The length of one curtain was thirty cubits, and four cubits was the breadth of one curtain: the eleven curtains were of one size.

EXODUS 36:15KJV
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Exodus 36:15 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:15 mean?

Exodus 36:15 describes the measurements and uniformity of the curtains made for the tabernacle, stating that each of the eleven curtains was thirty cubits long and four cubits wide, and all were the same size. This verse emphasizes the careful and consistent construction of the tabernacle coverings as instructed.

In this passage, the book of Exodus is recounting how skilled workers, under Moses’ direction, followed God’s detailed instructions for building the tabernacle—a portable sanctuary for Israel’s worship during their journey. The verse highlights that every curtain was made to the same exact measurements, showing the importance of precision and order in the tabernacle’s construction.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:15

  • "Curtain" (יְרִיעָה, yeriah): This word refers specifically to the large fabric panels that formed the covering of the tabernacle. The use of this term makes clear that these are not small drapes but substantial pieces forming the structure’s outer layer.
  • "Cubit" (אַמָּה, ammah): A cubit was a standard unit of length in ancient Israel, roughly the length of a forearm (about 18 inches or 45 centimeters). Knowing this helps modern readers picture the actual size of the curtains.
  • "Size" (מִדָּה, middah): This word means measurement or dimension. Its use here stresses that all eleven curtains were made to the exact same specifications, underlining the importance of uniformity in the tabernacle’s design.

Why Exodus 36:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the tabernacle was not a haphazard or improvised structure; every part was made according to a specific pattern, reflecting order and intentionality.
  • The repeated measurements show the care and skill of the workers, and the seriousness with which they followed God’s instructions.
  • Understanding the size and uniformity of the curtains helps readers visualize the scale and craftsmanship involved in constructing the tabernacle, connecting this verse to the broader theme of obedience and reverence in worship.

Where else these words appear

“eleven” Hebrew H6249 · used in 18 verses

  • Exodus 26:7 And thou shalt make curtains of goats' hair to be a covering upon the tabernacle: eleven curtains shalt thou make.
  • 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.

“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.

“size” Hebrew H4060 · used in 53 verses

  • Exodus 26:2 The length of one curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of the curtains shall have one measure.
  • Nehemiah 3:21 After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib.
  • Ezekiel 40:28 And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate according to these measures;

“breadth” Hebrew H7341 · used in 89 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • 1 Kings 7:2 He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon; the length thereof was an hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits, upon four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams upon the pillars.
  • Ezekiel 41:3 Then went he inward, and measured the post of the door, two cubits; and the door, six cubits; and the breadth of the door, seven cubits.