King James Version

What Does Exodus 26:13 Mean?

Exodus 26:13 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Exodus 26:13 · KJV

Context

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.

15

And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up.

Read Exodus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A cubit overhang on each side (the goats' hair curtains being 30 cubits to the linen's 28) ensures the precious inner covering is completely shielded. Every part of God's glory receives protection. Nothing is left exposed to elements. Similarly, Christ's redemption completely covers believers—no portion of our life is unprotected by His sacrifice. 'He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye' (Zechariah 2:8).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The one-cubit overhang on each side meant the goats' hair curtains extended 18 inches beyond the linen on both sides, preventing rain from reaching the inner curtains. This practical design demonstrates God's attention to complete protection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's redemption 'completely cover' every area of your life?
  2. What parts of your life need the assurance of complete protection under God's covering?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְהָֽאַמָּ֤ה1 of 16

“And a cubit”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

וּמִזֶּ֖ה2 of 16

“on the one side”

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְהָֽאַמָּ֤ה3 of 16

“And a cubit”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

וּמִזֶּ֖ה4 of 16

“on the one side”

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

בָּֽעֹדֵ֔ף5 of 16

“on the other side of that which remaineth”

H5736

to be (causatively have) redundant

בְּאֹ֖רֶךְ6 of 16

“in the length”

H753

length

יְרִיעֹ֣ת7 of 16

“of the curtains”

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

הָאֹ֑הֶל8 of 16

“of the tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

יִֽהְיֶ֨ה9 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

סָר֜וּחַ10 of 16

“it shall hang”

H5628

to extend (even to excess)

עַל11 of 16
H5921

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

צִדֵּ֧י12 of 16

“over the sides”

H6654

a side; figuratively, an adversary

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן13 of 16

“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

וּמִזֶּ֖ה14 of 16

“on the one side”

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וּמִזֶּ֖ה15 of 16

“on the one side”

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לְכַסֹּתֽוֹ׃16 of 16

“on this side and on that side to cover”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

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 26:13 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 26:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 26:2Exodus 26:8

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