Exodus 35:7 Meaning and Explanation
“And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Dyed ram hides, badger hides, and acacia wood are required for the tabernacle's protective coverings and frame.
The Context of Exodus 35:7
Animal hides and acacia wood provide the tabernacle's structure and weatherproofing.
What Does Exodus 35:7 Mean?
Rams' skins dyed red and badger hides provided weatherproof outer layers for the tabernacle tent. These animal hides, treated and preserved, would shield the inner spaces from sun, rain, and wind. The red dye on the rams' skins may have been symbolic of covering or protection, while the badger hides provided durability. Acacia wood (shittim), native to the Sinai region, was lightweight yet strong—ideal for the tabernacle's structural frame and for items like the ark and altar.
The list reflects practical knowledge of materials suited to desert conditions. Acacia was available locally, while imported dyes and hides required trade connections. Together, these materials demonstrate that building God's dwelling required both local resources and goods obtained through exchange, uniting the community and its wider networks.
Exodus 35:7 in the Original Language
shittim (שִׁטִּים), 'acacia' — a hard, decay-resistant wood native to arid regions; the plural form emphasizes multiple planks and pieces needed for construction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 35:7
What does Exodus 35:7 mean?
Dyed ram hides, badger hides, and acacia wood are required for the tabernacle's protective coverings and frame.
What is the context of Exodus 35:7?
Animal hides and acacia wood provide the tabernacle's structure and weatherproofing.