What number verse is Exodus 26:12 in the Bible?

Exodus 26:12 is the 2,248th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Exodus 26:12 sits at position 2,248.

26:1126:11 26:1326:13

Exodus 26:12

“The Outer Covering of Goats' Hair”· Exodus 26:7–14Read in context

King James Version

And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle.

Ask

KJV (with Strong's)

And the remnant ^H5629 that remaineth ^H5736 of the curtains ^H3407 of the tent ^H168, the half ^H2677 curtain ^H3407 that remaineth ^H5736, shall hang ^H5628 over the backside ^H268 of the tabernacle ^H4908.

Ask

Complete Jewish Bible

As for the overhanging part that remains of the sheets forming the tent, the half-sheet remaining is to hang over the back of the tabernacle;

Ask

Berean Standard Bible

As for the overlap that remains of the tent curtains, the half curtain that is left over shall hang down over the back of the tabernacle.

Ask

American Standard Version

And the overhanging part that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the back of the tabernacle.

Ask

World English Bible Messianic

The overhanging part that remains of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remains, shall hang over the back of the tabernacle.

Ask

Geneva Bible (1599)

And the remnant that resteth in ye curtaines of the couering, euen the halfe curtaine that resteth, shalbe left at the backeside of the Tabernacle,

Ask

Young's Literal Translation

`And the superfluity in the curtains of the tent--the half of the curtain which is superfluous--hath spread over the hinder part of the tabernacle;

Ask

Translation

See on the biblical-era map

The Kingdom of Egypt in the Time of Moses View full PDF

Map © Biblica Open Bible Maps · CC BY-SA 4.0

In the KJVVerse 2,248 of 31,102 · 7.2%

LawLawHistoryHistPoetryPoetProphetsProphNew TestamentNT

Study this verse

Summary

Exodus 26:12 meticulously details a crucial aspect of the Tabernacle's construction: the precise arrangement of the outermost goat-hair curtains. This verse specifies that the excess length, a "remnant" equivalent to half a curtain, was to be intentionally draped over the western, or "backside," end of the sacred tent. This instruction profoundly underscores God's demand for absolute precision, comprehensive completeness, and perfect coverage in the design of His dwelling place among His people, ensuring the sanctuary was fully enclosed and protected according to divine specifications.

Context

Literary Context

Exodus 26:12 is situated within a highly detailed block of divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai, specifically found in Exodus 25, Exodus 26, Exodus 27, Exodus 28, Exodus 29, Exodus 30, Exodus 31. This section meticulously outlines the blueprint for the Tabernacle, progressing from the most sacred inner elements, such as the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat (Exodus 25:10-22), outward to the structural components of the dwelling itself, its various coverings, and the surrounding courtyard. Chapter 26 focuses exclusively on the "dwelling" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan), detailing the dimensions and materials for its wooden framework, the exquisite inner linen curtains adorned with cherubim (Exodus 26:1-6), and then, critically, the layers of protective coverings. Verses 7-14 describe the four distinct layers of curtains, with verses 7-11 detailing the goat-hair curtains, and verse 12 specifically addressing how the surplus of these goat-hair curtains was to be utilized to ensure the complete enclosure of the Tabernacle's western end. This systematic progression highlights the divine order and the precise, step-by-step revelation of God's comprehensive plan for His sacred space.

Historical & Cultural Context

The construction of the Tabernacle took place during Israel's arduous wilderness journey, a period of nomadic existence following their miraculous liberation from Egyptian bondage. As a portable sanctuary, the Tabernacle served as the tangible, central point of worship and the enduring symbol of God's immediate presence among His people. In the broader ancient Near East, temples and sacred spaces were meticulously constructed, often designed to reflect cosmic order or to serve as the earthly dwelling place of deities. However, the Israelite Tabernacle was uniquely distinguished by its portability and its direct, minute divine design, emphasizing God's immanence—His desire to dwell intimately with a specific, covenant people—while simultaneously upholding His transcendence and holiness. The exhaustive instructions, including the precise utilization of the "remnant" in Exodus 26:12, underscore the profound sanctity of the structure and the absolute necessity for it to be set apart and perfectly covered from all sides, thereby protecting the holy space from external elements and common view. The western side, often the direction of the setting sun and thus symbolically associated with the end or back, required specific attention to ensure complete and inviolable enclosure.

