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 26:13KJV
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Exodus 26:13 (KJV)

What does Exodus 26:13 mean?

Exodus 26:13 explains that the curtains covering the tent of meeting (the tabernacle) were made longer than the structure itself, so that an extra cubit (about 18 inches) of curtain would hang down on each side, covering the sides of the tabernacle. This ensured the sides of the tabernacle were fully covered and protected by the curtains.

In this verse, God is giving Moses specific instructions on how to construct the tabernacle in the wilderness. The focus here is on the precise measurements and arrangement of the curtains, showing the importance of following God's directions exactly. The extra length of curtain was not accidental but intentional, meant to provide complete coverage for the sacred space.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 26:13

  • כָּמָה (’ammah, "cubit"): This word refers to an ancient unit of measurement, roughly the length of a forearm, about 18 inches. The use of "cubit" here emphasizes the precision required in building the tabernacle.
  • יֶתֶר (yeter, "remaineth"): This word points to what is left over or extra after the main measurement, highlighting that the extra curtain length was purposeful, not waste.
  • יָרַד (yarad, "hang"): This verb means to "let down" or "hang over," showing that the extra curtain was meant to drape down the sides, not just rest on top.
  • מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan, "tabernacle"): This term refers to the dwelling place or sanctuary, underscoring the sacredness of the structure being covered.

Why Exodus 26:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that every detail of the tabernacle’s construction was intentional, with nothing left to chance or guesswork, reflecting the importance of obedience and care in sacred matters.
  • The mention of the extra curtain length helps readers visualize the tabernacle’s appearance and understand how its coverings provided both practical protection and symbolic separation.
  • By connecting to the wider passage, Exodus 26:13 shows how each instruction fits into the larger plan for creating a holy space where God would dwell among the Israelites.

Where else these words appear

“hang” Hebrew H5628 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 26:12 And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle.
  • 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 26:12 And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle.
  • 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;

“sides” Hebrew H6654 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 6:16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
  • Joshua 12:9 The king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which is beside Bethel, one;
  • 2 Samuel 13:34 But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.

“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 26:12 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 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.