And thou shalt make curtains of goats' hair to be a covering upon the tabernacle: eleven curtains shalt thou make.

EXODUS 26:7KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 26:7 (KJV)

What does Exodus 26:7 mean?

Exodus 26:7 gives instructions for making eleven curtains out of goats' hair to serve as a covering for the tabernacle. This verse is part of the detailed directions God gives Moses for constructing the portable sanctuary where the Israelites will worship during their journey in the wilderness.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, telling him exactly how to make part of the tabernacle’s outer covering. The use of goats' hair and the specific number of curtains (eleven) show the careful planning and craftsmanship expected for the tabernacle. These instructions emphasize both the practical need for protection and the importance of following God’s design precisely.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 26:7

  • "Curtains" (יְרִיעָה, yeri‘ah): This word refers to large fabric panels, not just small drapes, highlighting the scale of the construction.
  • "Goats'" (עֵז, ‘ez): The use of goats' hair points to a common, durable material in the ancient Near East, valued for its weather resistance.
  • "Covering" (אֹהֶל, ohel): This word can mean "tent" or "dwelling," showing that the tabernacle is meant to be a shelter as well as a sacred space.
  • "Tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan): This term means "dwelling place," underscoring that the structure is where God’s presence will reside among the people.

Why Exodus 26:7 matters

  • Exodus 26:7 clarifies that the tabernacle was made from everyday materials available to the Israelites, not just rare or luxurious items, making it both practical and symbolic.
  • The verse shows the importance of detailed obedience in the Israelites’ relationship with God, as every measurement and material is specified.
  • This instruction connects to the broader passage, where each layer of the tabernacle’s coverings has a purpose, combining beauty, function, and meaning in the worship life of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“eleven” Hebrew H6249 · used in 18 verses

  • Exodus 26:8 The length of one curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and the eleven curtains shall be all of one measure.
  • Deuteronomy 1:3 And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them;
  • Jeremiah 1:3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.

“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.

“goats'” Hebrew H5795 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 15:9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
  • Leviticus 16:5 And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering.
  • Numbers 29:5 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you:

“tabernacle” Hebrew H4908 · used in 129 verses

  • Exodus 25:9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
  • Exodus 40:18 And Moses reared up the tabernacle, and fastened his sockets, and set up the boards thereof, and put in the bars thereof, and reared up his pillars.
  • Numbers 16:9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?