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.

EXODUS 36:17KJV
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Exodus 36:17 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:17 mean?

Exodus 36:17 describes how fifty loops were made on the outer edge of one curtain and fifty loops on the edge of another curtain, so the two could be joined together. This verse details a specific step in assembling the tabernacle’s curtains, ensuring they could be securely connected.

In this part of Exodus, skilled workers under Moses’ direction are constructing the tabernacle, a portable sanctuary for Israel’s worship during their journey in the wilderness. The verse highlights the careful craftsmanship and precise instructions given for joining the large fabric panels, showing the importance of both order and unity in the tabernacle’s design.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:17

  • "loops" (לֻלָאָה, lulā’āh): This word refers to small rings or loops made of fabric or cord. Their purpose here is practical—they allow the curtains to be joined without gaps, keeping the tabernacle enclosed.
  • "coupling" (מַסְּכֵּן, mas’kēn): This word is used for the place or method of joining. It emphasizes that the curtains were not just placed side by side but were actually fastened together at specific points.
  • "coupleth" (חָבַר, chāvar): This verb means to join or connect. It shows that the curtains were meant to function as a single, unified covering once joined.

Why Exodus 36:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the tabernacle’s curtains were not a single piece but multiple panels carefully joined, which helps readers picture the construction more accurately.
  • The attention to detail in the instructions underscores the importance of following God’s directions exactly, which is a recurring theme in Exodus.
  • By describing the joining process, Exodus 36:17 highlights the value of unity and cooperation among those building the tabernacle, reflecting the broader unity needed among the people of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“coupleth” Hebrew H2279 · used in 3 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.

“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 36:11 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.

“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 36:12 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.