Exodus 26:3
Exodus 26:3 in Multiple Translations
Five of the curtains are to be joined together, and the other five joined as well.
The five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and other five curtains shall be coupled one to another.
Five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and the other five curtains shall be coupled one to another.
Five curtains are to be joined together, and the other five are to be joined together.
Join five of the curtains together, and then do the same to the other five.
Fiue curtaines shalbe coupled one to an other: and the other fiue curtaines shall be coupled one to another.
five of the curtains are joining one unto another, and five curtains are joining one to another.
Five curtains shall be coupled together to one another, and the other five curtains shall be coupled to one another.
The five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and other five curtains shall be coupled one to another.
Five curtains shall be joined one to another, and the other five shall be coupled together in like manner.
Tell them to sew five strips together to make one set, and sew the other five strips together to make another set.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 26:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 26:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חֲמֵ֣שׁ
הַ/יְרִיעֹ֗ת
תִּֽהְיֶ֨יןָ֙
חֹֽבְרֹ֔ת
אִשָּׁ֖ה
אֶל
אֲחֹתָ֑/הּ
וְ/חָמֵ֤שׁ
יְרִיעֹת֙
חֹֽבְרֹ֔ת
אִשָּׁ֖ה
אֶל
אֲחֹתָֽ/הּ
חֲמֵ֣שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
five
Adj
הַ/יְרִיעֹ֗ת
yᵉrîyʻâh
H3407
curtain
Art | N-fp
תִּֽהְיֶ֨יןָ֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
חֹֽבְרֹ֔ת
châbar
H2266
to unite
V-Qal
אִשָּׁ֖ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֲחֹתָ֑/הּ
ʼâchôwth
H269
sister
N-fs | Suff
וְ/חָמֵ֤שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
five
Conj | Adj
יְרִיעֹת֙
yᵉrîyʻâh
H3407
curtain
N-fp
חֹֽבְרֹ֔ת
châbar
H2266
to unite
V-Qal
אִשָּׁ֖ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֲחֹתָֽ/הּ
ʼâchôwth
H269
sister
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 26:3
חֲמֵ֣שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
הַ/יְרִיעֹ֗ת
yᵉrîyʻâh
H3407
"curtain"
Art | N-fp
The Hebrew word for curtain or drape refers to a hanging or trembling fabric. It is used to describe the curtains in the tabernacle or temple, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: curtain, drape
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: curtain. See also: Exodus 26:1; Exodus 36:12; Psalms 104:2.
תִּֽהְיֶ֨יןָ֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
חֹֽבְרֹ֔ת
châbar
H2266
"to unite"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to unite or join, and can also refer to charming or spellbinding someone. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. It can also mean to make an alliance or fellowship.
Definition: 1) to unite, join, bind together, be joined, be coupled, be in league, heap up, have fellowship with, be compact, be a charmer 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to unite, be joined 1a2) to tie magic charms, charm 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to unite with, make an ally of 1b2) to unite, join, ally 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be allied with, be united 1c2) to be joined together 1d) (Hiphil) to join together, pile up (words) 1e) (Hithpael) to join oneself to, make an alliance, league together
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: charm(-er), be compact, couple (together), have fellowship with, heap up, join (self, together), league. See also: Genesis 14:3; 2 Chronicles 20:35; Psalms 58:6.
אִשָּׁ֖ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֲחֹתָ֑/הּ
ʼâchôwth
H269
"sister"
N-fs | Suff
A sister in the Bible can be a biological sibling, a half-sister, or a close relative. In Genesis 4:2, Cain's sister is not named, but in Genesis 24:15, Rebekah is Isaac's cousin and future wife.
Definition: 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other, sister, together. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Samuel 13:22; Proverbs 7:4.
וְ/חָמֵ֤שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
יְרִיעֹת֙
yᵉrîyʻâh
H3407
"curtain"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for curtain or drape refers to a hanging or trembling fabric. It is used to describe the curtains in the tabernacle or temple, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: curtain, drape
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: curtain. See also: Exodus 26:1; Exodus 36:12; Psalms 104:2.
חֹֽבְרֹ֔ת
châbar
H2266
"to unite"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to unite or join, and can also refer to charming or spellbinding someone. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. It can also mean to make an alliance or fellowship.
Definition: 1) to unite, join, bind together, be joined, be coupled, be in league, heap up, have fellowship with, be compact, be a charmer 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to unite, be joined 1a2) to tie magic charms, charm 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to unite with, make an ally of 1b2) to unite, join, ally 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be allied with, be united 1c2) to be joined together 1d) (Hiphil) to join together, pile up (words) 1e) (Hithpael) to join oneself to, make an alliance, league together
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: charm(-er), be compact, couple (together), have fellowship with, heap up, join (self, together), league. See also: Genesis 14:3; 2 Chronicles 20:35; Psalms 58:6.
אִשָּׁ֖ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֲחֹתָֽ/הּ
ʼâchôwth
H269
"sister"
N-fs | Suff
A sister in the Bible can be a biological sibling, a half-sister, or a close relative. In Genesis 4:2, Cain's sister is not named, but in Genesis 24:15, Rebekah is Isaac's cousin and future wife.
Definition: 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other, sister, together. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Samuel 13:22; Proverbs 7:4.
Study Notes — Exodus 26:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 26:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 26:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 26:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 26:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 26:3
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 26:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 26:3
- Sermons on Exodus 26:3
Context — The Ten Curtains for the Tabernacle
1“You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, each with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and cherubim skillfully worked into them.
2Each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide —all curtains the same size.
3Five of the curtains are to be joined together, and the other five joined as well.
