Exodus 36:11 kjv
And he made loops of blue on the edge of one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling: likewise he made in the uttermost side of another curtain, in the coupling of the second.
Exodus 36:11 nkjv
He made loops of blue yarn on the edge of the curtain on the selvedge of one set; likewise he did on the outer edge of the other curtain of the second set.
Exodus 36:11 niv
Then they made loops of blue material along the edge of the end curtain in one set, and the same was done with the end curtain in the other set.
Exodus 36:11 esv
He made loops of blue on the edge of the outermost curtain of the first set. Likewise he made them on the edge of the outermost curtain of the second set.
Exodus 36:11 nlt
He made fifty loops of blue yarn and put them along the edge of the last curtain in each set.
Exodus 36 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ex 26:1 | Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet... | Curtains made of specific materials and colors. |
| Ex 26:4 | And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain... | Direct parallel to the divine instruction. |
| Ex 26:5 | Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain, and fifty loops shalt thou make... | Quantity of loops specified. |
| Ex 26:6 | And thou shalt make fifty taches of gold, and couple the curtains together... | Gold clasps complement the loops. |
| Ex 35:25 | And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands... | Skilled workers contribute materials. |
| Ex 35:30 | ...the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel... filled him with the spirit of God... | God appoints and empowers craftsmen. |
| Ex 36:10 | And he coupled the five curtains by themselves... the six curtains by themselves. | Initial grouping of the two curtain sets. |
| Ex 36:13 | And he made fifty clasps of gold, and coupled the curtains... | Craftsmen executed the gold clasps. |
| Ex 39:2 | And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen. | Blue as a holy color for priestly garments. |
| Num 4:5-15 | Details covering sacred Tabernacle items with blue cloth. | Blue's use for holy items in transport. |
| Num 15:38 | ...they put upon the fringe of the border a cord of blue... | Blue symbolizes remembering God's commandments. |
| Prov 29:18 | Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. | Obedience to divine blueprint is essential. |
| 1 Cor 1:10 | ...ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together... | Spiritual unity echoes physical joining. |
| 1 Cor 12:12-27 | Description of the body of Christ as many members forming one body. | Diverse parts forming a unified whole. |
| Eph 2:20-22 | ...built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone... | The spiritual dwelling place of God, unified. |
| Eph 4:3 | Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. | Emphasizes spiritual unity and cohesion. |
| Eph 4:16 | From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies... | Spiritual body joined perfectly together. |
| Col 2:19 | ...from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered... grows with the increase of God. | Believers linked to Christ and each other. |
| Heb 8:5 | Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God... | Tabernacle as a copy of a heavenly pattern. |
| Rev 21:3 | Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them... | God's ultimate dwelling with His people. |
Exodus 36 verses
Exodus 36 11 Meaning
Exodus 36:11 details the specific instructions for creating the loops of blue yarn that would connect the two main sets of curtains forming the innermost covering of the Tabernacle. This verse describes the precise placement of these loops on the edge of the curtains at the designated coupling points, emphasizing the meticulousness and unity required in constructing God's dwelling place.
Exodus 36 11 Context
Exodus chapter 36 initiates the construction phase of the Tabernacle. Following God's detailed instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Ex 25-31), Bezaleel, Aholiab, and other skilled artisans begin to execute the divine blueprints. This chapter underscores the precision and diligence with which they followed God's exact pattern, motivated by a willing heart and the wisdom God provided. Verse 11 specifically addresses the making of the inner linen curtains for the Tabernacle's dwelling place (mishkan), highlighting a crucial structural detail for joining the two large sections of these beautiful, richly embroidered curtains.
Historically, this period follows Israel's dramatic exodus from Egypt, their reception of the Law at Mount Sinai, and the challenging event of the golden calf worship. The Tabernacle's construction represents a renewed covenant, providing a portable sanctuary where God's presence would dwell amidst His nomadic people. The intricate details, including the loops of blue, set the Tabernacle apart from pagan temples of the time, emphasizing God's transcendent yet immanent presence and the importance of divinely ordained worship over human-contrived rituals.
Exodus 36 11 Word analysis
- And he made (וַיַּעַשׂ, wayyaʿas): "He" refers to Bezaleel and the skilled craftsmen working under divine inspiration (Ex 35:30-35). This phrase marks the active execution of God's commands, shifting from divine instruction to human obedience and action.
- loops (לֻלְאֹת, lulʾot): These were specifically crafted loops designed to interlock with gold clasps (kerasim) on the opposite curtain. They signify connection, joining, and structural unity. Their functionality ensured the Tabernacle's portability and integrity.
