Exodus 25:5
ESV
tanned rams ' skins, goatskins, acacia wood,
NIV
ram skins dyed red and another type of durable leather ; acacia wood;
NASB
rams’ skins dyed red, fine leather, acacia wood,
CSB
ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood;
NLT
tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather; acacia wood;
KJV
And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,
NKJV
ram skins dyed red, badger skins, and acacia wood;
What does Exodus 25:5 mean?
The first sanctuary built for worship and sacrifice in Israel was the tabernacle. This was a portable temple. God asked the people to contribute the raw materials needed to make this structure (Exodus 25:1–2). The donations would become sacred objects of worship such as the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:10–11) and the seven-branched lampstand (Exodus 25:31). Components would also be used to make the fabric walls of the tabernacle and its sacred spaces (Exodus 26). Prior verses mentioned precious metals (Exodus 25:3) and special fabrics (Exodus 25:4).This verse calls for additional materials. Animal skins would be used as a soft covering. They would also include leather and thicker furs. The word tachash either means a special kind of leather or the animal that provides it. Translators differ on exactly what this is. Possibilities include various sea creatures, badgers, or simply "fine leather" in general. The ESV translates it as "goatskins."
The original Hebrew word for the trees mentioned here is shittim. The King James Version transliterates this word. Most other translations render it as "acacia." These are one of several species of hardwood trees common to the Middle East and northern Africa. The wood is durable, slightly water-resistant, and antibacterial. Even today, it is a popular choice in "exotic" woods. This is the only wood specified for the tabernacle's construction.
