יְרִיעָה (ye.ri.ah)
ye.ri.ah
curtain
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 32 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun yeri’ah refers to a curtain or drape, specifically one made of fabric that hangs loosely. The lexicons note its connection to a root meaning "to tremble" or "shake," which paints a vivid picture of the material’s nature. Unlike heavy stone walls or rigid wooden structures, these curtains were designed to sway gently with the wind, creating a boundary that was visible yet permeable.
Scripture uses this word in diverse settings, ranging from the portable sanctuary to royal palaces and tents. In Exodus, it describes the layered coverings of the tabernacle, where multiple tiers of curtains separated the holy space from the outside world (Exodus 26:1; 36:8). The term also appears in poetic imagery, such as Psalm 104:2, where God’s glory is compared to stretching out heavens like a curtain, and in Jeremiah 4:20, where the prophet laments the shaking of his own tents.
Its usage highlights a theological theme of separation and protection. In the tabernacle, these hanging textiles marked the transition from the common to the sacred, shielding the inner sanctum while allowing light and air to pass through. This physical detail underscores how ancient Israelites understood holiness as something both present and hidden, veiled by layers of fabric that required careful approach.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word yeri’ah describes a curtain or drape, often made of fabric that hangs loosely and sways with the wind. In the Old Testament, these textiles played a vital role in shaping Israel’s worship spaces. Exodus details how artisans wove fine linen and goats’ hair into layers that covered the tabernacle. These curtains were not merely decorative; they created a boundary between the holy presence of God and the outside world. They allowed light and air to pass through while marking a sacred separation.
Psalm 104 uses this imagery poetically, comparing the heavens to a curtain stretched out by God. This reminds us that the Creator’s glory is both vast and intimate, covering the earth like a gentle drape. When we read about these curtains, we see a picture of holiness that is present yet hidden. It invites us to approach God with reverence, knowing He dwells in a place set apart.
In II Samuel 7:2, David reflects on his cedar house while the ark of God remains within curtains. This contrast highlights the humility of God’s dwelling among His people. The curtains remind us that God does not need grand structures to be present. He meets us in simplicity and faith. As we study this word, we are encouraged to see our own lives as spaces where God’s presence can dwell, marked by reverence and openness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 32 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ curtain20×
- the/ curtains10×
- curtains8×
- tent curtains/ my2×
- on the/ curtain2×
- curtains of2×
- [the] curtains of2×
- the/ tent curtain1×
- tent curtains/ their1×
- tent curtains1×
- like/ [the] tent curtains of1×
- like <the>/ tent curtain1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/יְרִיעָ֔ה7×
- הַ/יְרִיעָ֣ה6×
- הַ/יְרִיעָה֙4×
- יְרִיעֹ֣ת3×
- הַ/יְרִיעֹ֖ת3×
- הַ/יְרִיעָ֖ה3×
- יְרִיעֹת֙2×
- יְרִיעֹֽת\׃2×
- יְרִיעֹ֖ת2×
- יְרִיעֹ֑ת2×
- הַ/יְרִיעֹֽת\׃2×
- בַּ/יְרִיעָ֣ה2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 26:1
“Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim. You shall make them with the work of a skillful workman.
This verse introduces the ten curtains of fine linen as the foundational layer of the tabernacle, establishing the physical boundary for God’s holy presence.
-
II Samuel 7:2
the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but God’s ark dwells within curtains.”
David contrasts his own cedar house with the ark’s dwelling within curtains, highlighting the humility and mobility of God’s presence among Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does yeri’ah mean in the Bible?
How is yeri’ah different from other words for tent?
Why are curtains important in Exodus 26?
Every Occurrence (32 verses across 9 books)
Exodus 22 verses
“Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with…
Exodus 26:2The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains…
Exodus 26:3Five curtains shall be coupled together to one another, and the other five curtains shall be coupled to one another.
Exodus 26:4You shall make loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the edge in the coupling, and you shall do likewise on…
Exodus 26:5You shall make fifty loops in the one curtain, and you shall make fifty loops in the edge of the curtain that is in the…
Exodus 26:6You shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains to one another with the clasps. The tabernacle shall be a…
Exodus 26:7“You shall make curtains of goats’ hair for a covering over the tabernacle. You shall make eleven curtains.
Exodus 26:8The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: the eleven curtains shall…
Exodus 26:9You shall couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shall double over the sixth curtain…
Exodus 26:10You shall make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outermost in the coupling, and fifty loops on the…
Exodus 26:12The overhanging part that remains of the curtains of the tent—the half curtain that remains—shall hang over the back of…
Exodus 26:13The cubit on the one side and the cubit on the other side, of that which remains in the length of the curtains of the…
Exodus 36:8All the wise-hearted men among those who did the work made the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, blue,…
Exodus 36:9The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits. All the curtains had one…
Exodus 36:10He coupled five curtains to one another, and the other five curtains he coupled to one another.
Exodus 36:11He made loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the edge in the coupling. Likewise he made in the edge of the…
Exodus 36:12He made fifty loops in the one curtain, and he made fifty loops in the edge of the curtain that was in the second…
Exodus 36:13He made fifty clasps of gold, and coupled the curtains to one another with the clasps: so the tabernacle was a unit.
Exodus 36:14He made curtains of goats’ hair for a covering over the tabernacle. He made them eleven curtains.
Exodus 36:15The length of each curtain was thirty cubits, and four cubits the width of each curtain. The eleven curtains had one…
Exodus 36:16He coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.
Exodus 36:17He made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that was outermost in the coupling, and he made fifty loops on the edge…