Exodus 36:10 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:10 mean?

Exodus 36:10 describes how the craftsmen joined together two sets of five curtains each, making two large sections for the tabernacle. The verse emphasizes that the curtains were connected to form larger coverings, which would later be joined to cover the tabernacle structure.

In this part of Exodus, skilled workers are building the tabernacle as instructed by God through Moses. The verse focuses on the practical work of assembling the curtains, which were made from fine materials and were a key part of the tabernacle’s outer covering. The careful joining of the curtains shows the attention to detail and the importance of following specific instructions for the tabernacle’s construction.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:10

• The word "coupled" (חָבַר, chavar) means to join or bind together. Here, it highlights the act of physically connecting the curtains so they function as a single, larger piece.
• The word "curtains" (יְרִיעָה, yeriah) refers to large pieces of fabric used as coverings. In the tabernacle, these curtains formed the main layers over the structure.
• The word "one" (אֶחָד, echad) is repeated, meaning "one" or "another," and points to the idea of pairing or matching the curtains precisely.

Why Exodus 36:10 matters

• This verse clarifies that the tabernacle’s coverings were not just individual pieces but were carefully joined to create larger, unified sections, which was essential for the structure’s stability and function.
• The attention to detail in joining the curtains reflects the broader theme in Exodus of following God’s instructions exactly, showing the importance of obedience and craftsmanship.
• Understanding how the curtains were joined helps make sense of later verses describing how the entire tabernacle was assembled and covered, connecting this detail to the bigger picture of the tabernacle’s construction.