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Exodus 27:16

Exodus 27:16 in Multiple Translations

The gate of the courtyard shall be twenty cubits long, with a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. It shall have four posts and four bases.

¶ And for the gate of the court shall be an hanging of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework: and their pillars shall be four, and their sockets four.

And for the gate of the court shall be a screen of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer; their pillars four, and their sockets four.

And across the doorway, a veil of twenty cubits of the best linen, made of needlework of blue and purple and red, with four pillars and four bases.

The entrance to the courtyard is to be twenty cubits wide, with a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and crimson thread, and finely-spun linen, held up by four posts and four stands.

And in the gate of the court shalbe a vaile of twentie cubites, of blewe silke, and purple, and skarlet, and fine twined linen wrought with needle, with the foure pillars thereof and their foure sockets.

'And for the gate of the court a covering of twenty cubits, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen, work of an embroiderer; their pillars four, their sockets four.

For the gate of the court shall be a screen of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer; their pillars four, and their sockets four.

And for the gate of the court shall be a hanging of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needle-work: and their pillars shall be four, and their sockets four.

And in the entrance of the court there shall be made a hanging of twenty cubits of violet and purple, and scarlet twice dyed, and fine twisted linen, with embroidered work: it shall have four pillars with as many sockets.

They must make a curtain ◄30 feet/9 meters► long for the entrance. A skilled weaver must embroider it with blue, purple, and red yarn/thread. It must be ◄supported by/hung from► four posts, each one with a base under it.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 27:16

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 27:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/לְ/שַׁ֨עַר הֶֽ/חָצֵ֜ר מָסָ֣ךְ עֶשְׂרִ֣ים אַמָּ֗ה תְּכֵ֨לֶת וְ/אַרְגָּמָ֜ן וְ/תוֹלַ֧עַת שָׁנִ֛י וְ/שֵׁ֥שׁ מָשְׁזָ֖ר מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה רֹקֵ֑ם עַמֻּֽדֵי/הֶם֙ אַרְבָּעָ֔ה וְ/אַדְנֵי/הֶ֖ם אַרְבָּעָֽה
וּ/לְ/שַׁ֨עַר shaʻar H8179 gate Conj | Prep | N-ms
הֶֽ/חָצֵ֜ר châtsêr H2691 court Art | N-cs
מָסָ֣ךְ mâçâk H4539 covering N-ms
עֶשְׂרִ֣ים ʻesrîym H6242 twenty Adj
אַמָּ֗ה ʼammâh H520 cubit N-fs
תְּכֵ֨לֶת tᵉkêleth H8504 blue N-fs
וְ/אַרְגָּמָ֜ן ʼargâmân H713 purple Conj | N-ms
וְ/תוֹלַ֧עַת tôwlâʻ H8438 worm Conj | N-fs
שָׁנִ֛י shânîy H8144 scarlet N-ms
וְ/שֵׁ֥שׁ shêsh H8336 alabaster Conj | Adj
מָשְׁזָ֖ר shâzar H7806 to twist V-Hophal-Inf-c
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה maʻăseh H4639 deed N-ms
רֹקֵ֑ם râqam H7551 to weave V-Qal
עַמֻּֽדֵי/הֶם֙ ʻammûwd H5982 pillar N-mp | Suff
אַרְבָּעָ֔ה ʼarbaʻ H702 four Adj
וְ/אַדְנֵי/הֶ֖ם ʼeden H134 socket Conj | N-mp | Suff
אַרְבָּעָֽה ʼarbaʻ H702 four Adj
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 27:16

