Exodus 26:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 26:3 provides a precise divine instruction for the construction of the Tabernacle's innermost covering, detailing how the ten fine linen curtains were to be meticulously joined into two sets of five. This verse, part of God's elaborate blueprint for His portable sanctuary, underscores the divine demand for order, unity, and perfection in His dwelling place, foreshadowing profound theological truths about God's character, His desire for communion with humanity, and the organic unity of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 26:3 is situated within a highly detailed section of the book of Exodus (chapters 25-31) dedicated to God's specific instructions for building the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priestly garments. This divine blueprint follows God's covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai and precedes the actual construction accounts (Exodus 35-40). The instructions begin with the most sacred elements—the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, and the Lampstand—before moving to the structural components of the dwelling itself. Chapter 26 specifically outlines the design of the Tabernacle's four layers of coverings, starting with the innermost and most significant layer made of fine twined linen, which formed the actual "dwelling" (Hebrew: *Mishkan*). Verse 3, therefore, is a foundational detail for the primary, visible enclosure of God's sacred presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to build the Tabernacle (as stated in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God Commands the Tabernacle's Construction")) arose from Israel's nomadic existence in the wilderness. Unlike the fixed temples common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, the Tabernacle was designed for portability, allowing God's presence to accompany His people on their journey. This mobility was crucial for a nation without a permanent homeland, symbolizing God's faithfulness to dwell among them wherever they went. The meticulous instructions, including the coupling of curtains, ensured that despite its temporary nature, the sanctuary maintained its sacred integrity and structural coherence. Such detailed divine blueprints were not entirely unique in the ancient world for sacred structures, but the Tabernacle's unique design, emphasizing portability and a direct, unmediated divine presence (within the Most Holy Place), set it apart from the more permanent, often idol-centric, temples of surrounding nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **coupled (Hebrew, _chabar'_):** This verb signifies "to join," "to unite," "to bind together," or "to make a league." In the context of Exodus 26:3, it implies a secure, intentional, and seamless connection, ensuring that the separate pieces of fabric become a coherent and unified whole. The use of this word emphasizes the divine desire for structural integrity and the symbolic unity of the Tabernacle. It suggests a bond that is both functional and symbolic, transforming distinct parts into a singular entity.
* **curtains (Hebrew, _yeri'ah'_):** These refer to the innermost and most sacred layer of the Tabernacle's coverings. Made of fine twined linen, embroidered with cherubim, these curtains formed the actual "dwelling" or *Mishkan*. Their material and intricate design signified holiness, purity, and the presence of heavenly beings. The fact that these foundational elements were to be coupled highlights their collective importance in forming the sacred space where God would meet with His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The five curtains shall be coupled together one to another":** This clause specifies the joining of the first set of five linen curtains. These individual curtains, likely of significant size, were to be securely fastened to each other, forming a single, large sheet. This initial coupling created a substantial portion of the Tabernacle's inner roof and walls, emphasizing the meticulous craftsmanship required for God's dwelling.
* **"and [other] five curtains [shall be] coupled one to another":** This second clause mirrors the first, indicating that an identical second set of five linen curtains was to be similarly joined. The repetition underscores the symmetry and precision of the divine design. These two large, coupled sections would then be joined together by fifty gold clasps and loops, forming the complete innermost covering of the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:4-6).

