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.

EXODUS 36:12KJV
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Exodus 36:12 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:12 mean?

Exodus 36:12 describes how the craftsmen made fifty loops on the edge of one curtain and fifty loops on the edge of the second curtain, so that the loops could be used to join the two curtains together. This verse details part of the instructions for assembling the tabernacle’s coverings.

In this section, skilled workers are building the tabernacle under Moses’ leadership, following precise instructions given earlier by God. The verse focuses on the practical method for connecting large fabric panels—called curtains—by making loops that would later hold them together, ensuring the coverings formed one continuous piece.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:12

  • "Loops" (לֻלָאָה, lulā’āh): This word refers to small rings or loops made in the fabric. Their purpose was to allow the curtains to be fastened securely, showing the attention to detail in the tabernacle’s construction.
  • "Coupling" (מַקְבִּיל, maqbīl): This word means a joining or connection. It highlights that the curtains were not just placed side by side but were intentionally joined to function as a single unit.
  • "Held" (קָבַל, qābal): This verb means to receive or join together. In this context, it emphasizes that the loops actively connected the curtains, not just passively existing.

Why Exodus 36:12 matters

  • This verse shows the care and precision involved in building the tabernacle, reflecting the importance of following detailed instructions for sacred spaces.
  • The method of joining the curtains ensured the tabernacle covering was strong and unified, which was essential for both practical use and symbolic meaning.
  • Understanding these details helps readers appreciate the craftsmanship and obedience of those constructing the tabernacle, connecting this verse to the broader theme of faithful service in Exodus.

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 26:10 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 36:11 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.

“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.

“held” Hebrew H6901 · used in 12 verses

  • Exodus 26:5 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.
  • 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 26:12 And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle.
  • 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.