Exodus 26:2 — Word Study
WLCאֹ֣רֶךְ׀ הַיְרִיעָ֣ה הָֽאַחַ֗ת שְׁמֹנֶ֤ה וְעֶשְׂרִים֙ בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה וְרֹ֙חַב֙ אַרְבַּ֣ע בָּאַמָּ֔ה הַיְרִיעָ֖ה הָאֶחָ֑ת מִדָּ֥ה אַחַ֖ת לְכָל־ הַיְרִיעֹֽת׃
BSAEachʼechâd curtainyᵉrîyʻâh [a hanging or trembling fabric, drape] shall be twenty-eightshᵉmôneh [eight and twenty] cubitsʼammâh [a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm] longʼôrek and fourʼarbaʻ [a simple counting number] cubitsʼammâh widerôchab allkôl [every one, everything] curtainsyᵉrîyʻâh [hanging fabrics, drapes] the sameʼechâd sizemiddâh [one measure, unified dimension]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אֹ֣רֶךְ׀ | [the] length of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| הַיְרִיעָ֣ה | the curtain | Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| הָֽאַחַ֗ת | one | Particle |
| שְׁמֹנֶ֤ה | [will be] eight | Adj |
| וְעֶשְׂרִים֙ | and twenty | Conjunction |
| בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה | by the cubit | Preposition, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| וְרֹ֙חַב֙ | and [the] breadth | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| אַרְבַּ֣ע | [will be] four | Adj |
| בָּאַמָּ֔ה | by the cubit | Preposition, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| הַיְרִיעָ֖ה | the curtain | Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| הָאֶחָ֑ת | one | Particle |
| מִדָּ֥ה | size | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| אַחַ֖ת | one | |
| לְכָל־ | [will belong] to all | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| הַיְרִיעֹֽת׃ | the curtains | Particle, noun common feminine plural absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide —all curtains the same size. |
| KJV | 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. |
| ASV | The length of each curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains shall have one measure. |
| YLT | the length of the one curtain [is] eight and twenty by the cubit, and the breadth of the one curtain four by the cubit, one measure [is] to all the curtains; |
| WEB | The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains shall have one measure. |
| BBE | Every curtain is to be twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide, all of the same measure. |
Where they part company is in the rendering of the dimensions — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence is structured around a main clause, with subordinate phrases detailing the length, width, and uniformity of the curtains.
6 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Exodus 26:2
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Instructions for the Tabernacle Curtainsgenerated
Exodus 26:2 provides specific measurements for the curtains of the tabernacle, emphasizing uniformity in their dimensions. This passage is part of a larger section detailing the construction of the tabernacle, which served as a dwelling place for God among His people. The instructions highlight the importance of precision and consistency in the sacred space, reflecting the divine order in worship.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 26:7–8 | You are to make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all. |
| 2 | Numbers 4:25 | They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting with the covering of fine leather over it, the curtains for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 7:2 | he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.” |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 17:1 | After David had settled into his palace, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the LORD is under a tent.” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — אֹרֶךְ, 'O.rekhgenerated
The noun אֹרֶךְ ('orek) means 'length' and can refer to both physical distance and duration of time. In this context, it specifies the length of the tabernacle curtains, indicating a precise measurement necessary for their construction.
This term is derived from a root associated with the concept of length, encompassing ideas of patience and self-restraint. In the tabernacle's context, it underscores the importance of exact dimensions in the sacred space.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main clause of the verse is governed by the finite verb שְׁמֹנֶ֤ה, [will be] eight, which introduces the dimensions of the curtains. The structure is straightforward, presenting the length and width in a clear, direct manner.
The Hebrew word order emphasizes the measurements first, followed by the description of the curtains, which serves to highlight their importance in the construction of the tabernacle.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates אֹרֶךְ as μῆκος (mēkos), meaning 'length.' This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning, maintaining the focus on physical dimensions.
