Exodus 36:16

KJV

And he coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he coupled {H2266} five {H2568} curtains {H3407} by themselves, and six {H8337} curtains {H3407} 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 36:16 meticulously details a crucial step in the construction of the Tabernacle's innermost covering, specifying how the ten finely woven linen curtains were initially joined. This verse highlights the formation of two distinct sets—one comprising five curtains and the other six—before their final unification into a single, complete roof for the sacred dwelling. It underscores the divine precision, human obedience, and the symbolic unity inherent in God's design for His dwelling place among His people in the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 36 continues the narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, shifting from God's detailed instructions (chapters 25-31) to the actual execution of the work by the divinely gifted artisans, Bezalel and Oholiab, and other skilled craftsmen (Exodus 35:30-35). This chapter specifically describes the making of the Tabernacle's structural components, including the curtains (Exodus 36:8-19), frames, and bars. Verse 16 focuses on the linen curtains, which formed the innermost layer of the Tabernacle's roof, fulfilling the precise commands previously given by God to Moses in [Exodus 26:1-6](/exodus/26-1-6 "Exodus 26:1-6 - Instructions for the Tabernacle Curtains"). The preceding verses (Exodus 36:8-15) describe the fabrication of these ten curtains, their dimensions, and the loops and clasps designed to join them. This verse, therefore, marks a pivotal stage in assembling these individual components into functional units, demonstrating the faithful adherence of the craftsmen to the divine blueprint.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred in the wilderness, shortly after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. As a nomadic people, the Israelites required a portable sanctuary where God could "dwell among them" ([Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build the Tabernacle")). The Tabernacle served as the central place of worship, sacrifice, and divine encounter, symbolizing God's presence in their midst. The materials, craftsmanship, and precise assembly instructions for the Tabernacle were not arbitrary but reflected ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet uniquely tailored by divine revelation to emphasize God's holiness and distinctiveness. The meticulous detail, down to how curtains were coupled, reflects the supreme holiness of God and the reverence required in approaching Him. The skilled artisans, like Bezalel and Oholiab, were divinely empowered with wisdom and understanding for this sacred task ([Exodus 35:30-35](/exodus/35-30-35 "Exodus 35:30-35 - Divine Gifting of Bezalel and Oholiab")), emphasizing that the Tabernacle's construction was not merely human ingenuity but a divinely orchestrated work, demonstrating a profound intersection of divine command and human skill.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it highlights the theme of **Divine Presence and Dwelling**, as the Tabernacle was God's chosen means of dwelling among His people in the wilderness, a tangible manifestation of His covenant faithfulness. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Precision and Order**, demonstrating that God's instructions were to be followed with absolute exactitude, reflecting His perfect character and the holiness of His presence. The detailed specifications for the Tabernacle's components, as seen in [Exodus 26](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - Tabernacle Design"), and their faithful execution here, reinforce this theme. Thirdly, the verse subtly points to **Unity and Wholeness**, as individual curtains are joined to form a complete covering, foreshadowing the unity God desires for His people and the harmonious integration of diverse elements within His redemptive plan. Finally, it exemplifies **Obedience and Faithfulness** on the part of the Israelite craftsmen, who diligently carried out every command given by God through Moses, demonstrating their commitment to the covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Coupled (Hebrew, חָבַר _châbar_):** This primitive root signifies "to join," "to unite," or "to bind together." In the context of the Tabernacle, it denotes the precise and intentional act of connecting the individual curtains to form larger, cohesive units. It implies a deliberate and skilled process, ensuring that the separate pieces fit together perfectly to achieve the intended design and function. The use of this word emphasizes the meticulous nature of the work, reflecting God's demand for order and perfection in His dwelling.
* **Five (Hebrew, חָמֵשׁ _châmêsh_):** This numeral specifies the quantity of the first set of curtains that were joined. In biblical numerology, five can sometimes symbolize grace or divine completeness in certain contexts, though here its primary function is descriptive. Its mention highlights the exactness of the divine blueprint and the precise adherence of the craftsmen to God's instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, ensuring no deviation from the sacred design.
* **Curtains (Hebrew, יְרִיעָה _yᵉrîyʻâh_):** Derived from a root meaning "to hang" or "to tremble," this term refers specifically to the large, finely woven linen hangings that formed the inner layer of the Tabernacle's roof. These were not mere coverings but integral structural and symbolic elements, crafted from "fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubims of cunning work" (Exodus 36:8). The term highlights the preciousness and artistry involved, distinguishing them from ordinary fabric and underscoring their sacred purpose as part of God's holy dwelling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he coupled five curtains by themselves":** This clause describes the initial stage of joining the first group of five individual linen curtains. These five curtains were meticulously sewn or otherwise connected to form a single, larger panel. This act of "coupling" was precise, ensuring that the dimensions and patterns aligned perfectly, creating a unified segment of the Tabernacle's inner covering. This segment would have been a significant portion of the overall roof, demonstrating the careful, piece-by-piece construction that adhered strictly to the divine instructions.
* **"and six curtains by themselves":** This second clause details the formation of the remaining curtains into a separate, distinct set. While the divine instructions in [Exodus 26:3](/exodus/26-3 "Exodus 26:3 - Instructions for Coupling Curtains") specify two sets of five curtains each, the KJV rendering of Exodus 36:16 as "six curtains" is a notable point. Many commentators interpret "six curtains" here as referring to the *other* five curtains, plus the additional curtain specified in [Exodus 26:9](/exodus/26-9 "Exodus 26:9 - The Sixth Curtain"), which was to hang over the front of the Tabernacle, or simply a scribal variation. Regardless of the exact numerical interpretation, the critical point is that a *second* distinct unit was formed. This highlights the modular assembly, where two large, separate components were prepared, each complete "by themselves," before their final integration to form the complete Tabernacle roof. This separation and subsequent coupling were essential for both the precision of the construction process and the practical considerations for the portability of the Tabernacle.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Precision** and **Repetition**. The use of specific numbers ("five," "six") and the repeated phrase "by themselves" underscores the exactitude demanded by God in the Tabernacle's construction. This **Precision** is not merely technical but profoundly theological, reflecting the divine blueprint and the absolute necessity of adhering to God's commands for sacred worship. The **Repetition** of "by themselves" emphasizes the formation of distinct, self-contained units that would later be joined, highlighting a methodical and orderly process. This methodical approach speaks to the divine wisdom embedded in the design, allowing for both efficient construction and practical portability. Furthermore, the entire act of coupling curtains can be seen as a form of **Symbolism**, where individual components are brought together to form a unified whole, foreshadowing the unity God desires for His people and the harmonious integration of diverse parts within His divine plan, ultimately pointing to the unified body of believers in Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:16, though seemingly a technical detail, profoundly illustrates God's character and His relationship with humanity. It reveals a God of meticulous order and divine design, who leaves no detail to chance, especially concerning His dwelling place and the means by which His people approach Him. The precise coupling of curtains into distinct sets, then ultimately into one covering, symbolizes the unity God desires for His people and the careful assembly of His redemptive plan. Just as the Tabernacle's components were brought together to form a holy sanctuary, so too are believers, with their diverse gifts and backgrounds, called to be united in Christ, forming a spiritual temple where God dwells. This attention to detail in the physical construction foreshadows the intricate and perfect plan of salvation, where every element works together for God's glory and humanity's redemption.

