Exodus 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.
Original Language Analysis
שְׁמֹנֶ֤ה
shall be eight
H8083
שְׁמֹנֶ֤ה
shall be eight
Strong's:
H8083
Word #:
4 of 15
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה
cubits
H520
בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
6 of 15
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)
בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה
cubits
H520
בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
9 of 15
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)
הַיְרִיעֹֽת׃
and every one of the curtains
H3407
הַיְרִיעֹֽת׃
and every one of the curtains
Strong's:
H3407
Word #:
10 of 15
a hanging (as tremulous)
מִדָּ֥ה
measure
H4060
מִדָּ֥ה
measure
Strong's:
H4060
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)
Cross References
1 Chronicles 17:1Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD remaineth under curtains.Numbers 4:25And they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tabernacle of the congregation, his covering, and the covering of the badgers' skins that is above upon it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,2 Samuel 7:2That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.
Historical Context
A cubit was approximately 18 inches (length from elbow to fingertip). The specific dimensions enabled the ten curtains to be coupled into two sets of five, creating the tabernacle's roof structure with precise coverage.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the precision of these measurements teach about God's attention to detail?
- How do diverse believers unify to form Christ's 'dwelling place'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Precise measurements: each curtain 28 cubits × 4 cubits. Nothing in God's dwelling is haphazard. These dimensions (approximately 42' × 6') ensured perfect fit when joined together. The uniformity teaches that all elements of worship must harmonize according to divine design. Just as these curtains formed one unified covering, the church—Christ's dwelling—comprises diverse members unified in Him (Ephesians 2:21-22).