The translation reflects a consistent understanding of the term's significance in the context of the tabernacle's construction, emphasizing the importance of precise measurements.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Exodus 26:2 gives detailed measurements for the tabernacle curtains, stating that each curtain should be twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide. The emphasis is on uniformity, as all curtains are to be the same size, which is crucial for the tabernacle's construction.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The measurements ensure that the curtains fit properly in the tabernacle, maintaining the sacred space's integrity and order.
A cubit is a unit of measurement, roughly equivalent to the length of a forearm, used in biblical times to describe the dimensions of various objects.
The uniformity of the curtains signifies the importance of order and consistency in the worship of God, as the tabernacle was a sacred space.
The number eight can symbolize new beginnings or a fresh start in biblical numerology, which may add depth to the construction of the tabernacle as a new dwelling for God.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I apply the concept of order and precision in my own life?
- What does the uniformity of the tabernacle curtains teach us about God's design for worship?
- In what ways can I ensure that my actions align with the principles of integrity and consistency?
- How does understanding the measurements of the tabernacle deepen my appreciation for its significance?
Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Exodus 26:2 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe length of one curtain shall be twenty eight cubits,.... Or fourteen yards: and the breadth of one curtain four cubits; or two yards; according to the common notion of a cubit being half a yard; but if, as Dr.
Read John Gill on Exodus 26 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe 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.
Read Robert Jamieson on Exodus 26 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsExodus 26:2 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.Ver. 2. Of the curtains.] Not, Of the tabernacles, as the vulgar interpreter hath it.
Read John Trapp on Exodus 26 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(2) The length . . . eight and twenty cubits.—Mr. Fergusson has shown that to cover over a space twenty cubits wide with a roof, the two sides of which should meet at a right angle, a tent-cloth almost exactly twenty-eight cubits long would be required.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Exodus 26 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges1–6 (cf. Exodus 36:8-13). The ornamented curtains, forming the Dwelling itself. These were ten in number, each 28 cubits (42 ft.) long, and 4 cubits (6 ft.) wide, all made of richly coloured tapestry, with figures of cherubim interwoven (the ‘work of the designer’). When joined together, they formed a single large curtain, 40 cubits (60 ft.) long, and 28 cubits (42 ft.) broad.
Read Cambridge on Exodus 26 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible2, 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
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Exodus 26 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide —all curtains the same size.
The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains shall have one measure.
Each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide—all curtains the same size.
The length of each curtain is to be forty-two feet, and the width of each curtain is to be six feet – the same size for each of the curtains.
Tyndale line
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.
The length of each curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains shall have one measure.
The length of each curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains shall have one measure.
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.
The length of one curtaine shalbe eight and twentie cubites, and the bredth of one curtaine, foure cubites: euery one of the curtaines shall haue one measure.
Strictly literal
The length of one curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits — one measure for all the curtains.
the length of the one curtain [is] eight and twenty by the cubit, and the breadth of the one curtain four by the cubit, one measure [is] to all the curtains;
the length of the one curtain [is] twenty-eight by the cubit, and the breadth of the one curtain [is] four by the cubit, one measure [is] for all the curtains;
The length of each curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits: there shall be one measure for all the curtains.
The length of each curtain must be twenty-eight cubits, the width four cubits. All the curtains must be of the same size.
From the Latin
The length of one curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, the breadth shall be four cubits. All the curtains shall be of one measure.
Simplified
Each curtain is to measure twenty-eight cubits long by four cubits wide, and all the curtains are to be the same size.
Every curtain is to be twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide, all of the same measure.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text aligns closely with the Septuagint, with 14 of the 15 words matched. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs by one word, using יריעות (curtains) instead of the singular form in the MT.
