Exodus 26:9
Exodus 26:9 in Multiple Translations
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.
And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shalt double the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tabernacle.
And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shalt double over the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tent.
Five of these curtains are to be joined together, and the other six are to be joined together, the sixth being folded over to make a hanging in front of the tent.
Join five of the curtains together as one set and the other six as another set. Then fold the sixth curtain in two at the front of the tent.
And thou shalt couple fiue curtaynes by themselues, and the sixe curtaines by themselues: but thou shalt double the sixt curtaine vpon the forefront of the couering.
and thou hast joined the five curtains apart, and the six curtains apart, and hast doubled the six curtains over-against the front of the tent.
You shall couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shall double over the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tent.
And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shalt double the sixth curtain in the front of the tabernacle.
Five of which thou shalt couple by themselves, and the six others thou shalt couple one to another, so as to double the sixth curtain in the front of the roof.
Tell them to sew five of these pieces of cloth together to make one set, and sew the other six pieces of cloth together to make another set. They must fold the sixth piece of cloth in half to make it double over the front of the Sacred Tent.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 26:9
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 26:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/חִבַּרְתָּ֞
אֶת
חֲמֵ֤שׁ
הַ/יְרִיעֹת֙
לְ/בָ֔ד
וְ/אֶת
שֵׁ֥שׁ
הַ/יְרִיעֹ֖ת
לְ/בָ֑ד
וְ/כָפַלְתָּ֙
אֶת
הַ/יְרִיעָ֣ה
הַ/שִּׁשִּׁ֔ית
אֶל
מ֖וּל
פְּנֵ֥י
הָ/אֹֽהֶל
וְ/חִבַּרְתָּ֞
châbar
H2266
to unite
Conj | V-Piel-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
חֲמֵ֤שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
five
Adj
הַ/יְרִיעֹת֙
yᵉrîyʻâh
H3407
curtain
Art | N-fp
לְ/בָ֔ד
bad
H905
alone
Prep | N-ms
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
שֵׁ֥שׁ
shêsh
H8337
six
Adj
הַ/יְרִיעֹ֖ת
yᵉrîyʻâh
H3407
curtain
Art | N-fp
לְ/בָ֑ד
bad
H905
alone
Prep | N-ms
וְ/כָפַלְתָּ֙
kâphal
H3717
to double
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/יְרִיעָ֣ה
yᵉrîyʻâh
H3407
curtain
Art | N-fs
הַ/שִּׁשִּׁ֔ית
shishshîy
H8345
sixth
Art | Adj
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מ֖וּל
mûwl
H4136
opposite
Prep
פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
הָ/אֹֽהֶל
ʼôhel
H168
tent
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 26:9
וְ/חִבַּרְתָּ֞
châbar
H2266
"to unite"
Conj | V-Piel-2ms
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
חֲמֵ֤שׁ
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/יְרִיעֹת֙
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.
לְ/בָ֔ד
bad
H905
"alone"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שֵׁ֥שׁ
shêsh
H8337
"six"
Adj
This Hebrew word means the number six, and is often used in the Bible to describe measurements, like the six days of creation in Genesis 1.
Definition: 1) six 1a) six (cardinal number) 1b) sixth (ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: shet (שֵׁת "six" H8353)
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: six(-teen, -teenth), sixth. See also: Genesis 7:6; 1 Kings 6:6; Proverbs 6:16.
הַ/יְרִיעֹ֖ת
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.
לְ/בָ֑ד
bad
H905
"alone"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
וְ/כָפַלְתָּ֙
kâphal
H3717
"to double"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This verb means to double or repeat something, like folding something together. In the Bible, it can mean to repeat a task or action. The KJV translates it as double.
Definition: 1) to double, fold double, double over 1a) (Qal) to double over 1b) (Niphal) to be doubled
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: double. See also: Exodus 26:9; Exodus 39:9; Ezekiel 21:19.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/יְרִיעָ֣ה
yᵉrîyʻâh
H3407
"curtain"
Art | N-fs
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.
הַ/שִּׁשִּׁ֔ית
shishshîy
H8345
"sixth"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means sixth, like the sixth day of the week. It is used to describe order or sequence, as seen in Genesis 1:31. This word helps us understand time and patterns in the biblical account.
Definition: 1) sixth 1a) sixth (ordinal number) 1b) sixth (as fraction)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: sixth (part). See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Chronicles 12:12; Haggai 1:15.
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.
מ֖וּל
mûwl
H4136
"opposite"
Prep
This word means opposite or in front of, often used to describe location or direction. In Exodus 14:2, the Israelites camped in front of Pi-ha-hiroth, facing the sea. It provides a sense of spatial awareness and orientation in biblical contexts.
