King James Version

What Does Exodus 36:17 Mean?

Exodus 36:17 in the King James Version says “And he made fifty loops upon the uttermost edge of the curtain in the coupling, and fifty loops made he upon the edge of...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he made fifty loops upon the uttermost edge of the curtain in the coupling, and fifty loops made he upon the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.”

Exodus 36:17 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And he coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.

17

And he made fifty loops upon the uttermost edge of the curtain in the coupling, and fifty loops made he upon the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.

18

And he made fifty taches of brass to couple the tent together, that it might be one.

19

And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers' skins above that.

Read Exodus 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Fifty loops on the goat-hair curtain edges mirror the fifty loops on inner curtains (v. 12), demonstrating that both visible and hidden components follow the same unifying principle. Whether gold clasps join beautiful linen or brass clasps join practical goat hair (v. 18), the pattern of unity through divine design remains consistent. This teaches that superficial differences (materials, visibility) don't alter fundamental spiritual principles (unity, order, divine pattern).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The repetition of fifty loops and coupling method for the outer covering parallels the inner curtain construction, creating a double-layered ceiling with both layers properly joined. This redundant structure ensured weather-tightness while allowing disassembly.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the repetition of the same coupling pattern for both inner and outer curtains teach about consistent spiritual principles across different contexts?
  2. How does the parallel structure (inner and outer) illustrate the relationship between visible spiritual realities and practical protective measures?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
עָשָׂה֙1 of 16

“And he made”

H6213

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

לֻֽלָאֹ֗ת2 of 16

“loops”

H3924

a loop

וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֣ים3 of 16

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

עַ֚ל4 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׂפַ֣ת5 of 16

“edge”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

הַיְרִיעָ֔ה6 of 16

“of the curtain”

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

הַקִּֽיצֹנָ֖ה7 of 16

“upon the uttermost”

H7020

terminal

בַּמַּחְבָּ֑רֶת8 of 16

“in the coupling”

H4225

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

וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֣ים9 of 16

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

לֻֽלָאֹ֗ת10 of 16

“loops”

H3924

a loop

עָשָׂה֙11 of 16

“And he made”

H6213

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

עַל12 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׂפַ֣ת13 of 16

“edge”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

הַיְרִיעָ֔ה14 of 16

“of the curtain”

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

הַֽחֹבֶ֖רֶת15 of 16

“which coupleth”

H2279

a joint

הַשֵּׁנִֽית׃16 of 16

“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 36:17 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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