אֹ֣רֶךְ׀ הַיְרִיעָ֣ה הָֽאַחַ֗ת שְׁמֹנֶ֤ה וְעֶשְׂרִים֙ בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה וְרֹ֙חַב֙ אַרְבַּ֣ע בָּאַמָּ֔ה הַיְרִיעָ֖ה הָאֶחָ֑ת מִדָּ֥ה אַחַ֖ת לְכָל־ הַיְרִיעֹֽת׃
14 of the 15 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
ארך היריעה האחת שׁמנה ועשׂרים באמה ורחב ארבע באמה היריעה האחת מדה אחת לכל היריעות
1 word differs from the Masoretic Text: יריעות (curtain)
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Exodus 26:2
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אֹ֫רֶךְ (orek) means 'length' and can refer to physical length or duration of time. It also encompasses concepts of forbearance and self-restraint, particularly in the context of patience. The word is derived from a root associated with the idea of length, as noted in Strong's entries.
אֹ֫רֶךְ 94 n.[m.] length
length
of time
forbearance, self-restraint
base
H753 אֹ֫רֶךְ length
753 'orek o'rek'
from 748; length:--+ forever, length, long.
see HEBREW for 0748
אֹ֫רֶךְ (o.rekh) — length.
1) length
1a) physical length
1b) of time
2) forbearance, self-restraint (of patience)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
יְרִיעָה (yriy'ah) means 'curtain' or 'drape.' It is derived from a root meaning to tremble, suggesting a hanging fabric. The term appears in contexts related to coverings or partitions.
יְרִיעָה 54 n.f. curtain
base
H3407 יְרִיעָה curtain
3407 yriy`ah yer-ee-aw'
from 3415; a hanging (as tremulous):--curtain.
see HEBREW for 03415
יְרִיעָה (ye.ri.ah) — curtain.
curtain, drape
Art | N-fs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHTd/Ncfsa
kur'-t'-n, -ten, -tin: The word ordinarily used for curtain is yeri`ah. Thus in Ex 26:1 ff; 36:8 ff of the curtains of the tabernacle (see TABERNACLE); in 2Sa 7:2; Ps 104:2; So 1:5; Isa 54:2; Jer 4:20; 10:20; 49:29; Hab 3:7.
Figurative: In Isa 40:22 (like Ps 104:2, of the heavens), the word used is doq, literally, "gauze."
Curtain
(1.) Ten curtains, each twenty-eight cubits long and four wide, made of fine linen, also eleven made of goat’s hair, covered the tabernacle (Ex. 26:1-13; 36:8-17).
(2.) The sacred curtain, separating the holy of holies from the sanctuary, is designated by a different Hebrew word (peroketh). It is described as a “veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work” (Ex. 26:31; Lev. 16:2; Num. 18:7).
(3.) “Stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain” (Isa. 40:22), is an expression used with reference to the veil or awning which Orientals spread for a screen over their courts in summer.…
אֶחָד (echad) means 'one' and is derived from a numeral. It encompasses meanings such as each, every, a certain, and can serve as an indefinite article. It is also used as an ordinal to denote 'first' and appears in various combinations, including eleven. The entries consistently emphasize its numerical and qualitative aspects.
אֶחָד 972 adj.num. one
one
= each, every
= a certain
= indef. art.
only, & (fem.) once
one … another, one … the other
as ordinal first
in combin.
base
H259 אֶחָד one . one
. = each, every
. = a certain
. = indef. art.
. only, & (fem.) once
. one … another, one … the other
. as ordinal first
. in combin.
259 'echad ekh-awd'
a numeral from 258; properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an
ordinal) first:--a, alike, alone, altogether, and,
any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-)ly, each (one), +
eleven, every, few, first, + highway, a man, once, one, only,
other, some, together,
see HEBREW for 0258
אֶחָד (e.chad) — one.
1) one (number)
1a) one (number)
1b) each, every
1c) a certain
1d) an (indefinite article)
1e) only, once, once for all
1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one
1g) first
1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Art | Adj — ParticleHTd/Acfsa
wun.
See NUMBER.
שְׁמֹנֶה (shmoneh) means 'eight' and can also denote 'eighth' as an ordinal number. It is derived from the idea of plumpness, suggesting a surplus beyond seven, which is considered a perfect number. The term appears in various contexts, including combinations with other numbers.