Definition: 1) front 1a) front 1b) in the opposite direction prep 2) in front of 2a) in front of 2b) (with prefix) 2b1) towards the front of, to the front of, on the front of 2b2) from the front of, off the front of, close in front of, on the forefront of
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, before, (fore-) front, from, (God-) ward, toward, with. See also: Exodus 18:19; Deuteronomy 11:30; Micah 2:8.
פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הָ/אֹֽהֶל
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
Study Notes — Exodus 26:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Eleven Curtains of Goat Hair
7You are to make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all.
8Each of the eleven curtains is to be the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits wide.
9Join 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.
10Make 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. 11Make fifty bronze clasps and put them through the loops to join the tent together as a unit.Exodus 26:9 Summary
In Exodus 26:9, God gives Moses specific instructions on how to join the curtains of the tabernacle together, creating a unified yet flexible structure. This detail shows us that God cares about every aspect of our lives, just like He cared about the construction of the tabernacle (as seen in Exodus 25:1-22). The use of curtains and fabrics in the tabernacle also teaches us about the importance of separating the holy from the profane, as discussed in Leviticus 10:10. By following God's instructions and creating a sacred space in our own lives, we can meet with Him and experience His presence, just like the Israelites did in the tabernacle (as described in Psalm 84:1-4 and Hebrews 10:19-25).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God instruct Moses to join the curtains in two separate sets of five and six?
God's instruction to join the curtains in two sets was likely for the purpose of creating a unified yet flexible structure for the tabernacle, as seen in Exodus 26:9, and this design allowed for the tent to be easily assembled and disassembled, much like the portable nature of the tabernacle itself, as described in Exodus 25:1-22 and Numbers 4:1-33.
What is the significance of folding the sixth curtain over double at the front of the tent?
Folding the sixth curtain over double at the front of the tent, as mentioned in Exodus 26:9, may have served to create a secure entrance or to provide additional protection from the elements, and this detail demonstrates God's attention to detail in the construction of the tabernacle, much like the detailed instructions for the altar in Exodus 27:1-8.
How does the construction of the tabernacle relate to the broader narrative of Exodus?
The construction of the tabernacle, including the joining of the curtains in Exodus 26:9, is a pivotal part of the Exodus narrative, as it represents God's desire to dwell among His people, as seen in Exodus 25:8 and Leviticus 26:11-12, and this theme is later fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ, as described in John 1:14.
What can we learn from the specific measurements and materials used in the tabernacle's construction?
The specific measurements and materials used in the tabernacle's construction, such as the curtains in Exodus 26:9, demonstrate God's care and attention to detail, and this attention to detail can teach us about the importance of obedience and faithfulness in our own lives, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:32 and Matthew 5:18.
Reflection Questions
- What does the detail and specificity of God's instructions for the tabernacle reveal about His character and nature?
- How can we apply the principle of attention to detail in our own lives and ministry, as seen in the construction of the tabernacle?
- What does the use of curtains and fabrics in the tabernacle teach us about the separation between the holy and the profane, as discussed in Leviticus 10:10 and Ezekiel 22:26?
- In what ways can we, like the Israelites, create a 'tabernacle' or a sacred space in our own lives where we can meet with God, as described in Psalm 84:1-4 and Hebrews 10:19-25?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 26:9
And thou shall couple five curtains by themselves,.... And make one large curtain of them, as was ordered with respect to the linen curtains: and six curtains by themselves; as there were eleven of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 26:9
And thou shalt make curtains of goats' hair to be a covering upon the tabernacle: eleven curtains shalt thou make. Thou shalt make curtains of goat's hair.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 26:9
For the better security of the inward covering.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 26:9
(9) Thou . . . shalt double the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tabernacle.—The additional “breadth” was to be doubled back upon itself, so giving a sort of finish to the roof in the front of the structure.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 26:9
Exodus 7-13 (cf. Exodus 36:14-18). The Tent over the Dwelling, consisting of eleven curtains of cloth made of goats’ hair, each 30 cubits long, and 4 cubits wide, fastened together so as to form a single large curtain, 30 cubits broad, and 44 cubits long. The Bedawin still make their tents of goats’ hair in the same way: breadths of goats’ hair cloth, it may be ¾ yd. broad, and as long as the breadth of the tent, are stitched together, and form a covering capable of keeping out the heaviest rain (Burckh. Bedouins, i. 37; cf. DB. iv. 717): comp. Son 1:5, where their dark colour is alluded to.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 26:9
9. Five curtains by themselves — The expression by themselves seems evidently to mean the same as “together one to another” in Exodus 26:3.