Exodus 26 8

Exodus 26:8 kjv

The length of one curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and the eleven curtains shall be all of one measure.

Exodus 26:8 nkjv

The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits; and the eleven curtains shall all have the same measurements.

Exodus 26:8 niv

All eleven curtains are to be the same size?thirty cubits long and four cubits wide.

Exodus 26:8 esv

The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits. The eleven curtains shall be the same size.

Exodus 26:8 nlt

These eleven curtains must all be exactly the same size ? 45 feet long and 6 feet wide.

Exodus 26 verses

Exodus 26 8 Meaning

This verse precisely defines the dimensions of each of the primary inner linen curtains that formed the dwelling place of the Tabernacle. Each curtain was meticulously specified to be thirty cubits in length and four cubits in width. The instruction explicitly emphasizes that all these curtains must adhere to these identical measurements, highlighting the imperative for uniformity and exactitude in the construction of God's holy dwelling. This divine attention to detail underscored the sacredness, order, and precise nature of worship as commanded by the Lord.

Exodus 26 8 Context

Exodus chapter 26 provides intricate and highly detailed instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that served as God's dwelling among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. These instructions, given directly by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, outline the precise dimensions and materials for the curtains, frames, and coverings that formed the sacred tent. Verse 8, specifically, details the exact length and width of the ten linen curtains which constituted the inner layers of the Tabernacle. This immediate context is followed by how these individual curtains were to be joined together (Exod 26:2-6), emphasizing the unity of structure despite its constituent parts. Historically, the Tabernacle was the focal point of Israelite worship, signifying God's covenant presence among His people and differentiating them from pagan nations who often constructed temples based on human imagination or polytheistic rituals.

Exodus 26 8 Word analysis

• "The length" (אֹרֶךְ - 'Orek): This Hebrew noun specifies the longitudinal dimension, likely referring to the vertical measurement of the curtain when it was hung within the Tabernacle structure.
• "of each curtain" (הַיְרִיעָה הָאַחַת - HaYeri'ah HaAchat):
  • "curtain" (יְרִיעָה - Yeri'ah): Refers specifically to a distinct panel or sheet of fabric designed to be draped or hung. Here, it signifies the primary linen fabric used for the innermost layer of the Tabernacle's coverings.
  • "each" (הָאַחַת - HaAchat): The definite article with the feminine singular "one," emphasizing that the specification applies individually and without exception to every single curtain within the set, ensuring no deviation in size.
• "shall be thirty cubits" (שְׁלֹשִׁים בָּאַמָּה - Sh'loshim Ba'ammah):
  • "thirty" (שְׁלֹשִׁים - Sh'loshim): The specific numerical value, indicating an exact, non-negotiable dimension.
  • "cubits" (בָּאַמָּה - Ba'ammah): The unit of measure, derived from the human forearm (approximately 18-21 inches or 45-53 cm). This detail highlights the concrete and practical nature of God's instructions for the physical construction. Thirty cubits indicates a significant length, forming the essential height or draping element of the Tabernacle's inner wall and ceiling.
• "and the width" (וְרֹחַב - VeRochav): The conjunctive "and" connects this second dimension to the first. Rochav refers to the breadth or horizontal measurement of the curtain.
• "of each curtain four cubits" (הָאַרְבַּע בָּאַמָּה - HaArba' Ba'ammah):
  • "four" (אַרְבַּע - Arba'): The specific numerical value for the width.
  • "cubits" (בָּאַמָּה - Ba'ammah): The same unit of measure, indicating a comparatively narrower panel than its length, contributing to its panel-like design for joining.
• "all the curtains shall have the same measurements." (מִקְשֶׁה אֶחָת לְכָל־הַיְרִיעוֹת - Mikshah Echath L'chol-HaYeri'ot):
  • "the same measurements" (מִקְשֶׁה אֶחָת - Mikshah Echath): This phrase emphasizes uniformity and consistency. Mikshah can imply "hammered out of one piece" or "a uniform standard." Echath means "one." Together, they convey a singular, unvarying standard of measurement.
  • "all the curtains" (לְכָל־הַיְרִיעוֹת - L'chol-HaYeri'ot): Explicitly applies the consistent standard to every single curtain within the prescribed set, allowing for no variation or imperfection.

• "The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits": This establishes the precise, divinely ordained dimensions for the inner covering of the Tabernacle. The considerable "length" (vertical dimension) of 30 cubits highlights the stature and grandeur appropriate for the dwelling of God, while the "width" of 4 cubits details the panel design that allowed for connection into larger, seamless coverings. These measurements were crucial for the Tabernacle's functionality and symbolic completeness.
• "all the curtains shall have the same measurements": This final clause underscores the profound theological truth that God's plan is one of order, precision, and consistency. No piece could be an anomaly; every curtain had to perfectly align to form a unified, sacred enclosure. This reflects God's own unvarying nature and the perfect, holy order that governs His presence and worship, leaving no room for human arbitrariness or shortcuts.

Exodus 26 8 Bonus section

The uniformity dictated in this verse (30x4 cubits for each curtain) directly informed how the total Tabernacle dimensions and internal arrangement would manifest. Specifically, ten such curtains were joined into two larger sheets (Exod 26:3) that collectively draped over the structure, symbolizing complete coverage and separation of the sacred space. This attention to every single curtain being identical prefigured the unified nature of God's people (His "spiritual house")—diverse in gifts yet called to function together in a singular purpose, built on Christ, without division or arbitrary individual standards.

Exodus 26 8 Commentary

Exodus 26:8 provides more than mere architectural specifications; it lays bare the character of God and the nature of true worship. The instruction for each curtain to be exactly thirty cubits long and four cubits wide, with the explicit command for "all the curtains [to] have the same measurements," reflects God's demand for order, exactitude, and absolute adherence to His commands. This divine precision ensured both structural integrity for the Tabernacle and conveyed profound symbolic truth: God is a God of perfect order, not of chaos or human improvisation. His dwelling place must reflect His flawless nature. This emphasis on precise details instilled discipline and obedience in the Israelites, teaching them that worship and fellowship with a holy God required meticulous conformity to His revealed will, setting a standard for diligence and faithfulness that extended beyond the Tabernacle's construction into every aspect of their lives. It serves as a spiritual principle for believers today: our walk with God and our service to Him are to be marked by careful attention to His Word and a commitment to spiritual integrity.