פָּרֹ֫כֶת (po.re.khet)
po.re.khet
curtain
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 23 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun paroket refers to the heavy curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle and later in Solomon’s temple. Its root sense is that of a separator or barrier, describing the physical screen that divided the sacred inner sanctuary from the outer area where priests performed their daily duties.
This distinction is central to its biblical usage. While other words describe general hangings or doors, paroket specifically marks the threshold into God’s immediate presence. The sources note it appears frequently in the priestly instructions of Exodus and Leviticus, such as when Moses sets up the tent (Exodus 26:33) or when the high priest enters the inner sanctuary on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2). In Solomon’s temple, a similar veil hung before the Holy of Holies (2 Chronicles 3:14).
Translators typically render this word as "veil" or "curtain." The term emphasizes separation rather than decoration. It functioned as a visible boundary, reminding the Israelites of the holiness that distinguished God’s dwelling place from the common world outside.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word paroket describes the heavy curtain that stood between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place in the ancient tabernacle. This barrier was not merely a piece of fabric but a clear sign of God’s holiness. It reminded the people that while God dwelt among them, His immediate presence was reserved for specific times and mediators. The separation highlighted the reverence due to the Creator.
For believers today, this image points to the profound intimacy now available through Jesus Christ. The New Testament teaches that when He died, the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). This act removed the barrier between humanity and God. You no longer need a human priest or a physical curtain to approach Him.
This truth offers deep comfort. Your prayers and worship are heard directly in the very presence of God. The separation that once defined distance has been replaced by access through grace. You can come boldly to the throne of mercy, knowing that your relationship with God is secure and open because of Christ’s finished work on the cross.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ curtain10×
- to the/ curtain5×
- [the] curtain of5×
- of the/ curtain3×
- of/ [the] curtain of1×
- a curtain1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פָּרֹ֥כֶת3×
- הַ/פָּרֹֽכֶת\׃3×
- הַ/פָּרֹ֔כֶת3×
- פָּרֹ֣כֶת2×
- לַ/פָּרֹֽכֶת\׃2×
- לַ/פָּרֹ֔כֶת2×
- לַ/פָּרֹ֑כֶת2×
- פָרֹ֗כֶת1×
- לַ/פָּרֹ֜כֶת1×
- לַ/פָּרֹ֖כֶת1×
- לְ/פָרֹ֨כֶת1×
- הַ/פָּרֹכֶת֮1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 26:33
You shall hang up the veil under the clasps, and shall bring the ark of the covenant in there within the veil. The veil shall separate the holy place from the most holy for you.
This verse explicitly defines the function of the paroket as a separator between the holy place and the most holy place.
-
Leviticus 16:2
and Yahweh said to Moses, “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at just any time into the Most Holy Place within the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark; lest he die; for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat.
It highlights the strict limitation on who could enter beyond the curtain, emphasizing the danger of approaching God’s presence without proper mediation.
-
Exodus 40:21
He brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the covenant, as Yahweh commanded Moses.
This record shows Moses faithfully setting up the veil to screen the ark, marking the completion of the tabernacle's structure for worship.
-
Leviticus 16:15
“Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering that is for the people, and bring his blood within the veil, and do with his blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat.
The high priest brings blood within this curtain on the Day of Atonement, showing its role as the threshold for atonement rituals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the veil (paroket) and the screen at the entrance?
Why was the paroket made with cherubim?
How does the paroket relate to Jesus Christ?
Every Occurrence (23 verses across 4 books)
Exodus 13 verses
“You shall make a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cherubim. It shall be the work of…
Exodus 26:33You shall hang up the veil under the clasps, and shall bring the ark of the covenant in there within the veil. The veil…
Exodus 26:35You shall set the table outside the veil, and the lamp stand opposite the table on the side of the tabernacle toward…
Exodus 27:21In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil which is before the covenant, Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order from…
Exodus 30:6You shall put it before the veil that is by the ark of the covenant, before the mercy seat that is over the covenant,…
Exodus 35:12the ark, and its poles, the mercy seat, the veil of the screen;
Exodus 36:35He made the veil of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cherubim. He made it the work of a skillful…
Exodus 38:27The one hundred talents of silver were for casting the sockets of the sanctuary and the sockets of the veil: one…
Exodus 39:34the covering of rams’ skins dyed red, the covering of sea cow hides, the veil of the screen,
Exodus 40:3You shall put the ark of the covenant in it, and you shall screen the ark with the veil.
Exodus 40:21He brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the covenant, as…
Exodus 40:22He put the table in the Tent of Meeting, on the north side of the tabernacle, outside of the veil.
Exodus 40:26He put the golden altar in the Tent of Meeting before the veil;