Topical Bible: Curtains

◄ Curtains ►

Jump to: Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, curtains hold significant symbolic and practical importance, particularly in the construction and function of the Tabernacle and the Temple. These sacred structures, central to Israelite worship, utilized curtains as divinely instructed elements that delineated holy spaces and facilitated the worship of God.

The Tabernacle Curtains

The Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, was a portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. God provided Moses with specific instructions regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, including detailed directives for the curtains. Exodus 26:1-6 states, "You are to make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely spun linen, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them." These curtains were not merely decorative; they served to create a sacred space where God's presence could dwell among His people.

The curtains of the Tabernacle were made from fine linen and richly colored yarns, symbolizing purity and royalty. The cherubim woven into the fabric represented the heavenly beings that guard the holiness of God. The curtains separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. This separation underscored the holiness of God and the need for atonement and mediation.

The Veil of the Temple

The Temple in Jerusalem, built by King Solomon and later rebuilt, also featured significant curtains, particularly the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. This veil was a continuation of the Tabernacle's design, serving as a barrier that only the high priest could pass through once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16).

The veil's role is dramatically highlighted in the New Testament at the moment of Jesus' crucifixion. Matthew 27:51 records, "At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." This event symbolized the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, signifying that through Jesus' sacrifice, believers now have direct access to God.

Symbolism and Significance

Curtains in the biblical narrative are rich with symbolism. They represent separation and access, holiness and redemption. The intricate design and materials of the curtains reflect the beauty and majesty of God's dwelling place. The tearing of the Temple veil at Christ's death marks a pivotal moment in salvation history, emphasizing the new covenant and the believer's direct relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Practical Uses

Beyond their symbolic meaning, curtains in biblical times also had practical uses. They provided privacy, protection from the elements, and a means to create distinct spaces within a structure. In the broader cultural context, curtains were used in homes and tents, serving similar functions as they do today.

In summary, curtains in the Bible are more than mere fabric; they are integral to the narrative of God's interaction with His people, illustrating themes of holiness, separation, and ultimately, reconciliation through Christ.

Strong's Hebrew

3407. yeriah -- curtain
... 3406, 3407. yeriah. 3408 . curtain. Transliteration: yeriah Phonetic Spelling:
(yer-ee-aw') Short Definition: curtains. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/3407.htm - 6k

3408. Yerioth -- an Israelite woman
... woman NASB Word Usage Jerioth (1). Jerioth. Plural of yriy'ah; curtains; Jerioth,
an Israelitess -- Jerioth. see HEBREW yriy'ah. 3407, 3408. Yerioth. 3409 ...
/hebrew/3408.htm - 6k

Library

I am Black, but Comely, O Ye Daughters of Jerusalem, as the Tents ...
... COMMENTARY. CHAPTER I. 4. I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem,
as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/4 i am black but.htm

The Wailing of Risca
... "Suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment.""Jeremiah 4:20. ... "How
suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment." Oh! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the wailing of risca.htm

Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ...
... But the ten other curtains were four cubits in breadth, and twenty-eight in length;
and had golden clasps, in order to join the one curtain to the other, which ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning the tabernacle.htm

In Sanctuary
... few who were in the church were still lost in wonder, and were crowding up towards
the presbytery to catch a glimpse of Eutropius when the curtains were drawn ...
/.../chapter xxvii in sanctuary.htm

Night
... CHAPTER XXXIV NIGHT. On the morning of the eighteenth day, immediately after sunrise,
Rachel came to the curtains over Masanath's door, and put them aside. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxiv night.htm

On Deck
... Samuel, for instance, was a boy who used to close the curtains and put out the candles
at night in the temple away back hundreds of years before Christ was born ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/on deck.htm

Every Inch a King.
... But stronger than the wish to have a house for himself was the longing to see the
Ark of God set within the curtains of the Tabernacle in the city of David. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiii every inch a.htm

Chapter i
... breasts are better than wine, the upright love thee.5. I am black, but comely, O
ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.4 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter i.htm

The Second Rule of Tichonius.
... An example of this is that passage in the Song of Solomon, "I am black, but comely,
as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon." [1900] For it is not ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 32 the second rule of.htm

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
... The time specified was ample to get ready a wooden framework of small
dimensions, with some curtains and coverings of woven stuffs. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the copies of things in.htm

Thesaurus

Curtains (34 Occurrences)
...Curtains (34 Occurrences). ... Exodus 26:3 Five curtains shall be coupled together one
to another; and the other five curtains shall be coupled one to another. ...
/c/curtains.htm - 17k

Coupled (9 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). Exodus 26:3 Five curtains shall be coupled together one to another;
and the other five curtains shall be coupled one to another. ...
/c/coupled.htm - 8k

Eleven (25 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:7 "You shall make curtains of goats' hair for a covering over
the tabernacle. You shall make them eleven curtains. (WEB ...
/e/eleven.htm - 16k

Joineth (8 Occurrences)
... Joineth (8 Occurrences). Exodus 36:10 And he joineth the five curtains one unto
another, and the 'other' five curtains he hath joined one unto another; (YLT). ...
/j/joineth.htm - 8k