Key Themes

Exodus 26:12, despite its seemingly minor detail, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Divine Precision and Order. God's instructions are not vague suggestions but exact specifications, demonstrating His character as a God who is orderly, intentional, and leaves nothing to chance, even down to the "remnant" of a curtain. This meticulousness underscores the Holiness of God and the sacredness of His dwelling place; every part of the Tabernacle had to be perfectly constructed to be fit for His presence. The complete covering, including the back, speaks to God's Comprehensive Provision and Protection, ensuring His people's access to Him was safeguarded and His glory was shielded. Furthermore, the Tabernacle itself is a profound theme, serving as the tangible manifestation of God's Immanence—His desire to dwell among His people (Exodus 25:8). Yet, its layered design and precise coverings also emphasize His Transcendence and the necessary separation between the holy and the common, preparing the way for understanding the ultimate access provided through Christ.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

Remnant çerach' H5629

This word signifies "a redundancy" or "what is left over." In the context of Exodus 26:12, it does not imply an accidental excess or a discarded portion, but rather a divinely calculated and intentional surplus. God's architectural blueprint specifically accounted for this "remnant" to serve a distinct and vital purpose: to provide complete and perfect coverage for the Tabernacle. This highlights divine foresight and the meticulousness of God's design, where nothing is wasted or accidental, and every detail contributes to the overall perfection.

Curtain yᵉrîyʻâh' H3407

This term refers to a "hanging (as tremulous)" or specifically, a "curtain." In this verse, it specifically denotes the second layer of Tabernacle coverings, which were made of goat hair. These goat-hair curtains were distinct from the innermost "curtains of the dwelling" (H4908, mishkan) made of fine linen, cherubim, and vibrant colors. The goat-hair curtains served as the primary protective and weather-resistant outer layer, shielding the more ornate inner dwelling from the elements and providing an additional barrier to the sacred space.

Backside ʼâchôwr' H268

This word denotes "the hinder part" or "behind." In the context of the Tabernacle, it specifically refers to the rear or western side of the structure. The Tabernacle was oriented with its entrance facing east, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern temples, often symbolizing the rising sun or the direction of divine revelation. Therefore, the "backside" would be the side directly opposite the entrance, requiring specific provision for full enclosure and protection, ensuring no part of the sacred space was exposed.

Verse Breakdown

"And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent"

This clause introduces the specific material in question—the goat-hair curtains, referred to as "curtains of the tent" (H168, ʼôhel)—and emphasizes that a calculated excess of this material exists. This "remnant" (H5629, çerach) is not an afterthought but an integral part of the divine design for the Tabernacle's complete covering, demonstrating God's intentionality.

"the half curtain that remaineth"

This further specifies the exact amount of the remnant: it is equivalent to the width of half of one of the goat-hair curtains (H2677, chêtsîy). This precise measurement underscores the exactitude of God's instructions, ensuring that the additional coverage is neither too much nor too little, but perfectly tailored to the structure's needs, leaving no room for human improvisation.

"shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle"

This final clause dictates the precise placement and function of the remnant. It was to be draped over the western end (H268, ʼâchôwr) of the Tabernacle (H4908, mishkân), providing complete enclosure and protection. This ensured that all sides of the sacred dwelling were covered, maintaining its sanctity, shielding it from the elements, and preventing any unauthorized or common view into the holy space.

