And he coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.

EXODUS 36:16KJV
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Exodus 36:16 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:16 mean?

Exodus 36:16 describes how the workers making the tabernacle joined together two separate groups of curtains—one group of five curtains and another group of six curtains—each set kept together by itself. This verse details the practical steps taken to assemble the coverings for the tabernacle, showing careful organization in the construction process.

In this part of Exodus, skilled workers under Moses’ direction are building the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary for Israel’s worship during their journey in the wilderness. The verse highlights the methodical way the curtains were grouped and connected, reflecting the precise instructions given earlier in Exodus. This careful division and joining of the curtains ensured the tabernacle was built exactly as specified.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:16

  • "coupled" (חָבַר, ḥāvar, H2266) means to join or bind together. The use of this word emphasizes that the curtains were not just placed side by side but were securely fastened into unified sections.
  • "curtains" (יְרִיעָה, yeri‘āh, H3407) refers to large fabric panels. These were the main coverings for the tabernacle, and the word points to their importance in forming the structure’s outer layer.
  • "five" (חָמֵשׁ, ḥāmesh, H2568) and "six" (שֵׁשׁ, shēsh, H8337) specify the exact groupings. The numbers show attention to detail and follow the pattern laid out in earlier chapters, which helps the reader see the builders’ faithfulness to the instructions.

Why Exodus 36:16 matters

  • This verse clears up that the tabernacle’s coverings were not made as one large piece, but as two distinct groups of curtains, which were then joined—this helps explain later assembly steps.
  • The careful grouping and joining of the curtains reflects the builders’ obedience to God’s detailed instructions, showing the importance of following directions exactly in sacred work.
  • Seeing the specific numbers and methods here connects back to earlier commands in Exodus, helping the reader trace how the instructions were carried out in practice.