King James Version
What Does Exodus 26:11 Mean?
“And thou shalt make fifty taches of brass, and put the taches into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one. tent: or, covering”
Exodus 26:11 · KJV
Context
9
And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shalt double the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tabernacle.
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.
11
And thou shalt make fifty taches of brass, and put the taches into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one. tent: or, covering
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.
13
And a cubit on the one side, and a cubit on the other side of that which remaineth in the length of the curtains of the tent, it shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it. of that: Heb. in the remainder, or, surplus
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryFifty bronze clasps join the goats' hair covering, contrasting with the gold clasps of the inner linen. Bronze typically represents judgment (bronze serpent, bronze altar), while gold represents deity. The outer covering, facing the world and weather, is joined by bronze (judgment borne); the inner covering, facing God, by gold (divine nature). Christ bore judgment outwardly (bronze) while maintaining divine nature inwardly (gold), making one dwelling place for God and man.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Bronze (נְחֹשֶׁת, nechosheth) was more practical and durable than gold for the outer tent subjected to weather. The fifty bronze taches hooked through the loops, firmly uniting the tent covering while being less valuable than the gold clasps inside.
Reflection Questions
- How did Christ bear judgment 'outwardly' while maintaining divine glory 'inwardly'?
- What does the contrast between gold (inner) and bronze (outer) clasps teach about approaching God?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 13 wordsוְעָשִׂ֛יתָ1 of 13
“And thou shalt make”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
נְחֹ֖שֶׁת3 of 13
“of brass”
H5178copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
אֶת6 of 13
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְחִבַּרְתָּ֥9 of 13
“and couple”
H2266to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate
אֶת10 of 13
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְהָיָ֥ה12 of 13
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אֶחָֽד׃13 of 13
“together that it may be one”
H259properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Exodus 26:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Exodus 26:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge