King James Version
What Does Exodus 26:9 Mean?
“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
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryFive 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.
KJV Study — Public Domain
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
- Why must there be a God-provided 'entrance' rather than human-chosen access points?
- How does Christ as 'the door' combine accessibility (anyone may enter) with exclusivity (only through Him)?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 17 wordsוְחִבַּרְתָּ֞1 of 17
“And thou shalt couple”
H2266to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate
אֶת2 of 17
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְבָ֔ד5 of 17
H905properly, 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
H853properly, 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”
H8337six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
לְבָ֑ד9 of 17
H905properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
אֶת11 of 17
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מ֖וּל15 of 17
“in the forefront”
H4136properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite
פְּנֵ֥י16 of 17
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
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.