Exodus 38:18
Exodus 38:18 in Multiple Translations
The curtain for the entrance to the courtyard was embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. It was twenty cubits long and, like the curtains of the courtyard, five cubits high,
And the hanging for the gate of the court was needlework, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: and twenty cubits was the length, and the height in the breadth was five cubits, answerable to the hangings of the court.
And the screen for the gate of the court was the work of the embroiderer, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: and twenty cubits was the length, and the height in the breadth was five cubits, answerable to the hangings of the court.
And the curtain for the doorway of the open space was of the best linen, with designs of blue and purple and red in needlework; it was twenty cubits long and five cubits high, to go with the hangings round the sides.
The curtain for the entrance to the courtyard was embroidered with blue, purple, and crimson thread, and finely-spun linen. It was twenty cubits long by five cubits high, the same height as the courtyard curtains.
He made also the hanging of the gate of the court of needle worke, blewe silke, and purple, and skarlet, and fine twined linen euen twentie cubites long, and fiue cubites in height and bredth, like the hangings of the court.
And the covering of the gate of the court [is] the work of an embroiderer, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen; and twenty cubits [is] the length, and the height with the breadth five cubits, over-against the hangings of the court;
The screen for the gate of the court was the work of the embroiderer, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. Twenty cubits was the length, and the height along the width was five cubits, like the hangings of the court.
And the hanging for the gate of the court was needle-work, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: and twenty cubits was the length, and the hight in the breadth was five cubits, answerable to the hangings of the court.
And he made in the entry thereof an embroidered hanging of violet, purple, scarlet, and fine twisted linen, that was twenty cubits long, and five cubits high according to the measure of all the hangings of the court.
For the entrance of the courtyard, they made a curtain from fine white linen, and a skilled weaver embroidered it with blue, purple, and red yarn/thread. The curtain was ◄30 feet/9 meters► long and ◄7-1/2 feet/2.3 meters► high, just like the other curtains around the courtyard.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 38:18
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 38:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/מָסַ֞ךְ
שַׁ֤עַר
הֶ/חָצֵר֙
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה
רֹקֵ֔ם
תְּכֵ֧לֶת
וְ/אַרְגָּמָ֛ן
וְ/תוֹלַ֥עַת
שָׁנִ֖י
וְ/שֵׁ֣שׁ
מָשְׁזָ֑ר
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֤ים
אַמָּה֙
אֹ֔רֶךְ
וְ/קוֹמָ֤ה
בְ/רֹ֨חַב֙
חָמֵ֣שׁ
אַמּ֔וֹת
לְ/עֻמַּ֖ת
קַלְעֵ֥י
הֶ/חָצֵֽר
וּ/מָסַ֞ךְ
mâçâk
H4539
covering
Conj | N-ms
שַׁ֤עַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
N-ms
הֶ/חָצֵר֙
châtsêr
H2691
court
Art | N-cs
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
N-ms
רֹקֵ֔ם
râqam
H7551
to weave
V-Qal
תְּכֵ֧לֶת
tᵉkêleth
H8504
blue
N-fs
וְ/אַרְגָּמָ֛ן
ʼargâmân
H713
purple
Conj | N-ms
וְ/תוֹלַ֥עַת
tôwlâʻ
H8438
worm
Conj | N-fs
שָׁנִ֖י
shânîy
H8144
scarlet
N-ms
וְ/שֵׁ֣שׁ
shêsh
H8336
alabaster
Conj | Adj
מָשְׁזָ֑ר
shâzar
H7806
to twist
V-Hophal-Inf-c
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֤ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
twenty
Conj | Adj
אַמָּה֙
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
N-fs
אֹ֔רֶךְ
ʼôrek
H753
length
N-ms
וְ/קוֹמָ֤ה
qôwmâh
H6967
height
Conj | N-fs
בְ/רֹ֨חַב֙
rôchab
H7341
width
Prep | N-ms
חָמֵ֣שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
five
Adj
אַמּ֔וֹת
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
N-fp
לְ/עֻמַּ֖ת
ʻummâh
H5980
close
Prep | N-fs
קַלְעֵ֥י
qelaʻ
H7050
sling
N-mp
הֶ/חָצֵֽר
châtsêr
H2691
court
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 38:18
וּ/מָסַ֞ךְ
mâçâk
H4539
"covering"
Conj | 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.
שַׁ֤עַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
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.
הֶ/חָצֵר֙
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.
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.
רֹקֵ֔ם
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.
תְּכֵ֧לֶת
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/אַרְגָּמָ֛ן
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/תוֹלַ֥עַת
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.
שָׁנִ֖י
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/שֵׁ֣שׁ
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.
מָשְׁזָ֑ר
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.
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֤ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
"twenty"
Conj | 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.
אַמָּה֙
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.
אֹ֔רֶךְ
ʼôrek
H753
"length"
N-ms
Length can refer to physical distance or a long period of time, and also to patience and self-restraint, like waiting forever for something to happen.
Definition: 1) length 1a) physical length 1b) of time 2) forbearance, self-restraint (of patience)
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] forever, length, long. See also: Genesis 6:15; Psalms 93:5; Psalms 21:5.
