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 36:11KJV
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Exodus 36:11 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:11 mean?

Exodus 36:11 describes how loops made of blue material were attached to the edge of one curtain and to the edge of another curtain, so the two could be joined together. This is part of the instructions for assembling the tabernacle, focusing on how the curtains were connected.

In this verse, the workmen are following detailed directions for making the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary for Israel during their journey in the wilderness. The verse highlights the care and precision used in crafting the curtains, showing that even small details like the placement and color of loops mattered in the construction of this sacred space.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:11

  • "loops" (לֻלָאָה, lulā’āh): This word refers to small rings or loops, which in this context are fabric loops used to join the curtains. Their careful placement ensured the curtains could be securely fastened together.
  • "blue" (תְּכֵלֶת, tekhelet): This is a specific blue dye, often associated with sacred or special use in the tabernacle. The use of blue here signals the importance and set-apart nature of the tabernacle’s materials.
  • "selvedge" (קָצֶה, qāṣeh): This word means the edge or border of the curtain. It shows that the loops were placed at the very edge, which was necessary for joining the curtains without gaps.
  • "coupling" (חִבּוּר, ḥibbūr): This word means a joining or connection point. It emphasizes that the curtains were designed to be linked together, forming a continuous barrier or covering.

Why Exodus 36:11 matters

  • This verse clears up that the tabernacle was not a random collection of fabrics, but a carefully engineered structure where every piece had a specific place and function.
  • The emphasis on blue loops and precise placement shows that beauty and order were important in worship, not just function.
  • Understanding how the curtains were joined helps make sense of later verses that describe the tabernacle as a unified, portable sanctuary, reflecting both unity and holiness in Israel’s worship.

Where else these words appear

“uttermost” Hebrew H7020 · used in 4 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 26:10 And thou shalt make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outmost in the coupling, and fifty loops in the edge of the curtain which coupleth 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.

“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 26:10 And thou shalt make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outmost in the coupling, and fifty loops in the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.
  • 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 28:27 And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart thereof, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.
  • 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.

“selvedge” Hebrew H7098 · used in 30 verses

  • Exodus 25:18 And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
  • Exodus 37:7 And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat;
  • 1 Kings 13:33 After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became one of the priests of the high places.