Literary Devices

The meticulous detail of Exodus 26:12 employs several significant literary devices that underscore its theological weight. Most prominently, there is an overwhelming sense of Precision and Order, reflecting the divine nature of the architect. Every measurement, material, and placement is specified with absolute exactitude, emphasizing God's character as one who is orderly, intentional, and leaves nothing to chance. This precision extends even to the "remnant," which is not wasted but strategically utilized, highlighting divine economy and purpose. The Tabernacle itself functions as profound Symbolism, representing God's dwelling place among His people. The complete covering, including the "remnant" over the backside, symbolizes God's comprehensive protection, His absolute holiness, and the necessary separation of the sacred from the profane. The act of "hanging over" implies a protective embrace, a divine canopy that shields and sanctifies. Furthermore, the repeated emphasis on "remaineth" (using forms of H5736, ʻădaph, and H5629, çerach) can be seen as a form of Repetition for Emphasis, drawing the reader's attention to the intentional surplus and its specific, non-negotiable purpose within the overall divine design.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Exodus 26:12, in its minute detail, profoundly illustrates several key theological principles concerning God's character and His relationship with His people. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and meticulousness in all His designs, particularly concerning His dwelling place and the precise means by which His people are to approach Him. The intentional "remnant" speaks powerfully to God's foresight and comprehensive provision, ensuring that His holy space was perfectly covered and protected, leaving no part exposed or vulnerable. This divine attention to every detail, even the seemingly minor "overhang," emphasizes the profound sanctity of God's presence and the absolute necessity of complete adherence to His revealed will in all matters of worship and service. The Tabernacle, in its entirety, was a tangible representation of God's desire for immanence—to dwell intimately among His people—while simultaneously maintaining His transcendence and unapproachable holiness through its layers of separation and precise construction, setting a precedent for reverent interaction with the Divine.

Exodus 40:34-35 Hebrews 9:11-12 1 Corinthians 14:33

Reflection and Application

The seemingly small detail of a "remnant" curtain in Exodus 26:12 offers profound and expansive insights for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of infinite precision and perfect planning, leaving nothing to chance in His grand design for creation, redemption, and the lives of His children. Just as every fiber, dimension, and placement within the Tabernacle was divinely ordained, so too are the intricate details of our lives and the path of our faith under His sovereign and benevolent care. This truth should inspire a deep and unwavering trust in God's comprehensive provision, fostering confidence that He meticulously covers every aspect of our existence, ensuring our protection, completeness, and ultimate flourishing in Him. Furthermore, this passage challenges us to cultivate a similar attention to detail in our obedience, service, and daily walk with God, recognizing that even the "small" acts of faithfulness, integrity, and diligence contribute significantly to the larger tapestry of God's kingdom. Our worship, our relationships, our professional endeavors, and our daily tasks are all opportunities to reflect God's order, excellence, and intentionality, knowing that He cares about the seemingly insignificant as much as the monumental.

Questions for Reflection

How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's construction inform our understanding of His character and our approach to worship and service today?
In what specific ways does the "remnant" providing complete coverage for the Tabernacle speak to God's comprehensive provision and unwavering protection in our personal lives?
Considering the Tabernacle as a profound foreshadowing, how does the complete covering it provided point to the all-sufficient, perfect, and comprehensive work of Christ in our salvation and ongoing sanctification?

FAQ

Why was a "remnant" specifically designed, rather than simply making the curtains the exact length?

The "remnant" was not an oversight, a mistake, or an unused portion; it was a deliberate and calculated part of God's intricate design. The goat-hair curtains were constructed in two sections, and when joined, their combined length was intentionally made to exceed the Tabernacle's framework. This excess, specifically a "half curtain," was divinely purposed to hang over the western (or "backside") end of the Tabernacle. This ensured complete and comprehensive coverage, protecting the sacred space from all elements, maintaining its sanctity, and ensuring it was fully enclosed and shielded from every angle. It profoundly highlights God's foresight, meticulousness, and His desire that nothing in His dwelling place be left exposed or unprotected.

What is the difference between the "curtains of the tent" and the "curtains of the dwelling" mentioned elsewhere?

