Exodus 26 9

Exodus 26:9 kjv

And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shalt double the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tabernacle.

Exodus 26:9 nkjv

And you shall couple five curtains by themselves and six curtains by themselves, and you shall double over the sixth curtain at the forefront of the tent.

Exodus 26:9 niv

Join five of the curtains together into one set and the other six into another set. Fold the sixth curtain double at the front of the tent.

Exodus 26:9 esv

You shall couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and the sixth curtain you shall double over at the front of the tent.

Exodus 26:9 nlt

Join five of these curtains together to make one long curtain, and join the other six into a second long curtain. Allow 3 feet of material from the second set of curtains to hang over the front of the sacred tent.

Exodus 26 verses

Exodus 26 9 Meaning

Exodus 26:9 describes a specific architectural detail for the second layer of the Tabernacle's covering, made of goat hair. It mandates how the eleven goat hair curtains are to be divided into two main sections—five curtains joined as one unit, and six curtains joined as another unit. Crucially, the sixth curtain within the larger group of six is to be "doubled over" or folded back, positioning it directly at the forefront, or entrance, of the Tabernacle structure. This detailed instruction highlights God's demand for precise craftsmanship and strategic design in His sacred dwelling place.

Exodus 26 9 Context

Exodus chapters 25 through 31 meticulously detail God's commands to Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the vestments for the priests. This divine blueprint ensured that every element was crafted precisely according to a heavenly pattern. Specifically, Exodus 26 focuses on the various coverings of the Tabernacle structure itself: the inner linen curtains (vv. 1-6), the outer goat hair curtains (vv. 7-14), and the ram's skin and badger skin coverings (vv. 14). Verse 9 addresses a particular segment of the second, goat hair covering. This verse specifies the division and strategic folding of the eleventh curtain layer, essential for both the structural integrity and the functional entrance point of the holy dwelling, emphasizing the importance of detailed precision in divine worship and design. The historical context is the Israelites' wilderness journey, where this portable sanctuary would serve as the central place of God's presence among His nomadic people.

Exodus 26 9 Word analysis

• And (וְ - ve): A simple conjunction, yet significant here as it connects this specific instruction about the goat hair curtains to the previous ones (e.g., about their overall number, Ex 26:7). It implies a continuation and sequential nature of God's comprehensive building plan, underscoring that each detail is part of an integrated whole.
• thou shalt couple (וְחִבַּרְתָּ - v'chibarta): Derived from the Hebrew root חבר (ḥābar), meaning "to join," "to unite," or "to knit together." The use of this verb, rather than merely "to attach," suggests an intimate and firm bond, emphasizing the creation of unified sections from individual curtains. This joining ensures structural integrity and speaks to the spiritual unity intended for God's dwelling.
• five curtains (חָמֵשׁ יְרִיעוֹת - hamesh yeri'ot): Specifies a precise number. The "curtains" (יְרִיעָה - yerî'āh) refer to the woven goat hair panels. The distinct grouping of five out of the eleven total goat hair curtains indicates a modular design dictated by God, showing the exactness required in sacred service and construction.
• by themselves (לְבָדָם - levadam): From לְבָד (levad), meaning "alone," "separate," "by themselves." This reiterates that this group of five forms a distinct, self-contained unit, separate from the next set of curtains, before they are eventually united to form the complete covering. This precision avoids ambiguity and highlights intentional, organized partitioning.
• and six curtains (וְשֵׁשׁ יְרִיעוֹת - v'shesh yeri'ot): The second specific numerical grouping. The fact that this group is "six" rather than another five is significant, as the extra curtain facilitates the "doubling" mentioned later, creating an intentional overhang at the Tabernacle's entrance. This precise partitioning contributes to the structural design and aesthetic balance.
• by themselves (לְבָדָם - levadam): Again, emphasizes the distinct unity of this group of six curtains, preparing them to be combined in a very specific way with the first set.
• and shalt double (וְתָפֹל - v'tafol / root כפל kafal): The Hebrew root כפל (kafal) means "to fold," "to double," or "to repeat." This action is key: it's not merely laying flat but creating a significant fold or pleat. This doubling added strength, visual definition, and potentially served a functional purpose at the entrance, such as a weather seal or an additional layer of covering over the entryway. It is a precise manipulation of the fabric.
• the sixth curtain (הַשִּׁשִּׁית - hashishit): Identifies the specific curtain within the group of six that is to be doubled. It is not just any curtain, but the specific sixth one, the extra curtain in the larger set, reinforcing the absolute precision of God's instructions down to the individual component. This points to a strategic placement at a critical point of the Tabernacle.
• over against the forefront of the tabernacle (אֶל-פְּנֵי אֹהֶל - el p'nei ohel): Specifies the exact location of the doubling. el p'nei means "towards the face of" or "in front of." ohel refers to the tent or dwelling (the Tabernacle). This precisely locates the fold at the entrance of the Tabernacle, underscoring its functional purpose as an intentional overhang or a design feature marking the sacred entrance. It directs the eye to the point of access to God's presence.

Words-group analysis:

• "couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves": This grouping demonstrates a division of the overall eleven goat hair curtains (Ex 26:7) into two distinct, unequal modules. This asymmetrical division is critical, as it leaves one extra curtain in the "six-curtain" group, which is then specifically used for doubling at the entrance. This precision illustrates the divine blueprint's deliberate design.
• "shalt double the sixth curtain over against the forefront of the tabernacle": This phrase defines the specific architectural detail. The doubling of the outermost curtain in the larger section was not merely for aesthetic purposes but had practical implications for protecting the entrance from the elements and visually demarcating the sacred entry point. Spiritually, it can symbolize the detailed provision God makes for those entering His presence and the perfection of Christ as our access point, foreshadowed by the physical entryway.

Exodus 26 9 Bonus section

The goat hair curtains themselves, as the second layer of covering, are believed to symbolize the protective aspect and potentially the atonement for sin. Goats were used for sin offerings and notably the scapegoat on the Day of Atonement. Thus, this robust outer layer, especially its precise construction at the entrance, subtly hints at the provision made for dealing with sin as one approached God's holy dwelling. The exact number "five" in scripture can be associated with grace, while "six" with man or incomplete work; here, the "extra" sixth curtain specifically dedicated to the fold at the "forefront" reinforces that even in humanity's attempts to follow divine command, it is God's grace and precise instructions that enable proper access and coverage. The layering and precise fitting speak to God's all-encompassing protection and the structured order of His kingdom.

Exodus 26 9 Commentary

Exodus 26:9, seemingly a dry architectural instruction, holds deep significance regarding God's meticulous nature and His provision for His dwelling among men. The exact grouping of the goat hair curtains into five and six, rather than two equal halves of the eleven, points to an intentional asymmetry necessary for the strategic doubling of the sixth curtain. This folded curtain, positioned at the Tabernacle's forefront, was not superfluous; it added strength, offered protection from the elements, and clearly delineated the sacred entrance. This level of detail in God's commands reinforces that every aspect of approaching Him must be according to His perfect will, emphasizing obedience and precision. This architectural detail also hints at the care God took to create a functional yet symbolically rich space, anticipating the ultimate entry through Christ.