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 26:3 prominently employs **Precision** and **Detail** as literary devices, reflecting the divine character and the sanctity of the Tabernacle. The exacting nature of the instructions, down to the specific number of curtains and the method of their joining, underscores God's demand for order, perfection, and holiness in all matters pertaining to His worship and presence. This meticulousness is not merely functional but symbolic, conveying the infinite care God takes in establishing His dwelling among His people. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the phrase "five curtains... coupled one to another" emphasizes the exactitude and symmetry required for the Tabernacle's construction. This repetition serves to reinforce the divine blueprint, ensuring no deviation from the intended design. Underlying these devices is profound **Symbolism**: the coupling of distinct parts into a unified whole powerfully symbolizes divine unity, the cohesive nature of God's plan, and ultimately, the spiritual unity called for within the community of God's people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 26:3, with its precise instructions for coupling the Tabernacle curtains, speaks volumes about God's character and His relationship with humanity. The meticulous detail underscores God's demand for order, excellence, and holiness in all matters pertaining to His worship and presence. This divine precision reflects a God who is sovereign, purposeful, and attentive to every detail of His creation and redemptive plan. The act of "coupling" distinct curtains into a unified whole powerfully symbolizes the theme of unity—both the coherence of God's own being and the spiritual unity He desires for His people. Just as the Tabernacle, though composed of many parts, was to be a single, unified structure, so too is God's people called to be one body, reflecting His unified purpose and presence. The Tabernacle's design also speaks to the theme of God's desire for intimate communion, as He condescends to dwell among His people, making Himself accessible through a divinely ordained means.
* [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Unity of the Spirit")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12 - One Body, Many Members")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Tabernacle and its Significance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, particularly the coupling of its curtains, offer profound lessons for contemporary believers. God's attention to every detail in His ancient dwelling place reminds us that He cares deeply about the specifics of our worship, our service, and our lives. This calls us to a posture of diligence, excellence, and obedience in all areas, recognizing that our actions, no matter how seemingly small, contribute to the larger tapestry of God's work. Just as the curtains were seamlessly joined to form a unified sanctuary, so too are believers called to embody unity within the body of Christ. Our diverse gifts, backgrounds, and personalities are not meant to create division but to be "coupled" together by the Holy Spirit, forming a cohesive and powerful witness to the world. The Tabernacle's design, which facilitated God's presence accompanying His people, also reminds us that God desires to dwell not just in physical structures but within us individually and collectively, making us a spiritual house for His glory. This calls us to live lives that honor His indwelling presence, fostering holiness and communion in our daily walk.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's construction challenge our approach to worship and service today?**
* **In what specific ways can we actively promote and maintain unity within our local church, reflecting the "coupled" nature of God's dwelling?**
* **Considering the Tabernacle's portability, how does the concept of God's presence accompanying His people inform our understanding of His presence in our daily lives and journeys?**

### FAQ
**Why were there two sets of five curtains instead of one large set of ten?**

Answer: The division of the innermost Tabernacle curtains into two sets of five, rather than one continuous sheet of ten, served both practical and symbolic purposes. Practically, it made the large and heavy linen covering more manageable for transportation and assembly during the Israelites' nomadic journeys. A single, enormous curtain would have been unwieldy to move and erect. Symbolically, this division into two sets, which were then joined by golden clasps (Exodus 26:4-6), mirrored the internal division of the Tabernacle itself into the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. While the two sets of curtains formed a unified roof, their initial separation underscored the distinct, yet interconnected, sacred spaces within God's dwelling, pointing to the structured and ordered nature of divine access.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 26:3, detailing the precise coupling of the Tabernacle curtains, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place among His people, was a profound foreshadowing of the incarnate Christ. John's Gospel declares that the Word became flesh and "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), using a Greek word (*skēnoō*) that literally means "tabernacled." Jesus is the ultimate and perfect "dwelling place" of God, the one in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - All the Fullness of God in Christ")). The meticulous "coupling" of the curtains, creating a seamless whole, beautifully prefigures the hypostatic union—the perfect and inseparable union of divine and human natures in the person of Christ. Furthermore, the unity symbolized by the coupled curtains extends to Christ's body, the Church. Through Christ, believers are "built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit" ([Ephesians 2:22](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:22 - Believers as a Dwelling Place for God")), becoming "living stones" in a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). The unity that the Tabernacle's design emphasized is fully realized in the Church, where diverse individuals are brought into one Spirit-filled community, seamlessly joined by Christ, who is our peace and the one who has broken down every dividing wall ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.