Exodus 26:5

KJV

Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain, and fifty loops shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that [is] in the coupling of the second; that the loops may take hold one of another.

KJV (with Strong's)

Fifty {H2572} loops {H3924} shalt thou make {H6213} in the one {H259} curtain {H3407}, and fifty {H2572} loops {H3924} shalt thou make {H6213} in the edge {H7097} of the curtain {H3407} that is in the coupling {H4225} of the second {H8145}; that the loops {H3924} may take hold {H6901} one {H802} of another {H269}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Make fifty loops on the one sheet, and make fifty loops on the edge of the sheet in the second set; the loops are to be opposite one another.

Berean Standard Bible

Make fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the second set, so that the loops line up opposite one another.

American Standard Version

Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain, and fifty loops shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that is in the second coupling; the loops shall be opposite one to another.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 26:5 presents a precise divine instruction for the construction of the Tabernacle, detailing the creation of fifty loops on the edge of each of the two large linen curtain sections. These meticulously crafted loops were designed to interlock, allowing the two separate parts of the Tabernacle's inner covering to be securely joined together, forming a unified and complete sanctuary for God's dwelling among His people. This verse underscores God's absolute precision and His desire for order and seamless connection in all matters pertaining to His holy presence and worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a highly detailed and extensive divine blueprint for the Tabernacle, given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25-31). Specifically, [Exodus 26](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") focuses on the construction of the Tabernacle's dwelling proper, beginning with the curtains. [Exodus 26:1-4](/exodus/26-1 "Exodus 26:1-4 - The Tabernacle Curtains") describes the material (fine twined linen with cherubim), dimensions, and the division of the main covering into two large sections—one of five curtains and one of six. Verse 5 then provides the crucial mechanism for joining these two sections, specifying the exact number and placement of the loops. The subsequent verse, [Exodus 26:6](/exodus/26-6 "Exodus 26:6 - Golden Clasps for the Tabernacle Curtains"), completes the instruction by detailing the fifty golden clasps that would engage these loops, ensuring a perfectly unified structure. This sequence highlights the meticulous, step-by-step nature of God's architectural plan, where every component, no matter how small, was essential for the whole.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions for the Tabernacle were given to Israel while they were encamped at Mount Sinai, shortly after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt. As a nomadic people in the wilderness, they required a portable sanctuary that could accompany them on their journeys. The Tabernacle served as the visible, tangible sign of God's presence among them, fulfilling His promise to "dwell among them" (see [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build the Tabernacle")). In the ancient Near East, temples were common, but the Tabernacle was unique in its divine origin and portability, symbolizing God's dynamic relationship with His people. Its construction was not left to human ingenuity but was precisely dictated by God, indicating its sacred purpose and its role as the central place of worship, sacrifice, and communion for the entire Israelite community. The detailed nature of the commands, down to the loops and clasps, underscored the holiness of God and the reverence required in approaching Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Loops (Hebrew, לֻלְאֹת, _lul'ot_):** This word refers to eyelets, rings, or fasteners. In this context, they are specifically designed fabric loops sewn into the edges of the curtains. Their purpose was not merely decorative but entirely functional, serving as the receiving mechanism for the golden clasps that would unite the two large curtain sections. The precision of "fifty" loops on each section emphasizes their exact fit and the importance of a secure, uniform connection.
* **Take hold one of another (Hebrew, אִשָּׁה אֶל־אֲחֹתָהּ, _ishshah el achotah_):** Literally translating to "a woman to her sister," this is a common Hebrew idiom used to express reciprocity, mutual connection, or the perfect fit of one thing to another. It conveys the idea of a seamless, intimate, and secure joining. In the context of the Tabernacle curtains, it highlights the divine intention for the two sections to interlock perfectly, forming a single, unified covering without gaps or imperfections, symbolizing the complete and harmonious dwelling place of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain":** This clause specifies the exact quantity of loops to be fashioned on the edge of the first of the two main linen curtain sections. The number "fifty" is not arbitrary but points to divine precision and the functional necessity for a comprehensive and secure connection along the entire length of the curtain's edge.
* **"and fifty loops shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that [is] in the coupling of the second":** This parallels the first instruction, emphasizing that the second large curtain section must also have precisely fifty loops on its designated edge. This identical number on both sections ensures a perfect alignment and fit, preparing them for the act of "coupling" or joining.
* **"that the loops may take hold one of another":** This final clause articulates the ultimate purpose of these loops. They were designed not to merely touch but to "take hold" or interlock securely, creating a strong, unified bond between the two separate curtain sections. This union was essential for the Tabernacle's integrity, ensuring that the inner dwelling was a complete and seamless enclosure, reflecting God's desire for wholeness and perfect order in His sacred space.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 26:5 primarily employs **Precision** and **Repetition** to convey its message. The exact numerical specification of "fifty loops" on each curtain underscores the divine demand for absolute accuracy and meticulous attention to detail in the construction of God's dwelling. This numerical precision is not merely functional; it is symbolic of God's ordered nature and His expectation of excellence in worship. The **Repetition** of the phrase "fifty loops shalt thou make" reinforces the importance and exactness of the instruction, ensuring no deviation from the divine blueprint. Furthermore, the concept of the loops enabling the curtains to "take hold one of another" serves as **Symbolism** for unity and interdependence. The two distinct curtain sections, through the mechanism of these loops and the subsequent clasps, become a single, unified entity, prefiguring the theological principle of unity within God's people and the seamless integration required for His sacred purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle, exemplified by the precise detailing of the loops in Exodus 26:5, reveal profound aspects of God's character. He is a God of order, beauty, and absolute precision, who desires holiness and perfection in all that pertains to His presence and worship. The very act of designing two large curtain sections to be joined by these loops speaks to the divine principle of unity; separate parts are intended to come together to form a complete and functional whole. This physical unity of the Tabernacle's covering serves as a powerful theological metaphor for the unity God desires among His people, where individual members are intricately connected and interdependent, each playing a vital role in the collective body. Just as the Tabernacle's integrity depended on the perfect joining of its parts, so too does the strength and witness of God's people depend on their harmonious unity.

