King James Version

What Does Exodus 26:2 Mean?

Exodus 26:2 in the King James Version says “The length of one curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The length of one curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of the curtains shall have one measure.”

Exodus 26:2 · KJV

Context

1

Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet : with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them. of cunning: Heb. the work of a cunning workman, or, embroiderer

2

The length of one curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of the curtains shall have one measure.

3

The five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and other five curtains shall be coupled one to another.

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.

Read Exodus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Precise measurements: each curtain 28 cubits × 4 cubits. Nothing in God's dwelling is haphazard. These dimensions (approximately 42' × 6') ensured perfect fit when joined together. The uniformity teaches that all elements of worship must harmonize according to divine design. Just as these curtains formed one unified covering, the church—Christ's dwelling—comprises diverse members unified in Him (Ephesians 2:21-22).

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Historical & Cultural Context

A cubit was approximately 18 inches (length from elbow to fingertip). The specific dimensions enabled the ten curtains to be coupled into two sets of five, creating the tabernacle's roof structure with precise coverage.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the precision of these measurements teach about God's attention to detail?
  2. How do diverse believers unify to form Christ's 'dwelling place'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
אֹ֣רֶךְ׀1 of 15

“The length”

H753

length

הַיְרִיעֹֽת׃2 of 15

“and every one of the curtains”

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

אַחַ֖ת3 of 15

“of one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

שְׁמֹנֶ֤ה4 of 15

“shall be eight”

H8083

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

וְעֶשְׂרִים֙5 of 15

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה6 of 15

“cubits”

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)

וְרֹ֙חַב֙7 of 15

“and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

אַרְבַּ֣ע8 of 15

“four”

H702

four

בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה9 of 15

“cubits”

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)

הַיְרִיעֹֽת׃10 of 15

“and every one of the curtains”

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

אַחַ֖ת11 of 15

“of one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מִדָּ֥ה12 of 15

“measure”

H4060

properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)

אַחַ֖ת13 of 15

“of one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לְכָל14 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיְרִיעֹֽת׃15 of 15

“and every one of the curtains”

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

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 26:2 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 26:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 4:252 Samuel 7:21 Chronicles 17:1Exodus 26:7-8

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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