King James Version

What Does Exodus 26:9 Mean?

Exodus 26:9 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shalt double the sixth curtain in...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shalt double the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tabernacle.”

Exodus 26:9 · KJV

Context

7

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

8

The length of one curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and the eleven curtains shall be all of one measure.

9

And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shalt double the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tabernacle.

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

Read Exodus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Five goats' hair curtains coupled together and six curtains coupled separately, with the sixth curtain doubled at the tent's front. This creates a flap or 'portico' that could be raised for entry. The asymmetrical arrangement (5 + 6 instead of matching 5 + 5) shows functional design—there must be an entrance. Christ declares, 'I am the door' (John 10:9)—access to God requires His provision, not human ingenuity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The doubled sixth curtain at the tent's entrance created a flexible doorway, allowing priests to enter while maintaining the structure's integrity. This design combined accessibility with protection, keeping out wind and sand while permitting authorized entry.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why must there be a God-provided 'entrance' rather than human-chosen access points?
  2. How does Christ as 'the door' combine accessibility (anyone may enter) with exclusivity (only through Him)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְחִבַּרְתָּ֞1 of 17

“And thou shalt couple”

H2266

to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate

אֶת2 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חֲמֵ֤שׁ3 of 17

“five”

H2568

five

הַיְרִיעָ֣ה4 of 17

“curtain”

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

לְבָ֔ד5 of 17
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

וְאֶת6 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שֵׁ֥שׁ7 of 17

“by themselves and six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

הַיְרִיעָ֣ה8 of 17

“curtain”

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

לְבָ֑ד9 of 17
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

וְכָֽפַלְתָּ֙10 of 17

“by themselves and shalt double”

H3717

to fold together; figuratively, to repeat

אֶת11 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַיְרִיעָ֣ה12 of 17

“curtain”

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

הַשִּׁשִּׁ֔ית13 of 17

“the sixth”

H8345

sixth, ordinal or (feminine) fractional

אֶל14 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מ֖וּל15 of 17

“in the forefront”

H4136

properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite

פְּנֵ֥י16 of 17
H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הָאֹֽהֶל׃17 of 17

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

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 26:9 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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