וּ/לְ/שַׁ֨עַר shaʻar H8179 "gate" Conj | Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
הֶֽ/חָצֵ֜ר châtsêr H2691 "court" Art | N-cs
A village in the Bible is a small settlement surrounded by walls. In Matthew 21:2, Jesus sends his disciples to a village to find a donkey, while in Mark 6:6, Jesus travels from village to village teaching.
Definition: 1) court, enclosure 1a) enclosures 1b) court
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: court, tower, village. See also: Genesis 25:16; 2 Chronicles 24:21; Psalms 10:8.
מָסָ֣ךְ mâçâk H4539 "covering" N-ms
This term means a cover or veil, like the screen of the tabernacle, used for hiding or protection.
Definition: 1) covering, rag, screen 1a) covering 1b) screen (of the tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: covering, curtain, hanging. See also: Exodus 26:36; Exodus 40:8; Psalms 105:39.
עֶשְׂרִ֣ים ʻesrîym H6242 "twenty" Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
אַמָּ֗ה ʼammâh H520 "cubit" N-fs
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Definition: cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment. Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.
תְּכֵ֨לֶת tᵉkêleth H8504 "blue" N-fs
Describes the color blue or violet, obtained from a specific type of mussel, used to dye fabrics in Exodus 28. It is a distinct color in the biblical spectrum.
Definition: 1) violet, violet stuff 1a) violet thread 1b) violet stuff or fabric 2) (TWOT) blue (covering spectrum from brilliant red through deep purple)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: blue. See also: Exodus 25:4; Exodus 39:1; Jeremiah 10:9.
וְ/אַרְגָּמָ֜ן ʼargâmân H713 "purple" Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for purple, describing the color or dyed fabric, is used in the Bible to describe royal garments, like those worn by King Solomon. In Exodus 28:5, it is used to describe the priestly robes. The color symbolized wealth and power.
Definition: purple, red-purple
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: purple. See also: Exodus 25:4; Exodus 39:1; Proverbs 31:22.
וְ/תוֹלַ֧עַת tôwlâʻ H8438 "worm" Conj | N-fs
The Hebrew word for worm or maggot, this term is also used to describe a deep red or crimson color. It's associated with a specific type of worm that produces a vibrant dye. In the Bible, it's used to describe the color of cloth or other materials.
Definition: 1) worm, scarlet stuff, crimson 1a) worm-the female 'coccus ilicis' 1b) scarlet stuff, crimson, scarlet 1b1) the dye made from the dried body of the female of the worm "coccus ilicis" Also means: to.le.ah (תּוֹלֵעָה "worm" H8438B)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: crimson, scarlet, worm. See also: Exodus 16:20; Exodus 39:2; Psalms 22:7.
שָׁנִ֛י shânîy H8144 "scarlet" N-ms
This Hebrew word describes the deep red color of the coccus ilicis insect, used to dye fabric scarlet or crimson, like the scarlet thread in Joshua 2:18. It symbolizes wealth and importance.
Definition: 1) scarlet, crimson 1a) properly, the insect 'coccus ilicis', the dried body of the female yielding colouring matter from which is made the dye used for cloth to colour it scarlet or crimson
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: crimson, scarlet (thread). See also: Genesis 38:28; Exodus 39:1; Proverbs 31:21.
וְ/שֵׁ֥שׁ shêsh H8336 "alabaster" Conj | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to fine white linen or marble, often used to describe the luxurious clothing and buildings of ancient times, like the Temple in Jerusalem.
Definition: alabaster, similar stone, marble, material of pavement
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] blue, fine (twined) linen, marble, silk. See also: Genesis 41:42; Exodus 36:35; Proverbs 31:22.
מָשְׁזָ֖ר shâzar H7806 "to twist" V-Hophal-Inf-c
This word means to twist, like twisting a thread or straw. It's used to describe the act of twining or turning something. In the Bible, it's translated as 'twine'.
Definition: 1) to twist, be twisted 1a) (Hophal) 1a1) to be twisted 1a2) twisted (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: twine. See also: Exodus 26:1; Exodus 36:35; Exodus 39:29.
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה maʻăseh H4639 "deed" N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
רֹקֵ֑ם râqam H7551 "to weave" V-Qal
The Hebrew word for weaving or embroidering, often used to describe intricate or colorful designs. In Exodus 35:35, it refers to the skilled work of embroiderers making priestly garments. The KJV translates it as 'embroiderer' or 'needlework'.
Definition: 1) to variegate, mix colours 1a) (Qal) variegator (worker in colours) (participle) 1b) (Pual) to be skilfully wrought or woven
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: embroiderer, needlework, curiously work. See also: Exodus 26:36; Exodus 36:37; Psalms 139:15.
עַמֻּֽדֵי/הֶם֙ ʻammûwd H5982 "pillar" N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a pillar or column, often used as a symbol of strength or support. It can also describe a platform or a stand, like a column of smoke rising into the air. The word is used in various contexts, including architecture and nature.
Definition: 1) pillar, column 1a) pillar 1b) column, upright 1c) column (of smoke)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apiece, pillar. See also: Exodus 13:21; 1 Kings 7:3; Psalms 75:4.
אַרְבָּעָ֔ה ʼarbaʻ H702 "four" Adj
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
וְ/אַדְנֵי/הֶ֖ם ʼeden H134 "socket" Conj | N-mp | Suff
Eden means a strong foundation or base, like a pedestal or socket. It is used to describe the earth's foundation and the bases of the tabernacle. The word signifies a firm and strong base.
Definition: 1) base, pedestal, socket (strong, firm) 1a) pedestals of gold on which marble pillars were set 1b) pedestals of the earth, foundation of the earth 1c) pedestals, bases, or sockets on which tabernacle stood
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: foundation, socket. See also: Exodus 26:19; Exodus 36:38; Song of Solomon 5:15.
אַרְבָּעָֽה ʼarbaʻ H702 "four" Adj
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.

Study Notes — Exodus 27:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 26:36 For the entrance to the tent, you are to make a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen.
2 Judges 5:30 ‘Are they not finding and dividing the spoil— a girl or two for each warrior, a plunder of dyed garments for Sisera, the spoil of embroidered garments for the neck of the looter?’
3 Exodus 28:39 You are to weave the tunic with fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion an embroidered sash.
4 Exodus 26:31 Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it.
5 Exodus 39:29 and the sash of finely spun linen, embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
6 Exodus 36:37 For the entrance to the tent, he made a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen,
7 Psalms 45:14 In colorful garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions are brought before you.

