Old Testament

Exodus 26:31

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

"Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely woven linen, with images of cherubim skillfully worked into it.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

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:

What Exodus 26:31 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God instructs the creation of a beautiful veil made from blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, along with finely woven linen. The veil is not just a piece of fabric; it represents a barrier between the sacred and the ordinary. The colors chosen are rich and vibrant, symbolizing royalty and divinity. The cherubim, intricately designed into the fabric, remind us of God's presence and protection. This veil serves a significant purpose in the tabernacle, separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where God's presence dwells. The craftsmanship involved reflects the importance of reverence and beauty in worship. Each detail of the veil is intentional, inviting us to consider how we approach the sacred in our lives. This verse encourages us to appreciate the artistry in our faith and the significance of what separates us from the divine. It challenges us to think about how we honor the sacred spaces in our own lives, both physically and spiritually, as we seek connection with God.

How to apply Exodus 26:31 to your life

Consider how you create sacred spaces in your life. This could be a quiet corner for prayer or a moment of reflection in nature. Pay attention to the beauty around you and how it can enhance your connection with the divine. Remember that reverence and intention matter in your spiritual journey. Embrace the artistry of your faith in everyday moments, making them special and meaningful to you.

Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Lamech holding his newborn son Noah outside a tent, with a plow and tools lying on the ground nearby

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Noah

An old color photograph of Nablus in a green valley below Mount Gerizim, with people resting on rocks in front.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Shechem

Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Exodus 26:31

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Exodus 26:31

At a Glance — the Book of Exodus

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Exodus 26:31 mean?

Exodus 26:31 describes God's instructions for making a veil for the tabernacle, using blue, purple, and scarlet yarn along with finely woven linen. This veil symbolizes the separation between the sacred and the ordinary, representing God's presence and the importance of reverence in worship.

What is the significance of the colors in Exodus 26:31?

The colors blue, purple, and scarlet in Exodus 26:31 are rich and vibrant, symbolizing royalty and divinity. They highlight the importance of the veil as a sacred barrier and reflect the beauty and artistry that should be present in worship.

What is the purpose of the veil mentioned in Exodus 26:31?

The veil in Exodus 26:31 serves to separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle, where God's presence dwells. It acts as a barrier that signifies the holiness of God's presence and the need for reverence in approaching the divine.

What do the cherubim represent in Exodus 26:31?

The cherubim skillfully worked into the veil in Exodus 26:31 represent God's presence and protection. They serve as a reminder of the divine and the sacred nature of the space within the tabernacle.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.