וְ/קוֹמָ֤ה
qôwmâh
H6967
"height"
Conj | N-fs
Qomah refers to height or stature, describing how tall someone or something is, like the height of a person or a building in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: 1) height 1a) height, stature 1b) height
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] along, height, high, stature, tall. See also: Genesis 6:15; 1 Kings 7:23; Isaiah 10:33.
בְ/רֹ֨חַב֙
rôchab
H7341
"width"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means width or breadth, used to describe physical size or space. It appears in the Bible to describe the width of the earth or a room. In the KJV, it is translated as breadth or broad.
Definition: breadth, width, expanse
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: breadth, broad, largeness, thickness, wideness. See also: Genesis 6:15; Ezekiel 40:13; Isaiah 8:8.
חָמֵ֣שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
אַמּ֔וֹת
ʼammâh
H520
"cubit"
N-fp
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.
לְ/עֻמַּ֖ת
ʻummâh
H5980
"close"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means to be close to something or someone, often describing a sense of proximity or nearness. It can also imply agreement or correspondence, as in being in harmony with someone or something. The word is used in various biblical contexts to describe relationships.
Definition: 1) juxtaposition 1a) used only as a prep 1a1) close by, side by side with, alongside of, parallel with 1a2) agreeing with, corresponding to, exactly as, close beside 1a3) correspondingly to
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, at, beside, hard by, in points. See also: Exodus 25:27; Ecclesiastes 7:14; Ezekiel 48:21.
קַלְעֵ֥י
qelaʻ
H7050
"sling"
N-mp
A curtain or hanging screen is what this word describes, like the ones used in the tabernacle or Solomon's temple to separate sacred spaces.
Definition: sling, slingstones
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: hanging, leaf, sling. See also: Exodus 27:9; Exodus 38:18; Zechariah 9:15.
הֶ/חָצֵֽר
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.
Study Notes — Exodus 38:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 38:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 38:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 38:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 38:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 38:18
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 38:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 38:18
Context — The Courtyard
16All the curtains around the courtyard were made of finely spun linen.
17The bases for the posts were bronze, the hooks and bands were silver, and the plating for the tops of the posts was silver. So all the posts of the courtyard were banded with silver.
18The curtain for the entrance to the courtyard was embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. It was twenty cubits long and, like the curtains of the courtyard, five cubits high,
19with four posts and four bronze bases. Their hooks were silver, as well as the bands and the plating of their tops. 20All the tent pegs for the tabernacle and for the surrounding courtyard were bronze.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 3:14 | He made the veil of blue, purple, and crimson yarn and fine linen, with cherubim woven into it. |
Exodus 38:18 Summary
The curtain for the entrance to the courtyard in Exodus 38:18 was a beautiful and meaningful part of the tabernacle, symbolizing God's presence and holiness. The use of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, along with finely spun linen, represented heaven, royalty, and sacrifice, as well as purity and holiness (as seen in Exodus 28:5-6 and Leviticus 14:4). Just like the curtain, we can serve as a bridge between the world and God's presence by presenting our best to Him and striving for purity and holiness in our lives (see 1 Peter 1:16 and Hebrews 10:19-20). By understanding the significance of the curtain, we can deepen our appreciation for God's majesty and our role in worshiping Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the colors used in the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard?
The colors blue, purple, and scarlet yarn used in the curtain, as seen in Exodus 38:18, hold spiritual significance, symbolizing heaven, royalty, and sacrifice, respectively, as also seen in Exodus 28:5-6 and Leviticus 14:4.
Why was the curtain made of finely spun linen?
The use of finely spun linen in the curtain, as mentioned in Exodus 38:18, represents purity and holiness, as also emphasized in Exodus 28:42 and Leviticus 15:9.
What is the importance of the curtain's size and height?
The curtain's size, twenty cubits long and five cubits high, as stated in Exodus 38:18, may symbolize the grandeur and majesty of God's presence, as also seen in the dimensions of the tabernacle in Exodus 26:1-37.
How does the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard relate to the rest of the tabernacle?
The curtain serves as an entrance to the courtyard, connecting the outer area to the inner sanctuary, much like the veil in the temple, as described in Exodus 26:31-37 and Hebrews 10:19-20.
Reflection Questions
- What does the curtain's beauty and craftsmanship teach me about the importance of presenting my best to God?
- How can I apply the symbolism of the colors used in the curtain to my own life and worship?
- What role does the concept of purity and holiness, represented by the finely spun linen, play in my relationship with God?
- In what ways can I, like the curtain, serve as a bridge between the outer world and the inner sanctuary of God's presence?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 38:18
[See comments on Exodus 38:9].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 38:18
And he made the court: on the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, an hundred cubits: The court.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 38:18
The height relates to its standing or hanging upright, and the breadth relates to the hanging itself, and the height of the hanging was taken in the breadth.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 38:18
(9-20) The construction of the court follows upon that of the furniture which it contained. The passage runs parallel with Exodus 27:9-19.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 38:18
9–20 (Exodus 27:9-19). The Court of the Tent of Meeting. In vv. 16–19 the text (Exodus 27:16-18) is reproduced with greater freedom than usual.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 38:18
THE ALTAR OF BURNT , Exodus 38:1-7. See notes on Exodus 27:1-7. THE LAVER, Exodus 38:8. See notes on Exodus 30:17-21. THE COURT OF THE , Exodus 38:9-20. See notes on Exodus 27:9-19.