King James Version

What Does Exodus 36:10 Mean?

Exodus 36:10 in the King James Version says “And he coupled the five curtains one unto another: and the other five curtains he coupled one unto another. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he coupled the five curtains one unto another: and the other five curtains he coupled one unto another.

Exodus 36:10 · KJV


Context

8

And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet : with cherubims of cunning work made he them.

9

The length of one curtain was twenty and eight cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: the curtains were all of one size.

10

And he coupled the five curtains one unto another: and the other five curtains he coupled one unto another.

11

And he made loops of blue on the edge of one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling: likewise he made in the uttermost side of another curtain, in the coupling of the second.

12

Fifty loops made he in one curtain, and fifty loops made he in the edge of the curtain which was in the coupling of the second: the loops held one curtain to another.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Five curtains coupled together (חֹבְרֹת, chovrot) form larger units, demonstrating how individual elements join to create the whole. The verb 'coupled' (חָבַר, chavar) means 'to unite, join, or associate'—the same root describing covenant partnership. This illustrates that God's dwelling requires both individual faithfulness (each curtain precisely made) and corporate unity (curtains joined together). The church similarly consists of individual believers perfectly formed in Christ, then joined together as living stones (1 Peter 2:5).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The coupling process created two large sections (five curtains each), which would then be joined together with gold clasps (v. 13), forming one cohesive tabernacle ceiling. This construction method allowed for assembly and disassembly during wilderness wanderings.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the coupling of individual curtains illustrate the relationship between personal faithfulness and corporate unity in God's house?
  2. What does the coupling process teach about how individual believers join together to form Christ's body?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
חִבַּ֔ר1 of 13

And he coupled

H2266

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

אֶת2 of 13
H853

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

וְחָמֵ֤שׁ3 of 13

and the other five

H2568

five

יְרִיעֹת֙4 of 13

curtains

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

אַחַ֖ת5 of 13

one

H259

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

אֶל6 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶחָ֑ת7 of 13
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וְחָמֵ֤שׁ8 of 13

and the other five

H2568

five

יְרִיעֹת֙9 of 13

curtains

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

חִבַּ֔ר10 of 13

And he coupled

H2266

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

אַחַ֖ת11 of 13

one

H259

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

אֶל12 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶחָֽת׃13 of 13
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)


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 36:10 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 36:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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