Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain, and fifty loops shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that is in the coupling of the second; that the loops may take hold one of another.

EXODUS 26:5KJV
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Exodus 26:5 (KJV)

What does Exodus 26:5 mean?

Exodus 26:5 gives instructions for making fifty loops on the edge of each of two large curtains, so the loops can be joined together. This detail is part of the directions for assembling the tabernacle, ensuring the curtains fit securely and form a unified covering.

God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving specific directions for building the tabernacle, which was the portable sanctuary for Israel during their journey. The verse focuses on the practical details of construction, showing the importance of precision and order in the tabernacle’s design. The loops allowed the curtains to be fastened together, making the structure stable and unified as intended.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 26:5

  • "Loops" (לֻלָּאוֹת, lulla'ot): This word refers to small loops or rings made of fabric. Their purpose was to connect the curtains, showing attention to detail in how the tabernacle was to be assembled.
  • "Curtain" (יְרִיעָה, yeriah): This term means a large piece of fabric or panel. In this context, it refers to the main coverings of the tabernacle, emphasizing their size and importance in the structure.
  • "Coupling" (מַקְבִּיל, maqbil): This word means a joining or connecting point. It highlights that the curtains were not just laid side by side but were specifically designed to be joined at the edges, making the covering continuous and secure.
  • "Hold" (תָּפַשׂ, tafas): This verb means to grasp or take hold. It shows that the loops were not decorative but functional, meant to actually connect and secure the curtains together.

Why Exodus 26:5 matters

  • Exodus 26:5 shows that even small construction details were considered important in the tabernacle’s design, reflecting the care and orderliness expected in worship.
  • The verse helps clear up any confusion about how the large curtains were joined, showing that they were meant to form a single, unified covering rather than separate pieces.
  • This instruction connects to the larger passage by emphasizing that every part of the tabernacle, down to the way curtains were joined, was guided by specific instructions from God.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“coupling” Hebrew H4225 · 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 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.

“hold” Hebrew H6901 · used in 12 verses

  • 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.
  • 2 Chronicles 29:16 And the priests went into the inner part of the house of the LORD, to cleanse it, and brought out all the uncleanness that they found in the temple of the LORD into the court of the house of the LORD. And the Levites took it, to carry it out abroad into the brook Kidron.
  • Esther 9:23 And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them;

“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.