שְׁמֹנֶה, (less oft. שְׁמוֹנֶה), שְׁמֹנָה 109 n.m. et f. eight
base
H8083 שְׁמֹנֶה, (less oft. שְׁמוֹנֶה), שְׁמֹנָה eight
8083 shmoneh shem-o-neh'
or shmowneh {shem-o-neh'}; feminine shmonah {shem-o-naw'}; or
shmownah {shem-o-naw'}; apparently from 8082 through the idea
of plumpness; a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above
the "perfect" seven); also (as ordinal)
eighth:--eight((-een, -eenth)), eighth.
see HEBREW for 08082
שְׁמֹנֶה (she.mo.neh) — eight.
1) eight, eighth
1a) eight (as cardinal number)
1b) eighth (as ordinal number)
1c) in combination with other numbers
Adj — AdjHAcbsa
עֶשְׂרִים (esriym) means 'twenty' and can also refer to the ordinal 'twentieth.' It is derived from the root word for 'ten' and has an Aramaic equivalent, עֶשְׂרִין (es.rin). The entries consistently define the term without significant disagreement.
עֶשְׂרִים (a) twenty
base
H6242 עֶשְׂרִים (a) twenty
6242 `esriym es-reem'
from 6235; twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth:--(six-)score,
twenty(-ieth).
see HEBREW for 06235
עֶשְׂרִים (es.rim) — twenty.
twenty, twentieth
Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
HC/Acmpa — ConjunctionHC/Acmpa
twen'-ti.
See NUMBER.
אַמָּה (ammah) primarily means 'cubit,' a unit of measure roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 0.5 meters, derived from the word for 'mother' or 'forearm.' It can also refer to a foundation or base, as noted in Isaiah 6:4. The lexicons mention different types of cubits used in the Old Testament, including the common cubit and the legal cubit.
אַמָּה 246 n.f. ell, cubit
cubit
† measure, full measure, limit
base
[אַמָּה] n.f. (etym. & mng. dub.; Thes foundation) only Is 6:4.
ref
H520a אַמָּה ell, cubit H520b אַמָּה
520 'ammah am-maw'
prolonged from 517; properly, a mother (i.e. unit of measure,
or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e. a cubit; also a
door-base (as a bond of the entrance):--cubit, + hundred (by
exchange for 3967), measure, post.
see HEBREW for 0517
see HEBREW for 03967
אַמָּה (am.mah) — cubit.
cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment.
Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
אַמָּה (am.mah) — foundation.
foundation
Prep | N-fs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular absoluteHRd/Ncfsa
ku'-bit ('ammah; pechus): The standard for measures of length among the Hebrews. They derived it from the Babylonians, but a similar measure was used in Egypt with which they must have been familiar. The length of the cubit is variously estimated, since there seems to have been a double standard in both countries, and because we have no undisputed example of the cubit remaining to the present time. The original cubit was the length of the forearm, from the elbow to the end of the middle finger, as is implied from the derivation of the word in Hebrew and in Latin (cubitum). It seems to be referred to also in De 3:11: "after the cubit of a man." But this was too indefinite for a scientific standard, and the Babylonians early adopted a more accurate method of measurement which passed to the nations of the West. They had a double…
Cubit
Heb. ‘ammah; i.e., “mother of the arm,” the fore-arm, is a word derived from the Latin cubitus, the lower arm. It is difficult to determine the exact length of this measure, from the uncertainty whether it included the entire length from the elbow to the tip of the longest finger, or only from the elbow to the root of the hand at the wrist. The probability is that the longer was the original cubit. The common computation as to the length of the cubit makes it 20.24 inches for the ordinary cubit, and 21.888 inches for the sacred one. This is the same as the Egyptian measurements.
A rod or staff the measure of a cubit is called in Judg. 3:16 gomed, which literally means a “cut,” something “cut off.” The LXX. and Vulgate render it “span.”
