King James Version

What Does Exodus 36:13 Mean?

Exodus 36:13 in the King James Version says “And he made fifty taches of gold, and coupled the curtains one unto another with the taches: so it became one tabernacle... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 36:13 · KJV


Context

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.

14

And he made curtains of goats' hair for the tent over the tabernacle: eleven curtains he made them.

15

The length of one curtain was thirty cubits, and four cubits was the breadth of one curtain: the eleven curtains were of one size.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Fifty clasps of gold (קַרְסֵי זָהָב, karsei zahav) join the curtain sections, making the tabernacle 'one' (אֶחָד, echad)—the same word used of God's unity (Deuteronomy 6:4, 'Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God is one LORD'). Gold represents divinity; only divine intervention creates genuine oneness. Jesus prayed that His disciples would be 'one' as He and the Father are one (John 17:21)—supernatural unity reflecting Trinitarian unity, accomplished through Christ's divine work, not human effort.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The fifty gold clasps were likely small hooks or toggles that fastened through the loops, pulling the two curtain sections together into one cohesive ceiling. Gold, the most precious metal, demonstrates the value God places on unity in His dwelling.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the significance of using gold (divine) clasps to make the tabernacle 'one'?
  2. How does the tabernacle's oneness through divine means prefigure Jesus' prayer for believers' supernatural unity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיַּ֕עַשׂ1 of 14

And he made

H6213

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

חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים2 of 14

fifty

H2572

fifty

בַּקְּרָסִ֔ים3 of 14

taches

H7165

a knob or belaying-pin (from its swelling form)

זָהָ֑ב4 of 14

of gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וַיְחַבֵּ֨ר5 of 14

and coupled

H2266

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

אֶת6 of 14
H853

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

הַיְרִיעֹ֜ת7 of 14

the curtains

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

אֶחָֽד׃8 of 14

one

H259

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

אֶל9 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶחָֽד׃10 of 14

one

H259

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

בַּקְּרָסִ֔ים11 of 14

taches

H7165

a knob or belaying-pin (from its swelling form)

וַיְהִ֥י12 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן13 of 14

tabernacle

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

אֶחָֽד׃14 of 14

one

H259

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


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 36:13 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 36:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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