Exodus 36:17

KJV

And he made fifty loops upon the uttermost edge of the curtain in the coupling, and fifty loops made he upon the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he made {H6213} fifty {H2572} loops {H3924} upon the uttermost {H7020} edge {H8193} of the curtain {H3407} in the coupling {H4225}, and fifty {H2572} loops {H3924} made {H6213} he upon the edge {H8193} of the curtain {H3407} which coupleth {H2279} the second {H8145}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He made fifty loops on the edge of the outermost sheet in the first set and fifty loops on the outermost sheet in the second set.

Berean Standard Bible

He made fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and fifty loops along the edge of the corresponding curtain in the second set.

American Standard Version

And he made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that was outmost in the coupling, and fifty loops made he upon the edge of the curtain which was outmost in the second coupling.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 36:17 meticulously details a crucial step in the construction of the Tabernacle's inner curtains, specifying the creation of fifty loops on the outermost edge of one curtain set and fifty identical loops on the edge of the second curtain set. These loops were precisely designed to interlock with fifty corresponding clasps, thereby joining the two large sections of fine linen into a single, unified covering for the Holy Place, demonstrating the divine demand for precision and the skilled execution by the Spirit-empowered craftsmen.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the detailed account of the Tabernacle's actual construction, spanning Exodus 35-40. Following the extensive instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai in Exodus 25-31, these chapters describe the diligent and precise execution of those divine blueprints by Bezaleel, Aholiab, and the other Spirit-filled artisans. Specifically, Exodus 36 focuses on the fabrication of the Tabernacle's components, including its intricate curtains. The instructions for these very loops are found earlier in [Exodus 26:4](/exodus/26-4 "Exodus 26:4 - Instructions for Loops"), where the Lord commanded the exact number and placement, underscoring the meticulous adherence to divine design that characterizes this entire section of Scripture. The narrative emphasizes that the work was carried out "just as the LORD had commanded Moses" ([Exodus 36:1](/exodus/36-1 "Exodus 36:1 - Craftsmen Do as Commanded")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's wilderness wanderings, a pivotal period immediately following their deliverance from Egyptian bondage. God's command to build this portable sanctuary ([Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Command to Build a Sanctuary")) was central to establishing His covenant relationship with His people, providing a tangible symbol of His presence among them. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, temples were often seen as the dwelling places of deities, but the Tabernacle was unique in its portability and the direct, detailed divine revelation of its design. The meticulous craftsmanship, particularly for elements like these loops, reflected not only the high value placed on sacred objects but also the belief that the dwelling of a holy God demanded absolute perfection and adherence to His specific instructions, distinguishing Israel's worship from the surrounding pagan practices.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Loops (Hebrew, לֻלְאֹת _lul'ot_):** This noun refers to the specific eyelets or loops fashioned on the edges of the curtains. The repetition of "fifty loops" highlights the exactness required. These were not merely decorative but functional, designed to interlock with golden clasps, forming a seamless and secure connection. Their precise number and placement were critical for the structural integrity and symbolic unity of the Tabernacle's covering.
* **Uttermost edge (Hebrew, קְצֵה _q'tseh_):** This term denotes the extreme end or border of something. Its use here emphasizes that the loops were placed precisely at the very edge of the curtain panels, ensuring that when joined, the two sections would meet perfectly without gaps. This detail underscores the divine demand for meticulousness in every aspect of the Tabernacle's construction, leaving no room for approximation or imperfection.
* **Coupling/Coupleth (Hebrew, חָבַר _chabar_):** Derived from a root meaning "to join," "to unite," or "to bind together," this verb describes the essential function of the loops. They were the means by which the two large sections of the Tabernacle's inner curtains were brought into a single, unified whole. This word is central to the verse's meaning, highlighting the purpose of the loops as instruments of connection and integration, transforming separate pieces into a complete and functional sacred covering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made fifty loops upon the uttermost edge of the curtain in the coupling":** This clause describes the creation of the first set of fifty loops. The "he" refers to Bezaleel and the skilled craftsmen working under his direction, empowered by the Spirit of God. These loops were meticulously fashioned on the very end of one of the large linen curtain sections. The phrase "in the coupling" anticipates their purpose: they were designed specifically for the act of joining, indicating that their form and placement were dictated by their function in connecting the two major parts of the covering.
* **"and fifty loops made he upon the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.":** This second clause mirrors the first, detailing the creation of an identical set of fifty loops on the corresponding edge of the second large curtain section. The repetition of "fifty loops" and the identical phrasing underscore the symmetry and precision required. The "curtain which coupleth the second" refers to the second of the two main curtain panels that together formed the Tabernacle's inner covering. These two sets of loops, perfectly aligned, would then be fastened by golden clasps, creating a unified and complete structure.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent, with "fifty loops" appearing twice, emphasizing the exactness and numerical precision required by God's design. This repetition reinforces the theme of divine order and the meticulous adherence to instructions. **Precision** is a pervasive theme, not just through the numerical repetition but also in the specific placement "upon the uttermost edge" and the functional description of "coupling." This highlights the divine standard of perfection for sacred objects. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** where the "loops" stand for the entire system of joining, representing the larger concept of unity and connection within the Tabernacle's structure. The detailed, almost architectural language itself serves as a device, conveying the reality of a physical, tangible construction that perfectly matched a divine blueprint.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:17, in its precise description of the Tabernacle's construction, underscores profound theological truths about God's nature and His relationship with humanity. The meticulous detail and exactness required for the loops speak to God's inherent orderliness, His demand for obedience in even the smallest matters, and the sacredness of His dwelling place. The primary purpose of these loops – to join two separate curtain sections into a single, unified covering – powerfully symbolizes the unity God desires for His people and the way in which He brings disparate elements together to form a cohesive whole. This unity was essential for the Tabernacle to function as a complete sanctuary, reflecting the spiritual unity necessary for a holy community to worship and commune with a holy God.

