King James Version

What Does Exodus 26:4 Mean?

Exodus 26:4 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling; and likewise shalt...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 26:4 · KJV

Context

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.

5

Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain, and fifty loops shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that is in the coupling of the second; that the loops may take hold one of another.

6

And thou shalt make fifty taches of gold, and couple the curtains together with the taches: and it shall be one tabernacle.

Read Exodus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Fifty loops of blue on one curtain's edge—blue representing the heavenly. These loops enabled the two sets to join, creating one complete covering. The loops teach that what appears separate finds unity through heavenly means. Blue (sky/heaven) reminds us that true unity comes from above, not human effort. In Christ, divisions are overcome—'neither Jew nor Greek' (Galatians 3:28)—through heavenly reality, not earthly compromise.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The loops (לוּלָאָה, lula'ah) were carefully sewn along the curtain edges, evenly spaced to align with corresponding loops on the other set. This precise placement ensured the two sections would join seamlessly.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does true spiritual unity come 'from above' rather than human engineering?
  2. What 'loops' (connection points) in your life enable unity with other believers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
תַּֽעֲשֶׂה֙1 of 16

“And thou shalt make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לֻֽלְאֹ֣ת2 of 16

“loops”

H3924

a loop

תְּכֵ֗לֶת3 of 16

“of blue”

H8504

the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith

עַ֣ל4 of 16
H5921

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

בִּשְׂפַ֣ת5 of 16

“edge”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

הַיְרִיעָ֔ה6 of 16

“curtain”

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

הָֽאֶחָ֔ת7 of 16

“of the one”

H259

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

מִקָּצָ֖ה8 of 16

“from the selvedge”

H7098

a termination

בַּֽחֹבָ֑רֶת9 of 16

“in the coupling”

H2279

a joint

וְכֵ֤ן10 of 16
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

תַּֽעֲשֶׂה֙11 of 16

“And thou shalt make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בִּשְׂפַ֣ת12 of 16

“edge”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

הַיְרִיעָ֔ה13 of 16

“curtain”

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

הַקִּ֣יצוֹנָ֔ה14 of 16

“in the uttermost”

H7020

terminal

בַּמַּחְבֶּ֖רֶת15 of 16

“in the coupling”

H4225

a junction, i.e., seam or sewed piece

הַשֵּׁנִֽית׃16 of 16

“of the second”

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

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 26:4 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 26:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 36:11-12Exodus 36:17Exodus 26:10-11Exodus 26:5

Test Your Knowledge

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

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