King James Version

What Does Exodus 26:5 Mean?

Exodus 26:5 in the King James Version says “Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain, and fifty loops shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that is in th...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 26:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

And thou shalt make curtains of goats' hair to be a covering upon the tabernacle: eleven curtains shalt thou make.

Read Exodus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Fifty loops on each set—one hundred total—with loops exactly corresponding 'one to another.' Perfect alignment enables perfect joining. This illustrates that God-designed unity isn't forced conformity but divinely ordered harmony. Each loop has its precise counterpart; each believer has ordained relationships. The loops don't create union independently but prepare for the clasps (next verse) that accomplish joining—God's Spirit creates the unity we maintain (Ephesians 4:3).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The corresponding loops required careful measurement and skilled craftsmanship to ensure proper alignment. Any misalignment would prevent the clasps from joining the two sections, compromising the tabernacle's structural integrity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does divinely ordered unity differ from forced conformity?
  2. What 'corresponding' relationships has God ordained in your spiritual life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֣ים1 of 18

“Fifty”

H2572

fifty

הַלֻּ֣לָאֹ֔ת2 of 18

“loops”

H3924

a loop

תַּֽעֲשֶׂה֙3 of 18

“shalt thou make”

H6213

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

הַיְרִיעָ֔ה4 of 18

“curtain”

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

הָֽאֶחָת֒5 of 18

“in the one”

H259

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

וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֣ים6 of 18

“Fifty”

H2572

fifty

הַלֻּ֣לָאֹ֔ת7 of 18

“loops”

H3924

a loop

תַּֽעֲשֶׂה֙8 of 18

“shalt thou make”

H6213

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

בִּקְצֵ֣ה9 of 18

“in the edge”

H7097

an extremity

הַיְרִיעָ֔ה10 of 18

“curtain”

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

אֲשֶׁ֖ר11 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בַּמַּחְבֶּ֣רֶת12 of 18

“that is in the coupling”

H4225

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

הַשֵּׁנִ֑ית13 of 18

“of the second”

H8145

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

מַקְבִּילֹת֙14 of 18

“may take hold”

H6901

to admit, i.e., take (literally or figuratively)

הַלֻּ֣לָאֹ֔ת15 of 18

“loops”

H3924

a loop

אִשָּׁ֖ה16 of 18

“one”

H802

a woman

אֶל17 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲחֹתָֽהּ׃18 of 18

“of another”

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

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 26:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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