* [Exodus 26:6](/exodus/26-6 "Exodus 26:6 - The Clasps and Coupling")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12 - The Body of Christ")
* [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Unity of the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane detail of fifty loops in Exodus 36:17 offers rich insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and intentionality, valuing faithfulness in the smallest of tasks. Our service to Him, whether in our daily callings, our relationships, or our church ministries, should be marked by a similar commitment to excellence and adherence to His revealed will. Just as the loops ensured the seamless unity of the Tabernacle's covering, so too are we called to actively pursue and maintain unity within the body of Christ. Every believer, like each loop, has a specific, divinely ordained role in joining together with others to form a complete and effective spiritual dwelling place for God. This verse challenges us to consider how our individual contributions, no matter how small they seem, are essential for the integrity and functionality of the whole, and how our commitment to unity reflects the very nature of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or service might I be tempted to be careless, and how can I cultivate greater precision and faithfulness, knowing God values exactness?**
* **How does the "coupling" of the Tabernacle curtains speak to the importance of unity in my local church or in the broader Christian community?**
* **What "loops" or connections am I called to make or strengthen in my relationships to foster greater unity and collaboration for God's purposes?**
* **How does understanding God's meticulous design for the Tabernacle deepen my appreciation for His sovereignty and wisdom in all creation?**

### FAQ
**Why specifically fifty loops, and what is their significance?**

Answer: The number fifty is precisely what God commanded in [Exodus 26:4](/exodus/26-4 "Exodus 26:4 - Instructions for Loops") and [Exodus 36:11](/exodus/36-11 "Exodus 36:11 - Loops for the Curtains"). The significance of fifty loops on each of the two main curtain sections, coupled with fifty golden clasps, lies in their functional purpose: to perfectly join the two large, separate panels of fine linen into a single, unified covering for the Tabernacle. This precise number ensured a secure and seamless connection, vital for the structural integrity of God's dwelling place. Theologically, this precision highlights God's demand for meticulous obedience to His instructions and symbolizes the unity and wholeness required in His sacred space and, by extension, among His people.

**Who was responsible for making these loops and other Tabernacle components?**

Answer: The primary individuals responsible for overseeing and executing the craftsmanship of the Tabernacle, including these loops, were Bezaleel (from the tribe of Judah) and Aholiab (from the tribe of Dan). [Exodus 35:30-35](/exodus/35-30 "Exodus 35:30-35 - Bezaleel and Aholiab Filled with the Spirit") explicitly states that God "filled them with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship." They, in turn, were given the ability to teach others, indicating that a team of skilled artisans worked under their direction. This divine empowerment ensured that the intricate and precise work, like fashioning these exact loops, could be accomplished according to God's perfect design.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous detail of the loops in Exodus 36:17, designed to perfectly join two separate parts into a unified whole, powerfully foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place among His people, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the true "tabernacle" of God, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." Just as the loops united the Tabernacle's curtains, Christ perfectly unites God and humanity in His person, bridging the chasm created by sin. Furthermore, He is the ultimate unifier of humanity, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, creating "one new man" out of two ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Through His sacrifice, Christ perfectly "couples" us to God, making us living stones in a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")), where God's Spirit now dwells. The precise and perfect design of the loops thus points to the flawless, divinely orchestrated plan of redemption accomplished through the Lamb of God, who ensures our perfect union with Him and with one another.

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.