Clasps (7 Occurrences)
... now embodied in our "attachment." 50 clasps or taches of gold were ordered to be
used in connecting together the two sets of inner tapestry curtains (10 in ...
/c/clasps.htm - 10k

Joining (43 Occurrences)
... place: (BBE). Exodus 26:3 five of the curtains are joining one unto another,
and five curtains are joining one to another. (YLT). Exodus ...
/j/joining.htm - 19k

Measurements (20 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:2 The length of each curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the
breadth of each curtain four cubits; all the curtains shall have one measure. ...
/m/measurements.htm - 12k

Size (39 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:2 The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth
of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains shall have one measure. ...
/s/size.htm - 19k

Altogether (56 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:7 And thou shalt make curtains of goats' hair for a tent over the tabernacle;
eleven curtains shalt thou make them. ... He made them eleven curtains. ...
/a/altogether.htm - 25k

Breadth (100 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:2 The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth
of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains shall have one measure. ...
/b/breadth.htm - 40k

Resources

What does it mean that the Shulammite had dark skin (Song of Solomon 1:6)? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Ithamar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why are there so few men in the church? | GotQuestions.org

Curtains: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Curtains (34 Occurrences)

Exodus 26:1
"Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains; of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim. The work of the skillful workman you shall make them.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 26:2
The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains shall have one measure.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 26:3
Five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and the other five curtains shall be coupled one to another.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 26:6
You shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains one to another with the clasps: and the tabernacle shall be a unit.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 26:7
"You shall make curtains of goats' hair for a covering over the tabernacle. You shall make them eleven curtains.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 26:8
The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits: the eleven curtains shall have one measure.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 26:9
You shall couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shall double over the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tent.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 26:12
The overhanging part that remains of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remains, shall hang over the back of the tabernacle.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 26:13
The cubit on the one side, and the cubit on the other side, of that which remains in the length of the curtains of the tent, shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 27:9
"You shall make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen one hundred cubits long for one side:
(See NIV)

Exodus 27:11
Likewise for the north side in length there shall be hangings one hundred cubits long, and its pillars twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver.
(See NIV)

Exodus 27:12
For the breadth of the court on the west side shall be hangings of fifty cubits; their pillars ten, and their sockets ten.
(See NIV)

Exodus 27:18
The open space is to be a hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, with sides five cubits high, curtained with the best linen, with bases of brass.
(See NIV)

Exodus 35:17
the hangings of the court, its pillars, and its bases, and the curtains of the gate of the court;
(DBY NIV)

Exodus 36:8
All the wise-hearted men among those who did the work made the tabernacle with ten curtains; of fine twined linen, blue, purple, and scarlet, with cherubim, the work of the skillful workman, they made them.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 36:9
The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits. All the curtains had one measure.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 36:10
He coupled five curtains to one another, and the other five curtains he coupled one to another.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 36:13
He made fifty clasps of gold, and coupled the curtains one to another with the clasps: so the tabernacle was a unit.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 36:14
He made curtains of goats' hair for a covering over the tabernacle. He made them eleven curtains.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 36:15
The length of each curtain was thirty cubits, and four cubits the breadth of each curtain. The eleven curtains had one measure.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 36:16
He coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 38:9
He made the court: for the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, one hundred cubits;
(See NIV)

Exodus 38:12
For the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver.
(See NIV)

Exodus 38:18
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.
(See NIV)

Numbers 4:25
they shall carry the curtains of the tabernacle, and the Tent of Meeting, its covering, and the covering of sealskin that is above on it, and the screen for the door of the Tent of Meeting,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Samuel 7:2
that the king said to Nathan the prophet, "See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within curtains."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS)

1 Chronicles 17:1
It happened, when David lived in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, "Behold, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of Yahweh is under curtains."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS)

Esther 1:6
There were hangings of white, green, and blue material, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and marble pillars. The couches were of gold and silver, on a pavement of red, white, yellow, and black marble.
(See RSV)

Song of Songs 1:5
I am dark, but lovely, you daughters of Jerusalem, like Kedar's tents, like Solomon's curtains.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 54:2
"Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of your habitations; don't spare: lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Jeremiah 4:20
Destruction on destruction is cried; for the whole land is laid waste: suddenly are my tents destroyed, and my curtains in a moment.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Jeremiah 10:20
My tent is destroyed, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth from me, and they are no more: there is none to spread my tent any more, and to set up my curtains.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Jeremiah 49:29
Their tents and their flocks shall they take; they shall carry away for themselves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels; and they shall cry to them, Terror on every side!
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Habakkuk 3:7
I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.
(KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Subtopics

Curtains

Curtains for the Tabernacle

Curtains in the Palace of Ahasuerus

Curtains: Figurative

Related Terms

Coupled (9 Occurrences)

Eleven (25 Occurrences)

Joineth (8 Occurrences)

Clasps (7 Occurrences)

Joining (43 Occurrences)