
Exodus 26:33

וְנָתַתָּ֣ה אֶת־הַפָּרֹ֘כֶת֮ תַּ֣חַת הַקְּרָסִים֒ וְהֵבֵאתָ֥ שָׁ֙מָּה֙ מִבֵּ֣ית לַפָּרֹ֔כֶת אֵ֖ת אֲר֣וֹן הָעֵד֑וּת וְהִבְדִּילָ֤ה הַפָּרֹ֙כֶת֙ לָכֶ֔ם בֵּ֣ין הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ וּבֵ֖ין קֹ֥דֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִֽׁים׃

You shall hang the veil from the clasps, and you shall bring the ark of the Testimony in there behind the veil. The veil shall separate for you the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.

KJV And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

פָּרֹכֶת parokhet
"veil" — veil, curtain, screen, divider

The parokhet separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place — the boundary between where priests serve daily and where only the high priest enters once a year. The verb hivdil ('separate') echoes creation (Genesis 1:4). The veil is a creation-boundary within sacred space. It will be torn at the crucifixion (Matthew 27:51).

Translator Notes

  1. The veil's function is separation: 'it shall separate for you the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place' (vehivdilah happarokhet lakhem bein haqqodesh uvein qodesh haqqodashim). The word hivdilah ('separate, divide') is the same verb God used to separate light from darkness at creation (Genesis 1:4). The veil is a creation-boundary: it divides realms.
Exodus 26:34

וְנָתַתָּ֙ אֶת־הַכַּפֹּ֔רֶת עַ֖ל אֲר֣וֹן הָעֵדֻ֑ת בְּקֹ֖דֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִֽׁים׃

You shall put the atonement cover on the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place.

KJV And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of the testimony in the most holy place.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The kapporet goes on the ark, inside the Most Holy Place — the innermost point of the tabernacle, behind the veil, accessible only to the high priest once a year on Yom Kippur.
Exodus 26:35

וְשַׂמְתָּ֤ אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן֙ מִח֣וּץ לַפָּרֹ֔כֶת וְאֶת־הַמְּנֹרָה֙ נֹ֣כַח הַשֻּׁלְחָ֔ן עַ֛ל צֶ֥לַע הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן תֵּימָ֑נָה וְהַ֨שֻּׁלְחָ֔ן תִּתֵּ֖ן עַל־צֶ֥לַע צָפֽוֹן׃

You shall set the table outside the veil, and the lampstand on the south side of the tabernacle opposite the table. You shall place the table on the north side.

KJV And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The table (north) and lampstand (south) are positioned in the Holy Place, outside the veil. The bread of the Presence faces the light of the menorah across the room — provision and illumination in the space where priests serve daily.
Exodus 26:36

וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ מָסָךְ֙ לְפֶ֣תַח הָאֹ֔הֶל תְּכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י וְשֵׁ֣שׁ מׇשְׁזָ֑ר מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה רֹקֵֽם׃

"You shall make a screen for the entrance of the tent, of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, the work of an embroiderer.

KJV And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The entrance screen (masakh) is less elaborate than the inner veil — embroidered, not woven with cherubim. The distinction marks the difference between the entrance to the Holy Place and the entrance to the Most Holy Place.
Exodus 26:37

וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ לַמָּסָ֗ךְ חֲמִשָּׁה֙ עַמּוּדֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֔ים וְצִפִּיתָ֤ אֹתָם֙ זָהָ֔ב וָוֵיהֶ֖ם זָהָ֑ב וְיָצַקְתָּ֣ לָהֶ֔ם חֲמִשָּׁ֖ה אַדְנֵ֥י נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃ {ס}

You shall make for the screen five pillars of acacia and overlay them with gold. Their hooks shall be of gold, and you shall cast five bases of bronze for them.

KJV And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, and their hooks shall be of gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Five bronze-based pillars support the entrance screen. Bronze bases (vs silver for the veil pillars) reflect the descending holiness gradient from inside out: Most Holy (gold/silver) → Holy (silver/bronze) → courtyard (bronze).
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