[WEIGHTS AND MEASURES AND MEASURES]
A measure used among the ancients. A cubit was originally the distance from the elbow to the extremity of the middle finger, which is the fourth part of a well-proportioned man’s stature. The Hebrew cubit, according to some, is twenty-one inches; but others fix it at eighteen. The Talmudists observe that the Hebrew cubit was larger by one quarter than the Roman.
רֹ֫חַב (rochab) refers to width or breadth, encompassing both literal and figurative uses. It is derived from the root word meaning to be wide. The term appears in various contexts, indicating expanse or largeness.
רֹ֫חַב 101 n.[m.] breadth, width
base
H7341 רֹ֫חַב breadth, width
7341 rochab ro'-khab
from 7337; width (literally or figuratively):--breadth,
broad, largeness, thickness, wideness.
see HEBREW for 07337
רֹ֫חַב (ro.chav) — width.
breadth, width, expanse
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Ncmsa
bredth (rochabh, the root idea being to make wide, spacious): A term of expanse or measurement used of the ark (Ge 6:15); of the tabernacle (Ex 27:13); of Solomon's temple (1Ki 6:2). platos, "breadth," as of the celestial city (Re 21:16). Figuratively, of the comprehensiveness of God's law (Ps 119:96); of the heart (1Ki 4:29, rendered "largeness of heart" English Versions); of God's immeasurable love (Eph 3:18).
אַרְבַּע (arba) means 'four' in Hebrew. It is a masculine noun derived from the root associated with the number four. The entries consistently affirm this meaning without any significant disagreement among lexicons.
אַרְבַּע, אַרְבָּעָה four
base
H702 אַרְבַּע, אַרְבָּעָה four
702 'arba` ar-bah'
masculine oarbaah {ar-baw-aw'}; from 7251; four:--four.
see HEBREW for 07251
אַרְבַּע (ar.ba) — four.
four
Adj — AdjHAcbsa
for ('arba`; tessares): "Four" (cardinal number) was a sacred and complete number with the Hebrews, as well as with several other peoples. It occurs very frequently in the Old Testament and the New Testament.
(1) It indicates completeness. We have the four rivers of Paradise (Ge 2:10); the four winds of heaven (Eze 37:9; Da 7:2; 8:8; 11:4; Zec 6:5, the Revised Version, margin "spirits"; /APC 2Esdras 13:5); "the four winds" (Mt 24:31; Mr 13:27); "the four corners of the earth" (Isa 11:12;
אַמָּה (ammah) primarily means 'cubit,' a unit of measure roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 0.5 meters, derived from the word for 'mother' or 'forearm.' It can also refer to a foundation or base, as noted in Isaiah 6:4. The lexicons mention different types of cubits used in the Old Testament, including the common cubit and the legal cubit.
אַמָּה 246 n.f. ell, cubit
cubit
† measure, full measure, limit
base
[אַמָּה] n.f. (etym. & mng. dub.; Thes foundation) only Is 6:4.
ref
H520a אַמָּה ell, cubit H520b אַמָּה
520 'ammah am-maw'
prolonged from 517; properly, a mother (i.e. unit of measure,
or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e. a cubit; also a
door-base (as a bond of the entrance):--cubit, + hundred (by
exchange for 3967), measure, post.
see HEBREW for 0517
see HEBREW for 03967
אַמָּה (am.mah) — cubit.
cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment.
Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
אַמָּה (am.mah) — foundation.
foundation
Prep | N-fs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular absoluteHRd/Ncfsa
ku'-bit ('ammah; pechus): The standard for measures of length among the Hebrews. They derived it from the Babylonians, but a similar measure was used in Egypt with which they must have been familiar. The length of the cubit is variously estimated, since there seems to have been a double standard in both countries, and because we have no undisputed example of the cubit remaining to the present time. The original cubit was the length of the forearm, from the elbow to the end of the middle finger, as is implied from the derivation of the word in Hebrew and in Latin (cubitum). It seems to be referred to also in De 3:11: "after the cubit of a man." But this was too indefinite for a scientific standard, and the Babylonians early adopted a more accurate method of measurement which passed to the nations of the West. They had a double…
Cubit
Heb. ‘ammah; i.e., “mother of the arm,” the fore-arm, is a word derived from the Latin cubitus, the lower arm. It is difficult to determine the exact length of this measure, from the uncertainty whether it included the entire length from the elbow to the tip of the longest finger, or only from the elbow to the root of the hand at the wrist. The probability is that the longer was the original cubit. The common computation as to the length of the cubit makes it 20.24 inches for the ordinary cubit, and 21.888 inches for the sacred one. This is the same as the Egyptian measurements.
