And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle.

EXODUS 26:12KJV
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Exodus 26:12 (KJV)

What does Exodus 26:12 mean?

Exodus 26:12 explains that the leftover piece of curtain from the tent—specifically, the half curtain that remains after the main coverings are in place—should hang down over the back side of the tabernacle. This instruction is part of the detailed directions for constructing the tabernacle’s coverings.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving him precise instructions for assembling the tabernacle in the wilderness. The focus is on how to use every part of the curtains, ensuring that even the extra or remaining portion serves a purpose by covering the rear of the sacred structure. This detail highlights the careful planning and completeness expected in building the tabernacle.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 26:12

  • "Remnant" (יֶתֶר, yeter): This word refers to what is left over or remaining. Here, it emphasizes that nothing from the materials is wasted; even the leftover curtain has a specific use.
  • "Backside" (אָחוֹר, ’achor): This term means the rear or back part. The instruction is clear that the extra curtain is meant to cover the back of the tabernacle, not the sides or front, showing attention to every part of the structure.

Why Exodus 26:12 matters

  • Exodus 26:12 shows that every detail in the tabernacle’s construction had a purpose, even the leftover materials, reflecting a sense of order and completeness.
  • This verse helps clarify that the tabernacle was to be fully covered, including the back, which might otherwise be overlooked as less important.
  • The instruction connects to the larger passage by showing how God’s directions for worship spaces were thorough and intentional, not leaving anything to chance or neglect.

Where else these words appear

“hang” Hebrew H5628 · used in 7 verses

  • 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.
  • Ezekiel 17:6 And it grew, and became a spreading vine of low stature, whose branches turned toward him, and the roots thereof were under him: so it became a vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs.
  • Amos 6:4 That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;

“remaineth” Hebrew H5736 · used in 8 verses

  • Exodus 16:18 And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.
  • 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.
  • Numbers 3:46 And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites;

“curtains” 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.

“backside” Hebrew H268 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 49:17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.
  • Psalms 44:18 Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;
  • Isaiah 42:17 They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.