* [Exodus 26:1-6](/exodus/26-1-6 "Detailed Instructions for the Tabernacle Curtains")
* [Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Unity and Growth of the Body of Christ")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "The Body of Christ, Many Members, One Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane detail of coupling curtains in Exodus 36:16 offers profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of infinite detail, and nothing in His creation or His commands is arbitrary. His meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle underscore the importance of diligence, precision, and faithfulness in our own walk with Him. Just as the craftsmen had to follow the divine blueprint exactly for the Tabernacle to function as intended, so too are we called to obey God's Word with careful attention, recognizing that even the "small" details of our obedience contribute to the larger tapestry of His will and our spiritual formation. This verse also speaks to the power of unity and collaboration: individual curtains, though beautiful on their own, only fulfilled their ultimate purpose when perfectly joined, forming a complete covering for God's dwelling. Similarly, in the body of Christ, our individual gifts, talents, and efforts are meant to be woven together in harmonious unity, building up the spiritual house where God's presence is manifest and His purposes are fulfilled through His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be neglecting "small" details, believing them to be insignificant to God's overall plan or my spiritual growth?**
* **How does the meticulous nature of God's instructions for the Tabernacle challenge my own approach to obedience and faithfulness, particularly in areas requiring precision or sustained effort?**
* **How can I better contribute to the unity and collaborative effort within my faith community, recognizing that my individual part, when perfectly joined with others, is essential to the whole and to God's manifest presence?**

### FAQ
**Why were the curtains coupled into two separate sets (five and six) instead of all ten at once?**

Answer: The text describes the curtains being coupled into two distinct sets ("five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves") as an intermediate step in the construction process. While the original instructions in [Exodus 26:3](/exodus/26-3 "Exodus 26:3 - Coupling Instructions") specify two sets of five curtains each, the KJV's "six curtains" in Exodus 36:16 refers to the second of these two major units, likely incorporating the additional curtain mentioned in [Exodus 26:9](/exodus/26-9 "Exodus 26:9 - The Sixth Curtain"). This modular approach was highly practical for construction, allowing the artisans to work on manageable sections. More importantly, it facilitated the portability of the Tabernacle; the large covering could be disassembled into these two major sections for transport across the wilderness and then reassembled at each new encampment. This design highlights both the precision of God's plan and the practical considerations for a nomadic people, ensuring the sanctuary could accompany them wherever they went.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 36:16, with its focus on the meticulous coupling of curtains to form God's dwelling, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, with its precise construction and intricate components, was a shadow of the true and perfect dwelling place of God, which is Christ Himself. Just as the individual curtains were joined to create a unified sanctuary, so too in Christ, God's divine nature and human nature are perfectly and inseparably "coupled" in one person ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). Furthermore, Christ is the one who "couples" humanity to God, tearing down the dividing wall of hostility and making us one new man in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). He is the ultimate meeting place between God and man, the true "Tabernacle" where God dwells among His people ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The unity achieved in the Tabernacle's covering foreshadows the spiritual unity that Christ brings to His body, the Church, where diverse believers are joined together, perfectly fitted and working in harmony, to become a holy temple for the Lord, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - The Body of Christ Grows Through Unity") and [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")).

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.