A rod or staff the measure of a cubit is called in Judg. 3:16 gomed, which literally means a “cut,” something “cut off.” The LXX. and Vulgate render it “span.”
[WEIGHTS AND MEASURES AND MEASURES]
A measure used among the ancients. A cubit was originally the distance from the elbow to the extremity of the middle finger, which is the fourth part of a well-proportioned man’s stature. The Hebrew cubit, according to some, is twenty-one inches; but others fix it at eighteen. The Talmudists observe that the Hebrew cubit was larger by one quarter than the Roman.
יְרִיעָה (yriy'ah) means 'curtain' or 'drape.' It is derived from a root meaning to tremble, suggesting a hanging fabric. The term appears in contexts related to coverings or partitions.
יְרִיעָה 54 n.f. curtain
base
H3407 יְרִיעָה curtain
3407 yriy`ah yer-ee-aw'
from 3415; a hanging (as tremulous):--curtain.
see HEBREW for 03415
יְרִיעָה (ye.ri.ah) — curtain.
curtain, drape
Art | N-fp — Particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHTd/Ncfsa
kur'-t'-n, -ten, -tin: The word ordinarily used for curtain is yeri`ah. Thus in Ex 26:1 ff; 36:8 ff of the curtains of the tabernacle (see TABERNACLE); in 2Sa 7:2; Ps 104:2; So 1:5; Isa 54:2; Jer 4:20; 10:20; 49:29; Hab 3:7.
Figurative: In Isa 40:22 (like Ps 104:2, of the heavens), the word used is doq, literally, "gauze."
Curtain
(1.) Ten curtains, each twenty-eight cubits long and four wide, made of fine linen, also eleven made of goat’s hair, covered the tabernacle (Ex. 26:1-13; 36:8-17).
(2.) The sacred curtain, separating the holy of holies from the sanctuary, is designated by a different Hebrew word (peroketh). It is described as a “veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work” (Ex. 26:31; Lev. 16:2; Num. 18:7).
(3.) “Stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain” (Isa. 40:22), is an expression used with reference to the veil or awning which Orientals spread for a screen over their courts in summer.…
אֶחָד (echad) means 'one' and is derived from a numeral. It encompasses meanings such as each, every, a certain, and can serve as an indefinite article. It is also used as an ordinal to denote 'first' and appears in various combinations, including eleven. The entries consistently emphasize its numerical and qualitative aspects.
אֶחָד 972 adj.num. one
one
= each, every
= a certain
= indef. art.
only, & (fem.) once
one … another, one … the other
as ordinal first
in combin.
base
H259 אֶחָד one . one
. = each, every
. = a certain
. = indef. art.
. only, & (fem.) once
. one … another, one … the other
. as ordinal first
. in combin.
259 'echad ekh-awd'
a numeral from 258; properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an
ordinal) first:--a, alike, alone, altogether, and,
any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-)ly, each (one), +
eleven, every, few, first, + highway, a man, once, one, only,
other, some, together,
see HEBREW for 0258
אֶחָד (e.chad) — one.
1) one (number)
1a) one (number)
1b) each, every
1c) a certain
1d) an (indefinite article)
1e) only, once, once for all
1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one
1g) first
1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Adj — ParticleHTd/Acfsa
wun.
See NUMBER.
