Exodus 36 17

Exodus 36:17 kjv

And he made fifty loops upon the uttermost edge of the curtain in the coupling, and fifty loops made he upon the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.

Exodus 36:17 nkjv

And he made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that is outermost in one set, and fifty loops he made on the edge of the curtain of the second set.

Exodus 36:17 niv

Then they made fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in one set and also along the edge of the end curtain in the other set.

Exodus 36:17 esv

And he made fifty loops on the edge of the outermost curtain of the one set, and fifty loops on the edge of the other connecting curtain.

Exodus 36:17 nlt

He made fifty loops for the edge of each large curtain.

Exodus 36 verses

Exodus 36 17 Meaning

Exodus 36:17 describes a crucial detail in the construction of the Tabernacle's outer curtains. It specifies that the fifty loops on the edge of the first set of curtains were designed to perfectly align and correspond with the fifty loops on the edge of the second set of curtains. This precise matching was essential to enable the joining of these two large sections into a single, seamless covering for the dwelling place of God. It highlights divine design, order, and the interconnectedness required for His holy abode.

Exodus 36 17 Context

Exodus 36:17 is situated within the detailed narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, following the explicit instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai (Ex 25-31). Chapters 35-40 describe the actual fulfillment of these commands by Bezalel, Oholiab, and other skilled craftspeople. Specifically, verse 17 refers to the construction of the main inner covering of the Tabernacle, which consisted of ten linen curtains (Ex 36:8). These ten curtains were sewn into two sets of five (Ex 36:9-10). To connect these two large halves, each end of the joined sections was fitted with fifty loops made of blue material. These loops were designed to engage with golden clasps (mentioned in Ex 36:13) to form a unified, seamless dwelling. The verse emphasizes the precise craftsmanship and divine standard of perfection applied to every element of God's dwelling place, underscoring that every detail was ordained by Him and faithfully executed by man.

Exodus 36 17 Word analysis

• The fifty loops (הַחֲמִשִּׁים הַלֻּלָאֹת, ha-chamishshim ha-lula'ot):
  • הַחֲמִשִּׁים (ha-chamishshim): "The fifty." Specifies the exact number, reflecting the precision in God's blueprint. Not approximate, but exactly fifty. This number aligns with the divine specifications for the number of golden clasps (Ex 36:13) and bronze clasps (Ex 36:18) required to connect the curtains, indicating a perfect one-to-one relationship between loops and clasps.
  • הַלֻּלָאֹת (ha-lula'ot): "The loops." The Hebrew term לולאה (lula'ah), plural לולאות (lula'ot), specifically refers to loops made for fastening or joining, as seen throughout the Tabernacle description. These were made of blue material (Ex 36:11), chosen for its symbolism of heaven, divinity, and glory. Their function was purely for precise, functional connection.
• corresponded to (מַקְבִּילֹת, maqbilot):
  • From the root קבל (qabal), meaning "to be opposite to," "to be parallel," "to confront," "to match," "to correspond." This verb conveys more than just being near; it implies exact alignment, a mirrored or complementary relationship, and functional fitting. It signifies a precise, pre-determined match rather than a haphazard assembly, illustrating divine order and the intended perfect integration of the Tabernacle's components. This term implies the intention for the two halves to become one cohesive unit.
• the other (אַחַת אֶל־אַחַת, achat el-achat):
  • Literally "one to one." This reiterates and strengthens the concept of perfect correspondence. It means that each individual loop on one section had its exact counterpart on the other section, ensuring no gap or misalignment. It's not just "opposite" in general, but specifically "one-to-one." This precise match ensured structural integrity and seamless appearance, reflecting the holiness and order of God's presence.
• loop matching loop (מַקְבִּילָה לָהּ, maqbilah lah):
  • "Corresponding to it." This is a redundant or emphasizing phrase, reinforcing the meticulous alignment previously stated. The feminine singular form maqbilah agrees with lula'ah (loop). It highlights that the design ensured a perfect "match" of each loop to its specific counter-loop. This emphasis underlines the divine intention for complete unity and integrity, leaving no room for error or imperfection in God's dwelling.
• Phrase Analysis: "The fifty loops corresponded to the other, loop matching loop."
  • This phrase underscores the absolute precision and complementary design intrinsic to the Tabernacle's construction. It demonstrates God's nature as one of order and meticulous detail. It also prefigures spiritual truths: how every part of God's plan or every member of the Body of Christ is designed to fit perfectly together, ensuring unity and functional integrity. The exactitude necessary for a physical dwelling place of God mirrors the divine requirement for order and harmony in spiritual structures like the church.

Exodus 36 17 Bonus section

The precision described in Exodus 36:17 suggests divine mathematical harmony. Fifty loops aligning with fifty clasps is not arbitrary; it represents a perfect union, forming a singular entity from two halves. This speaks to the unified nature of God's presence (Shekinah) and the wholeness intended for His covenant community. The very structure of the Tabernacle was pedagogical, teaching Israel about the ordered, holy character of the God they worshipped. Furthermore, the construction details, including these perfectly matched loops, required incredible skill and wisdom, which God divinely bestowed upon Bezalel and Oholiab, signifying that God empowers His chosen vessels to execute His divine blueprints with human hands for His glory. This perfect fit could be seen as an illustration of how individual believers, though distinct, are to fit together seamlessly within the body of Christ, each providing what is needed to complete the whole (Rom 12:4-5, Eph 4:16).

Exodus 36 17 Commentary

Exodus 36:17 is a concise yet profound statement on divine design and the exact execution of God's will. In the grand blueprint of the Tabernacle, this verse emphasizes the meticulous attention to detail required for the curtain system. The perfection in the "loop matching loop" not only ensured a structurally sound dwelling but also symbolized the perfect unity God desires for His holy space and, by extension, for His people. It points to a God who leaves nothing to chance, whose creation and commandments reflect supreme order and foresight. This detail, though seemingly small, underscores the profound theological truth that God's holiness demands absolute perfection in all that pertains to Him. It also implicitly stands as a polemic against pagan practices, where worship structures were often humanly conceived and haphazard; God's dwelling was built to His precise, divine specifications.