Exodus 26:13 kjv
And a cubit on the one side, and a cubit on the other side of that which remaineth in the length of the curtains of the tent, it shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it.
Exodus 26:13 nkjv
And a cubit on one side and a cubit on the other side, of what remains of the length of the curtains of the tent, shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle, on this side and on that side, to cover it.
Exodus 26:13 niv
The tent curtains will be a cubit longer on both sides; what is left will hang over the sides of the tabernacle so as to cover it.
Exodus 26:13 esv
And the extra that remains in the length of the curtains, the cubit on the one side, and the cubit on the other side, shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle, on this side and that side, to cover it.
Exodus 26:13 nlt
Allow 18 inches of remaining material to hang down over each side, so the Tabernacle is completely covered.
Exodus 26 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ex 25:9 | "According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it." | God's precise instruction for the Tabernacle. |
| Ex 26:7-12 | (Directly precedes, describes goats' hair tent, its dimensions, and how excess hung over ends.) | Immediate context of the outer covering. |
| Ex 35:10 | "Let every gifted artisan among you come and make all that the Lord has commanded." | Call for skilled obedience in building. |
| Ex 36:18-19 | (Describes the outer layers: rams' skins and porpoise skins.) | Layered protection of the Tabernacle. |
| Num 9:15-16 | "On the day that the tabernacle was reared up, the cloud covered the tabernacle... so it was always: the cloud covered it by day..." | God's direct covering and presence. |
| Deut 12:32 | "Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it." | Emphasis on precise adherence to divine commands. |
| Ps 91:4 | "He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler." | God's protective covering for His people. |
| Ps 121:5 | "The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand." | God as provider of protective shade. |
| Isa 4:5-6 | "...the LORD will create over the whole area of Mount Zion... a cloud by day... a refuge... from storm and rain." | God's protective shelter for His people. |
| Ezek 16:8 | "Then I spread My wing over you and covered your nakedness..." | God's compassionate covering of His people. |
| John 1:14 | "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory..." | Christ's incarnation as God 'tabernacling' with humanity. |
| Rom 3:22 | "...the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe..." | Spiritual covering of God's righteousness through Christ. |
| Gal 3:27 | "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." | Believers clothed/covered by Christ. |
| Col 1:21-22 | "...He has reconciled... in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, blameless, and irreproachable..." | Reconciliation and perfection through Christ's sacrifice. |
| Eph 5:25-27 | "Christ also loved the church... that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish." | Christ's work to sanctify and perfect the Church. |
| Heb 8:5 | "...who serve the copy and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed... 'See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you...'" | Tabernacle as a copy of heavenly reality, requiring exact adherence. |
| Heb 9:11-12 | "But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle... not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood..." | Christ as the fulfillment of the Tabernacle and its ultimate High Priest. |
| Heb 10:19-20 | "Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh..." | Christ's body as the 'veil' opening access to God. |
| 1 Pet 1:5 | "...who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed..." | Believers kept and protected by God's power. |
| Rev 21:3 | "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people..." | Ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling with His redeemed people. |
| 1 Cor 14:33 | "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." | God's divine order and peace, reflected in design. |
| Rom 8:38-39 | "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life... shall be able to separate us from the love of God..." | Ultimate assurance of divine protection and security. |
Exodus 26 verses
Exodus 26 13 Meaning
Exodus 26:13 describes a specific design detail for the Tabernacle's outer covering, made of goats' hair. It states that after the main structure of the Tabernacle is covered by this outer tent, an additional cubit (approximately 18-22 inches) of material will hang down on both the north and south long sides of the Tabernacle. This deliberate excess was designed to ensure comprehensive and protective coverage of the sacred dwelling.
Exodus 26 13 Context
Exodus chapter 26 provides detailed, divine blueprints for constructing the Tabernacle, specifically focusing on its various layers of curtains, boards, and framework. It begins with the inner, highly ornamented linen curtains of the "dwelling" (verse 1-6), then moves to the more practical, durable goats' hair curtains that form the "tent" (verse 7-13). Following these are the coverings of ram skins and porpoise skins (verse 14), and then the wooden frames, bases, and bars that give the structure its rigidity (verse 15-30). Finally, it details the inner veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place and the curtain for the Tabernacle entrance (verse 31-37). Verse 13 specifically addresses the precise fit and protective overhang of the goats' hair covering on the long sides of the structure, ensuring a complete shield against external elements. Historically, this instruction was given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, preparing them for God's holy presence among them as they journeyed through the wilderness, providing a physical dwelling that contrasted sharply with the chaotic and unholy temples of surrounding pagan cultures. This meticulous divine design highlighted God's sovereignty, order, and distinctness from false deities.
Exodus 26 13 Word analysis
- And the extra cubit: Hebrew: וְהָעַמָּה הַיֶּתֶר (vəhā‘ammāh hayeter).
