Exodus 26 11

Exodus 26:11 kjv

And thou shalt make fifty taches of brass, and put the taches into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one.

Exodus 26:11 nkjv

And you shall make fifty bronze clasps, put the clasps into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one.

Exodus 26:11 niv

Then make fifty bronze clasps and put them in the loops to fasten the tent together as a unit.

Exodus 26:11 esv

"You shall make fifty clasps of bronze, and put the clasps into the loops, and couple the tent together that it may be a single whole.

Exodus 26:11 nlt

Then make fifty bronze clasps, and fasten the loops of the long curtains with the clasps. In this way, the tent covering will be made of one continuous piece.

Exodus 26 verses

Exodus 26 11 Meaning

Exodus 26:11 describes a specific command from God concerning the construction of the Tabernacle's outer tent covering. It instructs the making of fifty bronze clasps, which were to be inserted into the loops of the goats' hair curtains. The purpose of these clasps was to join the two sections of the outer covering, ensuring that the entire structure formed a single, unified tent over the sanctuary. This unity was essential for both the structural integrity and the symbolic wholeness of God's dwelling place among His people.

Exodus 26 11 Context

Exodus chapter 26 provides precise divine instructions for constructing the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle. Following detailed commands for the inner, beautiful curtains (vv. 1-6) made of fine linen, blue, purple, and scarlet material, this verse specifically addresses the outer set of curtains. These were to be made of goats' hair (v. 7), serving as a practical, weather-resistant tent covering over the more sacred inner linen curtains. The immediate context for verse 11 describes the dimensions and structure of these outer curtains. Historically, the Israelites were in the wilderness, having recently received the Law at Mount Sinai. God was providing them with a tangible, portable structure where He would dwell among them, distinct from any human-devised idol or pagan temple. Every detail, from materials to clasps, emphasized divine design, holiness, and the ordered nature of His presence.

Exodus 26 11 Word analysis

• And: Connects this instruction with previous detailed commands for the Tabernacle's construction. It signifies continuation in the unfolding divine blueprint.
• thou: Refers to Moses, as the recipient and intermediary of God's instructions for the skilled craftsmen.
• shalt make: Emphasizes a divine command; an imperative for obedience in the construction process. This was not optional but a requirement for the sacred dwelling.
• fifty: The exact number, demonstrating divine precision and order in every detail of the Tabernacle's design. This number relates directly to the fifty loops specified in the preceding verse (Exo 26:10).
• clasps: Hebrew: קְרָסִים (qerāsim), meaning "hooks," "clasps," or "fasteners." These were physical connectors vital for the structural integrity and functionality of the tent. They highlight the practical aspect of assembly.
• of bronze: Hebrew: נְחֹשֶׁת (nᵉḥoshet), referring to "bronze" or "copper." Unlike the gold clasps for the inner curtains (Exo 26:6), bronze was a common, durable, and sturdy metal. Its use here indicates the more utilitarian, protective nature of the outer goats' hair covering. Bronze in the Tabernacle is often associated with the outer court (e.g., the bronze altar, the bronze laver), pointing to an initial phase of approaching God, often connected to sacrifice, strength, or judgment.
• and put the clasps into the loops: A direct, simple instruction for the assembly method, emphasizing clarity and accuracy in following the divine pattern.
• and couple: Hebrew: חָבַר (ḥāḇar), meaning "to join," "to unite," "to tie together." This verb explicitly states the fundamental purpose of the clasps—to create a unified structure. It highlights the divine intent for cohesion and connection.
• the tent: Refers to the outer covering made of goats' hair, which provided a protective layer over the entire sanctuary structure. This "tent" specifically encompasses the joined outer curtains.
• together: Reinforces the act of coupling, emphasizing that the distinct sections were to become seamlessly joined.
• so that it may be one: Hebrew: אֶחָד (ʾeḥāḏ), meaning "one," "unified." This is the ultimate goal of the coupling action. It signifies the singular, undivided nature of God's dwelling, symbolizing perfect unity. Theologically, it reflects God's own singular nature (Deut 6:4, "The Lord our God, the Lord is one") and His desire for unity among His people and within His dwelling. It contrasts with anything fragmented or divided.

Exodus 26 11 Bonus section

The contrast between the "fifty clasps of gold" for the fine linen curtains (Exo 26:6) and the "fifty clasps of bronze" for the goats' hair tent (Exo 26:11) is significant. The inner curtains represented the beauty and holiness directly associated with God's presence, warranting the most precious metal—gold. The outer curtains, made of rougher goats' hair, served as a protective shell, more exposed to the elements, and were fastened with the stronger, more durable, and more common metal—bronze. This distinction emphasizes a layered theology within the Tabernacle: sacred glory protected by sturdy, practical covering. It demonstrates God's holistic design, valuing both aesthetic beauty and pragmatic functionality in His divine dwelling. Furthermore, the number fifty consistently appears for loops and clasps, signifying completeness and alignment in the joining process.

Exodus 26 11 Commentary

Exodus 26:11, though a minute detail in the extensive Tabernacle instructions, underscores several profound principles. The fifty bronze clasps, explicitly linking the two large sections of the goats' hair curtain, were more than mere hardware. They embodied divine precision and functionality; every component, no matter how small or practical, was ordained by God for a specific purpose. While the gold clasps for the inner curtains might speak of intrinsic value and glory, the bronze clasps for the outer tent point to strength, resilience, and the capacity for holding together the practical, protective layer. This use of different materials for different clasp types shows intentional design – gold for inner glory, bronze for outer utility and endurance. The instruction "couple the tent together, so that it may be one" resonates with the theological concept of unity, which is central to God's character and His design for His people. Just as the Tabernacle, His dwelling place, had to be a perfectly unified structure to fulfill its purpose, so too is God's Church, His spiritual dwelling place (Eph 2:21-22), meant to be one, demonstrating spiritual integrity and cohesion. The clasps ensured structural integrity against external elements and served as a visible representation of how disparate parts are joined by divine wisdom into a harmonious whole. Practically, this verse illustrates that in any spiritual structure (church, family, personal walk), seemingly small elements of connection are vital for the overall integrity and unity of the whole, guarding against fragmentation and ensuring stability.