And thou shalt make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outmost in the coupling, and fifty loops in the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.

EXODUS 26:10KJV
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Exodus 26:10 (KJV)

What does Exodus 26:10 mean?

Exodus 26:10 gives instructions for making fifty loops on the edge of one curtain and fifty loops on the edge of another curtain, so they can be joined together. This is part of the detailed directions for assembling the coverings of the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites.

God is speaking to Moses, giving him precise building instructions for the tabernacle while the Israelites are in the wilderness. The verse focuses on how two large curtains should be connected at their edges using loops, making the structure stable and unified. This attention to detail shows the care and order involved in constructing a place meant for worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 26:10

  • The word for "loops" (לֻלָאָה, lulā’āh) refers to small rings or fasteners, which would have been used to tie or hook the curtains together. This detail highlights the practical craftsmanship involved.
  • "Edge" (שָׂפָה, saphah) points to the very border or extremity of the curtain, emphasizing that the loops are placed at the outermost part for joining.
  • "Coupling" (מַחְבֶּרֶת, makhberet) means a joining or connection, clarifying that the curtains are not just placed side by side but are meant to be securely fastened as a single unit.

Why Exodus 26:10 matters

  • This verse shows the level of precision and care required in building the tabernacle, reflecting its importance as a holy place.
  • The joining of the curtains with loops and couplings underlines the theme of unity and completeness in the tabernacle’s design.
  • Understanding these construction details helps make sense of the larger passage, where every part of the tabernacle is described with similar thoroughness, showing that every element had a purpose.

Where else these words appear

“coupling” Hebrew H2279 · used in 3 verses

  • Exodus 26:4 And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling; and likewise shalt thou make in the uttermost edge of another curtain, in the coupling of the second.
  • Exodus 36:17 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.

“outmost” Hebrew H7020 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 26:4 And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling; and likewise shalt thou make in the uttermost edge of another curtain, in the coupling of the second.
  • Exodus 36:11 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 36:17 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.

“loops” Hebrew H3924 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 26:4 And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling; and likewise shalt thou make in the uttermost edge of another curtain, in the coupling of the second.
  • Exodus 26:11 And thou shalt make fifty taches of brass, and put the taches into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one.
  • Exodus 36:12 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.

“curtain” Hebrew H3407 · used in 32 verses

  • Exodus 26:1 Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.
  • Exodus 26:13 And a cubit on the one side, and a cubit on the other side of that which remaineth in the length of the curtains of the tent, it shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it.
  • Exodus 36:17 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.