And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shalt double the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tabernacle.

EXODUS 26:9KJV
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Exodus 26:9 (KJV)

What does Exodus 26:9 mean?

Exodus 26:9 describes how the curtains of the tabernacle should be joined together: five curtains are to be joined as one group, and six as another group, with the sixth curtain doubled over at the front of the tabernacle. This instruction gives specific directions for assembling the coverings of the tabernacle’s main structure.

God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving detailed instructions for building the tabernacle, which was a portable sanctuary for the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. The verse focuses on the arrangement and joining of the fabric panels, showing the care and precision expected in creating a sacred space.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 26:9

  • The word for "couple" (זָוַג, zāwag, H2266) means to join or fasten together, emphasizing that the curtains were not just laid side by side but securely attached.
  • "Curtains" (יְרִיעָה, yerīʿāh, H3407) refers to large fabric panels, highlighting that these were substantial coverings, not small pieces.
  • "Double" (כָּפַל, kāphal, H3717) means to fold or lay over, clarifying that the sixth curtain was to be folded at the front, possibly for added protection or decoration.
  • "Forefront" (אֶל־פְּנֵי, el-pənê, H4136, H6440) means the front or face, indicating that the doubled curtain was specifically placed at the entrance or front side of the tabernacle.

Why Exodus 26:9 matters

  • This verse clears up how the tabernacle’s coverings were arranged, showing that the structure was carefully planned, not haphazardly thrown together.
  • The detail about doubling the sixth curtain at the front suggests extra attention to the entrance, possibly for added privacy, protection, or visual emphasis.
  • Understanding these instructions helps readers see the broader pattern of order and reverence in the tabernacle’s design, which is a recurring theme in the surrounding chapters.

Where else these words appear

“double” Hebrew H3717 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 28:16 Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.
  • Exodus 39:9 It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being doubled.
  • Ezekiel 21:14 Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite thine hands together, and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain: it is the sword of the great men that are slain, which entereth into their privy chambers.

“couple” Hebrew H2266 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 14:3 All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.
  • Exodus 36:18 And he made fifty taches of brass to couple the tent together, that it might be one.
  • Psalms 94:20 Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?

“sixth” Hebrew H8345 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
  • Joshua 19:32 The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:5 Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth: for God blessed 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 26:13 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.