The Tabernacle featured multiple distinct layers of coverings, each with a specific purpose, material, and symbolic significance. The "curtains of the dwelling" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan) refer to the innermost and most ornate layer, exquisitely made of fine twined linen with cherubim intricately embroidered in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, as detailed in Exodus 26:1-6. These formed the aesthetic and symbolic inner walls of the sanctuary, representing God's immediate presence. In contrast, the "curtains of the tent" (אֹהֶל, ohel), referenced in Exodus 26:12, refer to the second layer, which was made of goat hair (Exodus 26:7-13). This layer was primarily functional, serving as a robust, weather-resistant outer covering for the more delicate inner linen curtains. Beyond these two layers were two more protective coverings made of ram skins dyed red and badger skins, providing ultimate durability and external protection.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

Exodus 26:12, with its emphasis on the complete and precise covering of the Tabernacle, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place among His people, powerfully foreshadowed the incarnation of God in human flesh, as John 1:14 profoundly declares, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." Just as the Tabernacle's "remnant" ensured total enclosure and protection, Christ provides a perfect, complete, and all-sufficient spiritual covering for His people. In Him, believers are made truly complete, lacking nothing, as highlighted in Colossians 2:9-10, where we read, "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness." The meticulous design of the Tabernacle, down to the last fiber and dimension, points directly to the flawless and all-sufficient work of Christ on the cross, which provides full atonement and unhindered access to God's presence, leaving no part of our spiritual lives exposed or unprotected. Through His perfect sacrifice, the veil separating humanity from God was definitively torn from top to bottom, and we now have bold and confident access to the Most Holy Place by the precious blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19-20). Thus, the Tabernacle's comprehensive covering prefigures the complete salvation, perfect reconciliation, and intimate communion offered exclusively in Christ, our ultimate sanctuary, High Priest, and perfect covering.

Copy as

Public-domain commentary

Matthew Henry

From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 26:7–14.

1662–1714 · 8 verses

Passage under commentExodus 26:7–14

7¶ And thou shalt make curtains of goats' hair to be a covering upon the tabernacle: eleven curtains shalt thou make.

8The length of one curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and the eleven curtains shall be all of one measure.

9And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shalt double the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tabernacle.

10And thou shalt make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outmost in the coupling, and fifty loops in the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.

11And thou shalt make fifty taches of brass, and put the taches into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one.

12And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle.

13And a cubit on the one side, and a cubit on the other side of that which remaineth in the length of the curtains of the tent, it shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it.

14And thou shalt make a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering above of badgers' skins.

Moses is here ordered to make a double covering for the tabernacle, that it might not rain in, and that the beauty of those fine curtains might not be damaged. 1. There was to be a covering of hair camlet curtains, which were somewhat larger every way than the inner curtains, because they were to enclose them, and probably were stretched out at some little distance from them, Exo 26:7, etc. These were coupled together with brass clasps. The stuff being less valuable, the tacks were so; but the brass tacks would answer the intention as effectually as the golden ones. The bonds of unity may be as strong between curtains of goats' hair as between those of purple and scarlet. 2. Over this there was to be another covering, and that a double one (Exo 26:14), one of rams' skins dyed red, probably dressed with the wool on; another of badgers' skins, so we translate it, but it should rather seem to have been some strong sort of leather (but very fine), for we read of the best sort of shoes being made of it, Eze 16:10. Now observe here, (1.) That the outside of the tabernacle was coarse and rough, the beauty of it was in the inner curtains. Those in whom God dwells must labour to be better than they seem to be. Hypocrites put the best side outwards, like whited sepulchres; but the king's daughter is all glorious within (Psa 45:13); in the eye of the world black as the tents of Kedar, but, in the eye of God, comely as the curtains of Solomon, Sol 1:5. Let our adorning be that of the hidden man of the heart, which God values, Pe1 3:4. (2.) That where God places his glory he will create a defence upon it; even upon the habitations of the righteous there shall be a covert, Isa 6:5, Isa 6:6. The protection of Providence shall always be upon the beauty of holiness. God's tent will be a pavilion, Psa 27:5.

Copy as

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

Copy as

Continue studying Exodus 26:12 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.