- cubit (עַמָּה - ’ammāh): A unit of linear measure, typically from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, about 18 to 22 inches. This term emphasizes the precise, measured nature of God's commands.
- extra/that remains (יֶתֶר - yeter): Denotes a surplus or remainder. Here, it signifies a deliberate design choice for comprehensive coverage beyond what merely rests on the surface, ensuring a protective overhang.
- on the one side, and the extra cubit on the other side: Hebrew: מִצַּד וּמִצַּד (miṣṣaḏ ūmiṣṣaḏ).
- Emphasizes symmetry and thoroughness, indicating a balanced protective overhang on both long (north and south) sides of the Tabernacle. This was a precise and balanced architectural detail.
- of that which remains in the length of the curtains of the tent: Hebrew: בְּאֹרֶךְ יְרִיעוֹת הָאֹהֶל (bə’ōreḵ yərî‘ôṯ hā’ōhel).
- length (אֹרֶךְ - ’ōreḵ): While often "length," in context here, when describing how something "remains" for an overhang "on the sides," it refers to the overall span or linear extent of the fabric's breadth that extends beyond its necessary structural coverage, creating the drip. It confirms this is about the goats' hair outer covering, distinguished from the inner linen dwelling.
- curtains (יְרִיעוֹת - yərî‘ôṯ): Specifically refers to the fabric sections joined to form the outer covering.
- tent (הָאֹהֶל - hā’ōhel): Distinct from "dwelling" (mishkan), this refers to the goats' hair covering which functions as an outer protective tent over the inner Tabernacle structure.
- shall hang over: Hebrew: יָרוּךְ (yārûḵ).
- Implies a protective draping or falling over, signifying that the purpose is not merely to cover the top but to extend down the sides, offering greater defense against elements.
- the sides of the tabernacle: Hebrew: עַל־צִדֵּי הַמִּשְׁכָּן (‘al-ṣiddê hammīšḵān).
- sides (צִדֵּי - ṣiddê): Refers to the long sides (north and south) of the dwelling structure.
- the tabernacle (הַמִּשְׁכָּן - hammīšḵān): Refers to the inner "dwelling" (linen covered structure), which is being covered by the goats' hair "tent."
- to cover it: Hebrew: לְכַסֹּתוֹ (ləḵassōṯô).
- to cover (כָּסָה - kāsāh): Emphasizes the primary function and ultimate purpose of this design detail: complete and thorough protection and enclosure. This is not for beauty, but for durability and practical preservation of the sacred dwelling.
Words-group by words-group analysis
- "And the extra cubit on the one side, and the extra cubit on the other side": This phrase underlines divine precision and intentionality in design. It highlights that the surplus material was not a mere accident or oversight but a deliberate feature for comprehensive and balanced protection. God's attention to seemingly minor details reveals His perfect wisdom.
- "of that which remains in the length of the curtains of the tent, shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle, to cover it": This clause clarifies the source and purpose of the overhang. The "remaining" length (breadth in context of the outer tent) of the goats' hair curtain was precisely measured to "hang over" the inner Tabernacle, fully covering and safeguarding it. This practical feature ensured protection from weather elements like sun, dust, and rain, symbolizing God's full and secure protective covering over His holy dwelling and, by extension, His people.
Exodus 26 13 Bonus section
The precise measurements throughout the Tabernacle design emphasize God's divine order and the necessity of strict obedience to His commands. There was no room for human improvisation; every detail, including a single cubit of overhang, had its sacred purpose. This also points to the sufficiency of God's provision—His "covering" is always complete, leaving no part exposed or vulnerable. The use of goats' hair, a common material for nomadic tents, in contrast to the luxurious inner materials, underscores that divine purpose can be accomplished through seemingly ordinary means, yet designed with extraordinary care for protection. This also shows that the inner beauty (linen) needed an outer, rugged layer (goats' hair) for preservation, much like the Church (bride of Christ) is protected by Christ's constant intercession and divine covering in the world.
Exodus 26 13 Commentary
Exodus 26:13, though a small detail in the extensive Tabernacle instructions, reveals profound truths about God's nature and purpose. The exact measurement of an "extra cubit" on each side for the outer goats' hair covering is not arbitrary; it signifies God's meticulous care, forethought, and emphasis on perfection in His dwelling place. This specific instruction ensured the sacred linen curtains and the precious artifacts within were fully protected from the harsh wilderness elements. This overhanging cover points to God's providence and complete protection for what belongs to Him. Symbolically, the durable, somewhat coarse goats' hair covering shielding the precious, pure linen dwelling reflects how the humble and practical elements in God's economy can safeguard His sacred purposes. Ultimately, it prefigures the ultimate, comprehensive "covering" provided by Christ—His perfect righteousness and atoning sacrifice—which fully protects believers, enabling them to dwell in His holy presence without blemish (Eph 5:25-27; Col 1:21-22).