- of blue (תְּכֵלֶת, tekhelet): This precious indigo dye, likely from Murex trunculus snails, was highly valued in antiquity. Symbolically, blue represents the heavens, divinity, the sky, and God's glory and majesty. Its presence in the innermost dwelling signified the sacredness of the space and God's heavenly origin, serving as a reminder of His dwelling above. It set the sacred apart from the profane, contrasting with earthy commonalities and connecting worship to the divine realm. The color also appeared in priestly garments (Ex 28:6) and for covering holy articles (Num 4).
- on the edge (עַל שְׂפַת, ʿal sefat): Literally "upon the lip" or "on the brim." This specifies precise placement, demonstrating that every detail of the Tabernacle's construction was exactingly planned and followed, leaving no room for human improvisation where divine command had been given.
- of the one curtain (הַיְרִיעָה הָאֶחָת, hayĕriʿah haʾeḥat): Refers to the end of the first set of five curtains that formed one half of the Tabernacle's main covering. The meticulous detail in connecting these two large halves highlights the importance of the whole structure.
- from the selvedge (מִן הַקָּצֶה, min haqāṣeh): Meaning "from the extreme edge" or "from the end." This denotes the finished, functional edge of the fabric, ensuring durability and a seamless fit at the joining point.
- in the coupling (בַּמַּחְבֶּרֶת, bammaḥberek): Refers to the specific point of connection where the two sets of curtains would meet to form one unified roof and wall for the Tabernacle. This emphasizes the integral union of separate components into a coherent whole.
- likewise he made (כֵּן עָשָׂה, ken ʿasah): This phrase emphasizes the uniformity and consistency of the craftsmanship. What was done for the first set of curtains was identically applied to the second, underscoring the perfect symmetry and adherence to the pattern.
- in the edge of the curtain that was outmost (בַּקִּיצוֹנָה עַל שְׂפַת הַיְרִיעָה, bassiṭṭona ʿal sefat hayyĕriʿah): Referring to the end-most curtain of the second set of six, where the corresponding loops would be placed for coupling.
- in the coupling of the second (בַּמַּחְבֶּרֶת הַשֵּׁנִית, bammaḥberet hashshenit): This reiterates the exact point on the second curtain set that meets the first set, stressing that the precise connection was designed and executed perfectly on both sides.
Words-group Analysis:
- "loops of blue... in the coupling": This phrase highlights both the functional necessity (loops for coupling) and the profound symbolic meaning (blue, representing divinity) of this seemingly small detail. It showcases how even the most practical elements of the Tabernacle were infused with spiritual significance and heavenly quality.
- "edge of the one curtain... in the coupling... in the edge of the curtain that was outmost in the coupling of the second": This detailed spatial description underscores the extraordinary precision demanded by God for His dwelling. The design allowed two distinct, large segments of fabric to become one integrated, unified whole, foreshadowing the unity of God's people in Him.
Exodus 36 11 Bonus Section
- The creation of the loops and the subsequent clasps (Ex 36:13) ensured that the Tabernacle was not only functional and structurally sound but also fully detachable and re-assemblable, reflecting God's commitment to His people's journey. His presence was not fixed to one locale but moved with them.
- The emphasis on unified parts (two sets of curtains joined) foreshadows the New Testament concept of the unity of believers as the body of Christ (1 Cor 12), where diverse parts are intricately joined to form a single spiritual dwelling for God.
- The instruction and execution of these precise details serve as a polemic against the arbitrary nature of pagan temple building, which often relied on human whim or mythological interpretation. Here, God Himself provides the blueprint, emphasizing His sovereignty and wisdom as the sole designer.
- The skills used to produce these loops—spinning, dyeing, weaving—were God-given, emphasizing that spiritual service includes the diligent use of all our God-blessed talents for His glory.
Exodus 36 11 Commentary
Exodus 36:11 reveals the execution of divine design for the Tabernacle's primary covering. The focus on "loops of blue" for "coupling" demonstrates God's demand for meticulousness in all aspects of His service. The color blue pointed to the heavenly origin and nature of the dwelling, connecting earthly worship to divine reality. The loops themselves, working in conjunction with clasps, ensured the practical and symbolic unity of the two major curtain segments, creating a single, cohesive sacred space. This highlights that God's presence, while immanent, demanded a perfect, unified, and consecrated environment, serving as a portable dwelling that kept pace with His wandering people. The verse is a testament to the faithful execution of God's detailed commands, emphasizing that nothing in His service is arbitrary or left to human discretion when a specific pattern is given.