Exodus 26:3 kjv
The five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and other five curtains shall be coupled one to another.
Exodus 26:3 nkjv
Five curtains shall be coupled to one another, and the other five curtains shall be coupled to one another.
Exodus 26:3 niv
Join five of the curtains together, and do the same with the other five.
Exodus 26:3 esv
Five curtains shall be coupled to one another, and the other five curtains shall be coupled to one another.
Exodus 26:3 nlt
Join five of these curtains together to make one long curtain, then join the other five into a second long curtain.
Exodus 26 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ex 26:1 | Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine... | Preceding verse, total curtains |
| Ex 26:2 | The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the... | Specifies dimensions of individual curtains |
| Ex 26:4 | You shall make loops of blue material on the edge of the one curtain... | Follows with how they are to be joined (loops) |
| Ex 26:5 | Fifty loops you shall make in the one curtain, and fifty loops... | Quantity of loops for joining |
| Ex 26:6 | And you shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains... | Details the gold clasps for coupling |
| Ex 36:10 | He coupled five curtains to one another, and the other five curtains... | Fulfillment of the command in construction |
| Ex 39:32 | Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was finished. | Broader completion of Tabernacle |
| 1 Kgs 6:21 | So Solomon overlaid the inside of the house with pure gold, and he... | Temple building instructions; unity of parts |
| Ezr 3:11 | And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord... | Foundation of God's house being laid, unity |
| Pss 133:1 | Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! | Illustrates the beauty of unity |
| Isa 54:2 | Enlarge the place of your tent; stretch out the curtains of your habitations... | Metaphor for expansion, tent structures |
| Hag 2:9 | The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former... | God's glory in the dwelling |
| Eph 4:3 | eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. | Spiritual unity of believers |
| Col 2:19 | ...from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint... | Christ as Head, body unity |
| Rom 12:4-5 | For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not... | Body of Christ, distinct parts but one unit |
| 1 Cor 1:10 | I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that... | Call for unity in the church |
| 1 Cor 3:16 | Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit... | Believers as God's spiritual temple |
| 2 Cor 6:16 | For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will dwell... | Believers as God's dwelling place |
| Eph 2:21-22 | ...in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a... | Church as a spiritual building, joined in Christ |
| 1 Pet 2:5 | ...you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual... | Believers building God's spiritual house |
| Heb 3:6 | ...Christ was faithful as a Son over God's house. And we are his house... | Christ's faithfulness over God's people |
| Jn 1:14 | And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen... | Christ 'tabernacling' among humanity |
Exodus 26 verses
Exodus 26 3 Meaning
Exodus 26:3 specifies precise instructions for joining the innermost curtains of the Tabernacle. It mandates that the first set of five curtains must be securely connected to one another, forming a unified larger panel. Likewise, the second set of five curtains is to be joined in the same manner, creating another identical unified panel. This divine command emphasizes order, precision, and unity in the sacred construction, foundational elements for the dwelling place of God among His people. The purpose is to create two distinct, yet ultimately connectable, large fabric sections that would form the primary ceiling and walls of the holy space.
Exodus 26 3 Context
Exodus 26 is part of a lengthy section in the Bible (Ex 25-31 and 35-40) detailing God's specific commands for the construction of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the garments for the priests. This chapter particularly describes the internal structure and coverings of the Tabernacle itself, beginning with the innermost layer of curtains. These ten linen curtains, renowned for their intricate design and cherubim, would form the roof and sides of the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. Verse 3 precisely details how these ten curtains, originally envisioned as separate units (implied by the number "ten" and their dimensions in Ex 26:2), are to be joined into two sets of five. This ensures structural integrity, precise measurements, and contributes to the visual and symbolic coherence of God's sanctuary. The historical context places this at Mount Sinai, where God revealed His divine blueprint to Moses, indicating the meticulous and holy nature of the portable dwelling where He would meet with Israel during their desert wanderings. This detailed command also served as a stark contrast to pagan worship, emphasizing a divinely appointed order and method rather than human invention or chaotic practices.
Exodus 26 3 Word analysis
- The five curtains: Refers to a specific, initial set of five fabric panels. "Curtains" (Hebrew: yeri'ot, יריעת) are the primary covering materials of the Tabernacle's interior, known for their elaborate artistry, signaling divine beauty and craftsmanship for the sacred space.
- shall be coupled: This is the core instruction, using the Hebrew verb chabar (חבר), which means "to join," "to tie," or "to unite." It implies a secure and lasting connection, not a temporary or loose attachment. This action creates cohesion and strength, necessary for the Tabernacle's function as a sturdy yet movable dwelling.
- to one another: Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the connection among the first set of five curtains, forming them into a single, large piece. It speaks to intrinsic unity within the designated segment.
- and the other five curtains: Denotes a distinct, second set of five curtains. The "other" signifies that this is a separate group from the first, destined for a similar joining process. This division into two sets of five (totaling ten) suggests a balance and perhaps distinct functional roles within the Tabernacle's overall structure, before their ultimate connection via clasps.
- shall be coupled to one another: Reiteration of the same instruction for the second set. This reinforces the precise and consistent method required for both halves of the main Tabernacle covering. This mirroring command highlights the importance of uniformity in divine design and construction.
Exodus 26 3 Bonus section
The specific division of the ten curtains into two sets of five, and their individual joining before being united (as specified in Ex 26:6 with gold clasps), implies a two-stage or layered approach to unity. First, each sub-unit achieves internal cohesion. Second, these robust sub-units are then perfectly connected, forming a greater, single whole. This parallels the progressive nature of divine work—preparation leading to ultimate integration. The number 'ten' often symbolizes completion or divine order in scripture, and its division into two sets of 'five' (sometimes associated with grace or responsibility) provides further layers of symbolic interpretation regarding God's gracious and orderly presence among His people. The aesthetic quality of these "fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet" curtains (Ex 26:1) being flawlessly united points to the beauty of holiness and the perfect design of the One who indwells the structure.
Exodus 26 3 Commentary
Exodus 26:3, though seemingly a simple instruction, reveals profound theological truths embedded in the Tabernacle's construction. It demonstrates God's nature as a God of order and meticulous detail. Every part of His sanctuary was designed with specific intent, reflecting heavenly patterns. The joining of these curtains (specified further in later verses with loops and clasps) signifies unity, precision, and the creation of a seamless, enclosed sacred space. This attention to detail implies that every aspect of worshipping God matters, and there is a divine way to approach Him. The formation of two distinct, yet joined, large panels prefigures the ultimate union that God desires among His people and the bringing together of humanity and divinity through His redemptive plan. It teaches us that while components may appear separate, God's design brings them into a unified whole, capable of bearing His glory. This careful union within the Tabernacle also points to the spiritual unity God desires for His people—the church—where diverse members are knit together into one body, serving as His dwelling place today.