מִדָּה (middah) is a feminine noun meaning measure or measurement, encompassing concepts like stature, size, and garment. It can also refer to tribute, as noted in Nehemiah 5:4. The word is derived from a root that implies extension in height or breadth, indicating its use in various contexts related to measurement.
ref
H4060a מִדָּה measure, measurement, stature, size, garment H4060b מִדָּה tribute
4060 middah mid-daw'
feminine of 4055; properly, extension, i.e. height or
breadth; also a measure (including its standard); hence a
portion (as measured) or a vestment; specifically, tribute (as
measured):--garment, measure(-ing, meteyard, piece, size,
(great) stature, tribute, wide.
see HEBREW for 04055
מִדָּה (mid.dah) — measure.
1) measure, measurement, stature, size, garment
1a) measure, act of measurement
1b) measurement, size
1c) measured portion, extent
1d) garment
מִדָּה (mid.dah) — tribute.
(BDB) tribute
Aramaic equivalent: mid.dah (מִנְדָּה "tribute" H4061)
מִדָּה (mid.dah) — `great stature`.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.20;
son of: Rapha (H7497A);
brother of: Goliath (H1555), Ishbi-benob (H3430), Saph (H5593), Lahmi (H3902)
§ (BDB) tribute
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
אֶחָד (echad) means 'one' and is derived from a numeral. It encompasses meanings such as each, every, a certain, and can serve as an indefinite article. It is also used as an ordinal to denote 'first' and appears in various combinations, including eleven. The entries consistently emphasize its numerical and qualitative aspects.
אֶחָד 972 adj.num. one
one
= each, every
= a certain
= indef. art.
only, & (fem.) once
one … another, one … the other
as ordinal first
in combin.
base
H259 אֶחָד one . one
. = each, every
. = a certain
. = indef. art.
. only, & (fem.) once
. one … another, one … the other
. as ordinal first
. in combin.
259 'echad ekh-awd'
a numeral from 258; properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an
ordinal) first:--a, alike, alone, altogether, and,
any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-)ly, each (one), +
eleven, every, few, first, + highway, a man, once, one, only,
other, some, together,
see HEBREW for 0258
אֶחָד (e.chad) — one.
1) one (number)
1a) one (number)
1b) each, every
1c) a certain
1d) an (indefinite article)
1e) only, once, once for all
1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one
1g) first
1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
HAcfsa — HAcfsa
wun.
See NUMBER.
כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It can refer to totality, including every person or thing, and is often used with a following genitive to specify what is included. The term can also denote a broader sense of everything in existence or all circumstances of life. The lexicons do not show significant disagreement on its meanings.
כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all
with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
Absolutely:
without the art., all things, all
with the art. הַכֹּל
where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
base
H3605 כֹּל once כּוֹל the whole, all . with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
. Absolutely: . without the art., all things, all
. with the art. הַכֹּל . where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
. in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
3605 kol kole
or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole;
hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a
plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any
(manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as
many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole,
whoso(-ever).
see HEBREW for 03634
כֹּל (kol) — all.
1) all, the whole
1a) all, the whole of
1b) any, each, every, anything
1c) totality, everything
Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHR/Ncmsc
ol: Used in various combinations, and with different meanings.
(1) All along, "Weeping all along as he went" (Jer 41:6), i.e. throughout the whole way he went, feigning equal concern with the men from Shiloh, etc., for the destruction of the Temple, so as to put them off their guard.
(2) All in all, "That God may be all in all" (1Co 15:28, Greek: panta en pasin, "all things in all (persons and) things"). "The universe, with all it comprises, will wholly answer to God's will and reflect His mind" (Dummelow).
יְרִיעָה (yriy'ah) means 'curtain' or 'drape.' It is derived from a root meaning to tremble, suggesting a hanging fabric. The term appears in contexts related to coverings or partitions.
יְרִיעָה 54 n.f. curtain
base
H3407 יְרִיעָה curtain
3407 yriy`ah yer-ee-aw'
from 3415; a hanging (as tremulous):--curtain.
see HEBREW for 03415
יְרִיעָה (ye.ri.ah) — curtain.
curtain, drape
HTd/Ncfpa — Particle · noun common feminine plural absoluteHTd/Ncfpa