King James Version

What Does Exodus 36:11 Mean?

Exodus 36:11 in the King James Version says “And he made loops of blue on the edge of one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling: likewise he made in the uttermos...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 36:11 · KJV

Context

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.

13

And he made fifty taches of gold, and coupled the curtains one unto another with the taches: so it became one tabernacle.

Read Exodus 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Loops of blue (לֻלָאֹת תְּכֵלֶת, lula'ot tekhelet) on curtain edges enable joining through clasps—small details making unity possible. Blue, the color of heaven, symbolizes divine origin and authority. These heavenly-colored loops teach that true unity in God's house comes through divine means, not human strategies. The specific number (fifty loops) and precise placement (edge of the curtain) demonstrate that unity requires intentional design, not accidental convergence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The loops were made of twisted blue thread, matching the blue in the curtains themselves. They lined the edges where the two five-curtain sections would join, positioned to align with corresponding loops on the opposite section for coupling with clasps.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the use of blue (heavenly) loops for joining teach about the divine source of unity in God's house?
  2. How do the specific number and placement of loops illustrate that genuine unity requires intentional design and careful execution?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
עָשָׂה֙1 of 16

“And he made”

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

“on the 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 one”

H259

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

מִקָּצָ֖ה8 of 16

“from the selvedge”

H7098

a termination

בַּמַּחְבֶּ֖רֶת9 of 16

“in the coupling”

H4225

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

כֵּ֤ן10 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

עָשָׂה֙11 of 16

“And he made”

H6213

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

בִּשְׂפַ֣ת12 of 16

“on the 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 36:11 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 36:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 26:4

Test Your Knowledge

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