King James Version

What Does Exodus 26:12 Mean?

Exodus 26:12 in the King James Version says “And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backsid...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 26:12 · KJV

Context

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

14

And thou shalt make a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering above of badgers' skins.

Read Exodus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The remnant or extra half-curtain hangs over the tabernacle's back. God's provision includes margin—not merely adequate but abundant. The overlap ensures complete coverage with no gaps. This abundance prefigures Christ's excessive provision—grace 'exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think' (Ephesians 3:20). God doesn't provide bare minimum but generous overflow.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The eleventh curtain (half of which formed the doubled front, half extending behind) created additional coverage at the rear, protecting the most holy place. This ensured the tabernacle had no vulnerable points where weather could penetrate.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where have you experienced God's provision that 'exceeds' what was needed?
  2. How does Christ's grace overflow beyond 'adequate' coverage of your sin?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְסֶ֙רַח֙1 of 11

“And the remnant”

H5629

a redundancy

הָֽעֹדֶ֔פֶת2 of 11

“that remaineth”

H5736

to be (causatively have) redundant

הַיְרִיעָה֙3 of 11

“curtain”

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

הָאֹ֑הֶל4 of 11

“of the tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

חֲצִ֤י5 of 11

“the half”

H2677

the half or middle

הַיְרִיעָה֙6 of 11

“curtain”

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

הָֽעֹדֶ֔פֶת7 of 11

“that remaineth”

H5736

to be (causatively have) redundant

תִּסְרַ֕ח8 of 11

“shall hang”

H5628

to extend (even to excess)

עַ֖ל9 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֲחֹרֵ֥י10 of 11

“over the backside”

H268

the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west

הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃11 of 11

“of the tabernacle”

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

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 26:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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