4Make loops of blue material on the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and do the same for the end curtain in the second set. 5Make 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 36:10 | And he joined five of the curtains together, and the other five he joined as well. |
| 2 | Colossians 2:2 | that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, |
| 3 | Ephesians 2:21–22 | In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit. |
| 4 | Ephesians 4:3–6 | and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. |
| 5 | John 17:21 | that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. |
| 6 | Ephesians 4:16 | From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part. |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 12:4 | There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. |
| 8 | Exodus 26:9 | Join five of the curtains into one set and the other six into another. Then fold the sixth curtain over double at the front of the tent. |
| 9 | Colossians 2:19 | He has lost connection to the head, from whom the whole body, supported and knit together by its joints and ligaments, grows as God causes it to grow. |
| 10 | 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 | The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink. For the body does not consist of one part, but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact, God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you.” Nor can the head say to the feet, “I do not need you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts we consider less honorable, we treat with greater honor. And our unpresentable parts are treated with special modesty, whereas our presentable parts have no such need. But God has composed the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have mutual concern for one another. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it. |
Exodus 26:3 Summary
This verse, Exodus 26:3, tells us that the curtains for the tabernacle were to be joined together in two sets of five, emphasizing unity and completeness. Just as the curtains were carefully connected, we can learn about the importance of being united with other believers, as seen in Acts 2:42-47. The attention to detail in this verse also reminds us that God cares about every aspect of our lives, as Jesus taught in Matthew 10:29-31. By following God's instructions carefully, we can experience His presence and provision in our lives, just as the Israelites did in the tabernacle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God specify that the curtains be joined together in two sets of five?
This instruction emphasizes the importance of unity and completeness in God's design, as seen in Exodus 26:3, and is reminiscent of the unity and harmony found in the Godhead, as described in John 17:22-23.
What is the significance of the number five in this context?
The number five may symbolize God's grace and provision, as seen in other biblical contexts, such as Leviticus 23:12-13, where five sheep are required for a sacrifice, highlighting the seriousness of the sin and the magnitude of God's forgiveness.
How does this verse relate to the overall structure of the tabernacle?
Exodus 26:3 is part of the detailed instructions for building the tabernacle, which serves as a symbol of God's dwelling among His people, as described in Exodus 25:8 and Hebrews 9:1-5.
What can we learn from the precise instructions given in this verse?
The attention to detail in Exodus 26:3 teaches us about God's care and concern for every aspect of our lives, as seen in Matthew 10:29-31, where Jesus notes that even the smallest details are under God's watchful eye.
Reflection Questions
- As I consider the unity and harmony of the curtains, how can I reflect this unity in my relationships with others in the body of Christ?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of attention to detail in my own life, just as God attended to every detail in the construction of the tabernacle?
- How does the idea of God's provision and grace, symbolized by the number five, encourage me in my own walk with God?
- As I reflect on the tabernacle as a symbol of God's dwelling among His people, how can I cultivate a deeper sense of God's presence in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 26:3
The five curtains shall be coupled together one to another,.... Five of the ten curtains were to be sewed together, and make as it were one curtain: and other five curtains shall be coupled one to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 26:3
The length of one curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of the curtains shall have one measure. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 26:3
Exodus 26:3 The five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and [other] five curtains [shall be] coupled one to another.Ver. 3. Shall be coupled together.] These curtains were coupled with loops; so should Christians by love. "My dove is but one: the daughters saw her and blessed her." See Ephesians 2:21-22; Ephesians 4:16.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 26:3
(3) The five curtains.—It is anomalous that the article should be used here. Probably it has crept in from “the curtains” of the preceding verse. The meaning is that five “breadths” should be sewn together to form one curtain, and five other “breadths” to form another, and then that the two curtains so formed should be joined into one by means of “loops” and “taches.” The object of making two curtains instead of one was clearly portability. The entire covering would have been too heavy and too bulky to be conveniently carried in one piece.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 26:3
3. The curtains were to be joined together, so as to form two sets of five, each 28 cubits (42 ft.) long, and 20 cubits (30 ft.) broad. The Dwelling was 30 cubits long, and 10 cubits high and broad: and the curtain was spread over it in such a way that it hung down for the entire height of 10 cubits behind (the front, having a ‘screen’ of its own (v. 36), not needing any curtain), and for 9 cubits on each of the two sides.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 26:3
2, 3. Length… eight and twenty cubits… breadth… four cubits — Hence, when coupled together in two great pieces of five curtains each, they would form a great tent cloth twenty-eight by forty cubits
Sermons on Exodus 26:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Reality of the Divine in Christian Experience by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a young man who was deeply moved by the work of God. This young man's cry for Jesus to make him real led to the conversion of a po |
|
Be Ye Perfect by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching the word of God during a series of gospel meetings. He talks about feeling inadequate and helpless in his role as a s |
|
Faith Unto Enlargement Through Adversity - Part 7 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of keeping the light of God's word available for all. He talks about the surprises and revelations that come when we have a h |
|
(Daniel: The Man God Uses #5) Fragrance of Christ by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes three main points. Firstly, he states that life is like a party and should not be taken seriously. He argues that people should not be conce |
|
All That God Is by Gayle Erwin | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his grandson and a secret birthday cake. He then relates this story to the idea that God has entrusted believers with a gr |
|
Freedom of Spirit - Part 3 by Norman Grubb | This sermon emphasizes the profound truth of having Christ within us, highlighting that when Christ is in us, there is a transformation where our identity is overshadowed by His pr |
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Christ Is All - How We Proclaim by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the purpose of Paul's service and ministry. The ultimate goal is to present all men perfect in Christ. However, there is also a more immediat |