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H4539 Β· Hebrew Β· Old Testament
מָבָךְ
Masak
Noun, masculine
Curtain; Screen; Covering

Definition

The Hebrew masak refers specifically to the woven screen or curtain that covered the entrance to the Tabernacle's outer court, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies. It comes from the root sakak (H5526), meaning to cover or screen. These curtains were crafted of fine linen, embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn β€” visually magnificent yet serving a barrier function, separating the holy from the common.

Usage & Theological Significance

The masak curtains of the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:36; 27:16) speak profoundly of access and separation. The veil separating humanity from God's presence was not a permanent barrier but a divinely appointed boundary awaiting the right time and the right Mediator. The tearing of the Temple veil at the crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) was the fulfillment of everything the masak pointed toward β€” Christ's body opened to give us direct access to the Father (Hebrews 10:19-20).

Key Bible Verses

Exodus 26:36 For the entrance to the tent make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen β€” the work of an embroiderer.
Exodus 27:16 For the entrance to the courtyard, provide a curtain twenty cubits long, of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen.
Numbers 3:31 Their care of the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain, and everything related to their use.
Hebrews 10:20 By a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body.
Numbers 4:25 They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle and the tent of meeting, its covering, the curtains for the entrance to the tent of meeting.

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