Exodus 26 12

Exodus 26:12 kjv

And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle.

Exodus 26:12 nkjv

The remnant that remains of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remains, shall hang over the back of the tabernacle.

Exodus 26:12 niv

As for the additional length of the tent curtains, the half curtain that is left over is to hang down at the rear of the tabernacle.

Exodus 26:12 esv

And the part that remains of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remains, shall hang over the back of the tabernacle.

Exodus 26:12 nlt

The remaining 3 feet of this tent covering will be left to hang over the back of the Tabernacle.

Exodus 26 verses

Exodus 26 12 Meaning

This verse specifies how the surplus portion of the goat hair curtains, which formed the 'tent' or outer covering of the Tabernacle, was to be positioned. It states that the excess length of one specific "half curtain"—resulting from the overall construction and greater length of these goat hair coverings compared to the inner linen Tabernacle—would hang down over the back wall of the Tabernacle structure, ensuring complete and protective enclosure. This meticulous detail demonstrates the divine precision in providing full coverage and shelter for the dwelling place of God.

Exodus 26 12 Context

Exodus 26 forms part of the detailed instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, Israel's portable sanctuary during their wilderness wanderings. Chapters 25-30 are entirely dedicated to this divine blueprint, demonstrating God's meticulousness and His desire to dwell among His people in a prescribed, holy manner.

This particular verse, Exodus 26:12, elaborates on the design of the outermost layers covering the Tabernacle. Specifically, it addresses the goat hair curtains, which were positioned above the finer linen curtains (described in 26:1-6). These goat hair curtains served as the primary weather protection, resembling a robust tent, shielding the sacred contents within. The "tent" (ohel) refers to this durable outer covering. The verse, along with 26:13, details the specific arrangement of these larger goat hair curtains, explaining how their surplus length extended beyond the structure of the mishkan (Tabernacle's inner frame), ensuring comprehensive enclosure and safeguarding from external elements like sun, wind, and sand in the harsh desert environment. This precision in instruction underscores God's wisdom and His intention to provide full security for His holy dwelling.

Exodus 26 12 Word analysis

• As for the overhang: יֶתֶר (yetar). This word signifies 'rest, remnant, excess, overplus.' It implies something remaining or projecting. Here, it highlights the divinely designed surplus of the goat hair curtains. This was not an error in measurement but a deliberate provision for protection and coverage, emphasizing God's foresight and detailed planning.
• that remains: הַעֹדֵף (ha'oddef). Derived from a root meaning 'to be left over, be abundant, overflow.' It reinforces the idea of surplus, or what is left over, underscoring the purposeful extra material that ensures comprehensive coverage.
• of the curtains: יְרִיעוֹת (yᵉri'ot). These are the specific coverings made from goats' hair, detailed earlier in Ex 26:7. Distinct from the 'Tabernacle' (mishkan) curtains (made of linen), these were heavier, coarser, and designed for external protection, illustrating a purposeful differentiation in material for varying functions within the sacred structure.
• of the tent: הָאֹהֶל (ha'ohel). This refers to the entire tent structure formed by the goat hair curtains themselves, acting as an outer covering or shell over the Tabernacle's inner linen and wooden frame. It describes the physical function of these curtains as the 'tent' that protected the inner sacred space, not just the linen 'Tabernacle'.
• the half curtain: חֲצִי הַיְרִיעָה (chatzi hayĕri'ah). This phrase refers to the specific remaining portion (likely a cubit in width, out of the total 40-cubit length of the assembled goat hair tent structure which was longer than the 28-cubit long inner Tabernacle framework), ensuring a one-cubit overhang. This precision indicates a planned distribution of the excess. It implies that the full assembled goat-hair 'tent' was exactly two cubits longer than needed for covering the inner Tabernacle on all sides and ceiling, with one cubit hanging down the front (over the entrance) and this 'half curtain' referring to the other cubit hanging down the back.
• that remains: הַנּוֹתֶרֶת (hannotereth). Another word meaning 'that is left, remaining.' Its repetition with "overhang that remains" emphasizes the precise accounting and designated purpose for every single part of the structure, leaving nothing to chance or arbitrary design.
• shall hang over: יִסָּרֵחַ (yissareakh). This verb means 'to hang down, trail, hang loosely.' It describes the natural drape and positioning of the curtain material, highlighting its protective function as it descends along the Tabernacle walls.
• the back of the tabernacle: אֲחֹרֵי הַמִּשְׁכָּן (akhorey hammishkan). This specifies the exact location for this particular overhang. The 'Tabernacle' (mishkan) here refers to the inner linen structure with its wooden frames, the divine dwelling itself. Placing the overhang at the back ensures uniform protection for the sacred dwelling on all sides, symbolizing God's comprehensive protective covering over His presence among His people.

• "overhang that remains" and "half curtain that remains": This double emphasis on "remains" (yetar and nothereth) underscores that the surplus material was not incidental but a deliberate, measured excess. It highlights divine design, where every detail, including the 'leftover' part, had a specific purpose in providing complete covering and security. This exactness speaks to the orderliness of God's holy dwelling.
• "curtains of the tent" and "the tabernacle": This differentiates the two layers of the dwelling. "Curtains of the tent" (ohel) are the outer, utilitarian goat-hair coverings designed for protection from external elements. "The tabernacle" (mishkan) refers to the inner, holier linen dwelling that housed the sacred furnishings. This distinction highlights a multi-layered divine architecture: robust exterior safeguarding the sacred interior, which can be seen as a shadow of how divine holiness is protected and set apart.

Exodus 26 12 Bonus section

The design of the Tabernacle, with its multiple layers of covering (linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, dugong/porpoise skins), served not only practical purposes but profound symbolic ones. The outer layers, often perceived as plain or utilitarian (like the goat hair), covered the more glorious inner sanctum. This arrangement can be seen as a spiritual metaphor: the mundane or rugged exterior of Christ's earthly form (His "tent" or body, as hinted in Jn 1:14) covered His inner divine glory. His humble outward appearance and suffering ultimately provided the covering and protection for His people, securing them in His holiness. The detailed instruction regarding the specific overhang, balancing front and back, speaks to God's symmetrical and complete provision. This precision signifies a covering that leaves no part exposed, an assurance of divine watchfulness and security for those dwelling within His presence.

Exodus 26 12 Commentary

Exodus 26:12 describes a specific design detail for the goat hair curtains, the second layer of covering for the Tabernacle. This verse reveals that the total length of the assembled goat hair curtains was greater than the inner linen Tabernacle frame it covered. The excess material, specifically indicated as "the half curtain that remains" (referring to a cubit's width), was purposed to hang down over the back of the Tabernacle. This was a deliberate act of divine engineering to ensure comprehensive physical protection against the harsh desert environment—shielding the sacred structure from sun, wind, and sand.

Beyond its practical function, this meticulous instruction emphasizes God's precision and order in all things related to His dwelling. Every measurement, every detail, including the 'overhang,' had purpose, signifying that God’s holy presence among His people was perfectly provided for and guarded. This detail further points to the symbolic layers of covering over the holy. The external, more rugged appearance of the goat hair curtains contrasted with the inner beauty of the fine linen, gold, and vibrant colors. This could metaphorically speak to how divine glory (inner) is sometimes shielded by less conspicuous outward coverings (outer), ultimately securing what is holy within. The covering signifies God's comprehensive protection of His dwelling and, by extension, His people whom He dwells among, much like Christ's complete covering over believers.