King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And he coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.
Complete Jewish Bible:
He joined five sheets together and six sheets together.
Berean Standard Bible:
He joined five of the curtains into one set and the other six into another.
American Standard Version:
And he coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And he coupled{H2266} five{H2568} curtains{H3407} by themselves, and six{H8337} curtains{H3407} by themselves.
Cross-References (KJV):
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Exodus 36:16
1. **Themes:**
- **Divine Instruction and Diligence:** The verse reflects the precise following of divine instructions given by God to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle. It emphasizes the importance of diligence and accuracy in performing religious duties.
- **Preparation for Worship:** The careful construction of the curtains was part of the preparation for creating a sacred space where God could dwell among the Israelites, highlighting the theme of readiness for worship and communion with the divine.
- **Community Contribution:** The Tabernacle was a communal project, and the verse implies the collective effort of the Israelites in contributing materials and skills, showcasing themes of unity and cooperation.
2. **Historical Context:**
- **Exodus from Egypt:** Exodus 36:16 is set within the broader context of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. After being freed from slavery, they received detailed instructions from God on how to build the Tabernacle, which would serve as a portable sanctuary during their wandering in the wilderness.
- **Tabernacle Construction:** The verse specifically pertains to the construction of the Tabernacle's outer curtains, which were made of fine twisted linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarns. These curtains were part of the structure that enclosed the sacred space where the Ark of the Covenant and other holy items would be kept.
- **Bezalel and Oholiab:** The work was overseen by skilled craftsmen, Bezalel and Oholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God to carry out the intricate tasks required for the Tabernacle's construction.
- **Covenant Relationship:** The Tabernacle was a tangible symbol of God's covenant relationship with Israel. Its construction according to divine specifications underscored the importance of obedience and the desire for God's presence in the life of the nation.
In summary, Exodus 36:16 reflects the meticulous adherence to God's blueprint for the Tabernacle, emphasizing the themes of obedience, unity, and preparation for worship within the historical context of the Israelites establishing a religious and cultural center after their liberation from Egypt.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- 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. - 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). - 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. - Strong's Number: H8337
There are 203 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֵׁשׁ
Transliteration: shêsh
Pronunciation: shaysh
Description: masculine שִׁשָּׁה; a primitive number; compare שׂוּשׂ; six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ord. sixth; six(-teen, -teenth), sixth.