Exodus 36 12

Exodus 36:12 kjv

Fifty loops made he in one curtain, and fifty loops made he in the edge of the curtain which was in the coupling of the second: the loops held one curtain to another.

Exodus 36:12 nkjv

Fifty loops he made on one curtain, and fifty loops he made on the edge of the curtain on the end of the second set; the loops held one curtain to another.

Exodus 36:12 niv

They also made fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the other set, with the loops opposite each other.

Exodus 36:12 esv

He made fifty loops on the one curtain, and he made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that was in the second set. The loops were opposite one another.

Exodus 36:12 nlt

The fifty loops along the edge of one curtain matched the fifty loops along the edge of the other curtain.

Exodus 36 verses

Exodus 36 12 Meaning

This verse describes the initial, meticulously precise actions taken by the skilled craftsmen, Bezalel and Oholiab, in constructing the Tabernacle's linen curtains. It details the process of first joining individual curtains into two distinct, large sections: one composed of five curtains joined together, and the other of six curtains joined together. Crucially, the verse then specifies that "five loops" were to be fashioned onto the coupling edge of the five-curtain section, and similarly "five loops" onto the coupling edge of the six-curtain section. These loops were the precise mechanism through which these two large sections would eventually be connected, forming the unified roof and sides of the holy dwelling.

Exodus 36 12 Context

Exodus chapter 36 details the actual construction of the Tabernacle components, carried out by the artisans Bezalel and Oholiab, and the skilled individuals under them, based on the divine blueprints given to Moses in chapters 25-31. This verse specifically addresses the making of the innermost covering of the Tabernacle—the ten fine linen curtains, which were the very "dwelling" (Hebrew: mishkan). These curtains formed the ceiling and walls of the holy place and the Most Holy Place. The historical context is the Israelites in the desert, shortly after receiving the Ten Commandments and the Law at Mount Sinai. God's instruction for this elaborate and costly structure underscored His desire for an intimate dwelling place among His people, where He could reveal His presence and receive worship. Every detail, down to the number of curtains and the loops for joining them, was divinely mandated, signifying God's demand for order, perfection, and obedience in all things pertaining to His worship.

Exodus 36 12 Word analysis

• "They coupled" (Hebrew: וַיְחַבְּרוּ֙, `vayyəḥabbərū`, from `חָבַר` - ḥāḇar): This verb means "to join," "to unite," "to tie together." It signifies a deliberate and skillful act of connecting disparate parts into a cohesive whole. Its repeated use emphasizes the assembly of the Tabernacle's components, which were designed for precise alignment.
• "five curtains" (Hebrew: חָמֵשׁ יְרִיעֹ֖ת, `ḥāmēsh yərî‘ōṯ`): These were five individual linen curtains. Each curtain was specifically sized (often understood as 28 cubits long by 4 cubits wide, as per Exodus 26:2). Joining five of these would create a large section, approximately 20 cubits wide, emphasizing the monumental scale and modular nature of the Tabernacle's design.
• "by themselves": This phrase highlights that these sets of curtains (five and six) were assembled into independent, large units first. This modular construction indicates planning, precision, and the capability of the dwelling to be dismantled and reassembled, fitting its transient nature in the wilderness journey.
• "and six curtains" (Hebrew: שֵׁשׁ יְרִיעֹֽת, `shēsh yərî‘ōṯ`): Six individual linen curtains, similarly sized, joined together to form another large section, approximately 24 cubits wide. The combined length of the five-curtain section and the six-curtain section (44 cubits) corresponds to the overall dimensions needed to cover the Tabernacle frame (30 cubits long, plus 10 cubits for the height over the sides and ends) indicating divine engineering.
• "coupled the six curtains": This refers to the main act of joining the two large sections (the group of five and the group of six) together. This primary coupling formed the singular tent that served as the inner covering of the Tabernacle. It symbolically represents unity.
• "with five loops" (Hebrew for 'loops': לֻֽלְאֹת, `lul'ot`). Note on text discrepancy: The common Hebrew Masoretic Text and major English translations (like ESV, KJV, NIV) of Exodus 36:13 (which describes the number of loops for coupling) consistently state "fifty loops" (חֲמִשִּׁים לֻֽלְאֹת, ḥamishšîm lul'ot). The presence of "five loops" in the provided verse text deviates from standard Biblical manuscripts. If literally "five loops", this would mean the number 5, signifying a very limited attachment points; however, based on the Tabernacle's detailed description and purpose for robust assembly (Ex 26:5, 10), fifty loops (on each set of curtains) provide stability for a total of one hundred clasps. Given the instruction to fit "loop to loop", a significant number like fifty loops across a wide curtain edge ensures uniform and strong connection. The concept of loops signifies the ingenious mechanism designed for linking and securing the curtains together.
• "at the edge of the one curtain in the coupling, and five loops at the edge of the other curtain in the coupling": This details the precise placement of the loops. They were to be made on the outermost edges of each of the two combined curtain sections (the five-curtain set and the six-curtain set) specifically where they would be brought together for the final grand coupling. This emphasis on the "edge" underscores the precision required and the exact alignment needed for the sacred structure to be built according to divine design.

Exodus 36 12 Bonus section

The design of the linen curtains as specified (e.g., in Ex 26) allowed for their complete unity while providing for distinct internal divisions (the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, divided by the veil). The overall length of these curtains, once coupled (summing 5 x 4 cubits and 6 x 4 cubits = 20 + 24 = 44 cubits, where each individual curtain was 4 cubits wide), was precisely calculated to cover the Tabernacle frame and descend perfectly on its sides, ensuring the enclosure was watertight and aligned with God's perfect architectural blueprint. This level of precise measurement and interlocking parts speaks to God's engineering brilliance and His demand for absolute precision and holiness in His presence. The construction of the Tabernacle's various components was thus not only an act of obedience but a visual sermon on divine order and perfect design for sacred purposes.

Exodus 36 12 Commentary

Exodus 36:12 exemplifies the meticulous nature of God's instructions for the Tabernacle and the faithful obedience of the skilled artisans. The joining of "five curtains by themselves and six curtains by themselves" to then be "coupled" illustrates a process of bringing together distinct, yet perfectly proportioned, elements to form a singular, divinely purposed whole. The emphasis on "loops" as the means of connection, regardless of their precise number in various texts, highlights the importance of specific, divinely ordained mechanisms for unity. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling, was not a haphazard construction but a perfect architectural masterpiece, reflecting God's order, holiness, and attention to every detail. This prefigures how God works to unite His people (the Church) into one body, built and held together by Christ (Eph 2:21-22), serving as His spiritual dwelling place through the Holy Spirit. Just as the Tabernacle curtains were flawlessly united to house God's presence, so believers are to be joined in spiritual unity for His glory.