Exodus 26:3

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

The five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and [other] five curtains [shall be] coupled one to another.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Five sheets are to be joined one to another, and the other five sheets are to be joined one to another.

Berean Standard Bible:

Five of the curtains are to be joined together, and the other five joined as well.

American Standard Version:

Five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and the other five curtains shall be coupled one to another.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

The five{H2568} curtains{H3407} shall be coupled together{H2266} one{H802} to another{H269}; and other five{H2568} curtains{H3407} shall be coupled{H2266} one{H802} to another{H269}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Colossians 2:2

  • That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

Exodus 26:9

  • 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.

Ephesians 4:16

  • From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Exodus 36:10

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

1 Corinthians 12:12

  • ¶ For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:27

  • ¶ Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

1 Corinthians 12:4

  • Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:


Commentary for Exodus 26:3

1. **Themes:**
- **Unity and Community:** The instruction for the curtains to be coupled together symbolizes the importance of unity among the Israelites as they journey through the wilderness.
- **Divine Instruction:** The detailed specifications for the tabernacle, including the curtains, emphasize the theme of obedience to God's commands.
- **Holiness and Separation:** The creation of a sacred space dedicated to God's presence, with the curtains as part of the structure, underscores the theme of holiness and the separation of the sacred from the profane.

2. **Historical Context:**
- **The Exodus Era:** This verse is set during the time when the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness after their Exodus from Egypt.
- **Construction of the Tabernacle:** God commands Moses to build a tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, where God's presence would dwell among the people. Exodus 26 provides specific instructions for constructing the tabernacle, including the use of curtains made of fine linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarns.
- **Cultic Practice:** The tabernacle was central to the religious life of the Israelites, serving as the place for sacrifices and other forms of worship. The detailed construction was to ensure that the tabernacle was made according to the divine pattern revealed to Moses.
- **Symbolism of Materials:** The materials used for the curtains, including the precious metals and dyed yarns, were likely indicative of royalty and divinity, reflecting the glory of God's dwelling place.

In summary, Exodus 26:3 reflects the themes of unity, obedience to divine command, and the creation of a sacred space. It is set within the historical context of the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, with the tabernacle as the focal point of their worship and religious life.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H2568
    There are 273 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: חָמֵשׁ
    Transliteration: châmêsh
    Pronunciation: khaw-maysh'
    Description: masculine חֲמִשָּׁה; a primitive numeral; five; fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece).
  2. Strong's Number: H3407
    There are 32 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יְרִיעָה
    Transliteration: yᵉrîyʻâh
    Pronunciation: yer-ee-aw'
    Description: from יָרַע; a hanging (as tremulous); curtain.
  3. Strong's Number: H2266
    There are 25 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: חָבַר
    Transliteration: châbar
    Pronunciation: khaw-bar'
    Description: a primitive root; to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate; charm(-er), be compact, couple (together), have fellowship with, heap up, join (self, together), league.
  4. Strong's Number: H802
    There are 729 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אִשָּׁה
    Transliteration: ʼishshâh
    Pronunciation: ish-shaw'
    Description: feminine of אִישׁ or אֱנוֹשׁ; irregular plural, נָשִׁים;(used in the same wide sense as אֱנוֹשׁ); a woman; (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English.
  5. Strong's Number: H269
    There are 301 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אָחוֹת
    Transliteration: ʼâchôwth
    Pronunciation: aw-khoth'
    Description: irregular feminine of אָח; a sister (used very widely (like brother), literally and figuratively); (an-) other, sister, together.