* [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Unity of the Spirit")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Tabernacle as a Copy of Heavenly Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine precision evident in Exodus 26:5, down to the exact number of loops required for the Tabernacle curtains, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, who cares deeply about the details of our lives and our worship. This meticulousness should inspire us to approach our faith, our service, and our relationships with intentionality, diligence, and a commitment to excellence, rather than carelessness or indifference. Furthermore, the purpose of these loops—to enable two separate sections to "take hold one of another" and form a unified whole—serves as a powerful call to unity within the body of Christ. Just as each loop was essential for the Tabernacle's integrity, every believer, regardless of their perceived size or significance, plays a crucial and interdependent role in the functioning and witness of the church. This verse challenges us to actively pursue harmony, connection, and mutual support, recognizing that our collective strength and effectiveness for God's glory depend on our seamless spiritual union.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's construction challenge or affirm your understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways can the principle of the "loops taking hold one of another" be applied to foster greater unity and interdependence within your community of faith?**
* **Considering that God cares about every "loop" in His dwelling place, how might this inspire you to approach the "details" of your own spiritual walk and service?**

### FAQ
**Why were there exactly fifty loops on each curtain?**

Answer: The precise number of fifty loops on each curtain was not arbitrary but indicative of God's divine precision and the functional necessity for a complete and secure connection. This exact count ensured that the two large sections of the Tabernacle's inner covering would align perfectly along their entire length, allowing for a seamless and strong bond when joined by the golden clasps (as described in [Exodus 26:6](/exodus/26-6 "Exodus 26:6 - Golden Clasps for the Tabernacle Curtains")). It underscores God's desire for order and perfection in His dwelling place.

**What was the purpose of joining these two large curtain sections?**

Answer: The primary purpose of joining these two large curtain sections was to form the complete and unified inner covering of the Tabernacle, creating the sacred enclosure where God's presence would dwell. This division into two sections, which could then be joined and unjoined, also facilitated the Tabernacle's portability, allowing it to be easily dismantled, transported, and reassembled as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness. Symbolically, it represented the seamless unity required for God's holy dwelling.

**Were the loops themselves sufficient to join the curtains?**

Answer: No, the loops themselves were not sufficient to join the curtains. They were designed as the receiving mechanism for the golden clasps. As detailed in the very next verse, [Exodus 26:6](/exodus/26-6 "Exodus 26:6 - Golden Clasps for the Tabernacle Curtains"), fifty golden clasps were to be made. These clasps would then pass through the corresponding loops on each curtain, securely fastening the two sections together to form one continuous covering. The loops and clasps worked in tandem to ensure a strong and perfect union.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 26:5, with its meticulous instruction for joining the Tabernacle curtains, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place among His people, was a shadow of the greater reality to come. Just as the two curtain sections were designed to be perfectly united by the loops and clasps, Christ is the ultimate "clasp" who perfectly unites humanity to God and brings together disparate peoples into one new body. In Him, God truly "tabernacled" among us, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, making His dwelling not in a tent, but in human flesh. The unity symbolized by the Tabernacle's construction is fully realized in the Church, the body of Christ, where Jew and Gentile are no longer separate but are made one in Him, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility (see [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace, Breaking Down Walls")). Christ is the one who holds all things together (as [Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together") affirms), ensuring the perfect and seamless unity of His people and their access to God. The tearing of the temple veil at Christ's crucifixion (recounted in [Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")) signifies the fulfillment and abolition of the old Tabernacle/Temple system, opening a new and living way directly into God's presence through Christ's shed blood, the ultimate sacrifice that perfectly joins us to God (see [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - New and Living Way Through the Veil")).

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.