Exodus 27:16 Summary

The gate of the courtyard in Exodus 27:16 is a special entrance to the tabernacle, where God lives among His people. The gate is twenty cubits long and has a beautiful curtain with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, which represents God's royalty and majesty. Just like the Israelites had to pass through the gate to enter the tabernacle, we enter God's presence through faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in John 10:9 and Hebrews 10:19-22. As we reflect on this verse, we can consider how we can enter into God's presence with reverence and humility, and embody the purity and holiness of God in our daily lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the gate of the courtyard in Exodus 27:16?

The gate of the courtyard represents the entrance to the tabernacle, where God dwells among His people, as seen in Exodus 25:8. The specific design and materials used for the gate, such as blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, symbolize the beauty and majesty of God's presence.

Why are there four posts and four bases for the gate, while the sides have three posts and three bases?

The four posts and four bases for the gate may signify the completeness and stability of God's dwelling place, as four is often a number of completeness in the Bible, such as in Revelation 7:1. The difference in the number of posts and bases between the gate and the sides may also emphasize the gate's importance as the main entrance to the tabernacle.

What is the meaning of the embroidered curtain with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen?

The embroidered curtain with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, may represent the royalty and majesty of God, as these colors are often associated with kingship and priesthood in the Bible, such as in Exodus 28:5-6. The use of finely spun linen may also symbolize the purity and holiness of God's presence.

How does the gate of the courtyard relate to our lives as believers today?

The gate of the courtyard can be seen as a symbol of our entrance into God's presence and our relationship with Him, as described in Hebrews 10:19-22. Just as the Israelites had to pass through the gate to enter the tabernacle, we enter God's presence through faith in Jesus Christ, who is the gate to eternal life, as seen in John 10:9.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the gate of the courtyard represent in my own life, and how can I ensure that I am entering into God's presence with reverence and humility?
  2. How can I apply the principles of beauty, majesty, and completeness seen in the gate's design to my own worship and service to God?
  3. What are the 'posts' and 'bases' that provide stability and support in my own spiritual journey, and how can I ensure that they are firmly established?
  4. In what ways can I embody the purity and holiness of God's presence in my daily life, just as the finely spun linen represents?
  5. How can I balance the 'royal' and 'priestly' aspects of my relationship with God, as represented by the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and the finely spun linen?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 27:16

And for the gate of the court shall be an hanging of twenty cubits,.... Which, with the fifteen on each side, make the fifty cubits, the breadth of the court eastward, Exodus 27:13, this hanging was

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 27:16

And the twenty pillars thereof and their twenty sockets shall be of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets shall be of silver. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 27:16

(16) For the gate of the court—i.e., the entrance. An hanging.—The word is the same as that similarly translated in Exodus 26:36 and Exodus 26:37 of Exodus 26; and the description of the “hanging” is also, word for word, the same. It would contrast strongly with the plain white “sail-cloth” round the rest of the enclosure, and would clearly point out to all the place of entrance.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 27:16

Verse 16. And for the gate of the court] It appears that the hangings of this gate were of the same materials and workmanship with that of the inner covering of the tabernacle, and the outer and inner veil. See Exodus 26:36.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 27:16

16. The screen for the gate of the court. This was of the same richly coloured materials, the ‘work of the embroiderer,’ as the screen at the entrance to the Dwelling (Exodus 26:36).

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 27:16

12-18. Breadth of the court — The court was one hundred cubits long and fifty broad, (150 x 75 feet,) and its linen fence five cubits high.

Sermons on Exodus 27:16

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 38:18 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the colors used in the hanging for the gate of the court. The blue represents Christ's deity, as he came from heaven. The
Henry Law The Holy Garments by Henry Law Henry Law preaches on the significance of the Holy Garments worn by the high-priest, emphasizing that every detail was designed 'for glory and for beauty' to reflect the splendor o
Bill McLeod The Throne of Grace by Bill McLeod In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping the Lord in the beauty of holiness rather than relying on superficial appearances. He shares the story of Dunca
Stephen Kaung Spiritual Exercise - Life Within the Veil by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of being broken in order to release Christ's life within us. He explains that this process is achieved through the enlightenmen
Ron Bailey Priesthood - Part 4 by Ron Bailey In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding fulfillment in giving our hearts to God rather than pursuing our own ambitions and career plans. The speaker encour
Jim Cymbala His Resting Place by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the incredible love that God has for humanity. He highlights the sacrifice of Jesus, who endured a fake trial, beatings, and crucifixion for
G.W. North The Tabernacle (1 of 2) by G.W. North In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his excitement for the weekend, as it allows for a deeper focus on spiritual matters. After some initial announcements, the speaker

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