Exodus 36:11
And he made loops of blue on the edge of one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling: likewise he made in the uttermost side of another curtain, in the coupling of the second.
Original Language Analysis
עָשָׂה֙
And he made
H6213
עָשָׂה֙
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
תְּכֵ֗לֶת
of blue
H8504
תְּכֵ֗לֶת
of blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
3 of 16
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
עַ֣ל
H5921
עַ֣ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בִּשְׂפַ֣ת
on the edge
H8193
בִּשְׂפַ֣ת
on the edge
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
5 of 16
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
הָֽאֶחָ֔ת
of one
H259
הָֽאֶחָ֔ת
of one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
בַּמַּחְבֶּ֖רֶת
in the coupling
H4225
בַּמַּחְבֶּ֖רֶת
in the coupling
Strong's:
H4225
Word #:
9 of 16
a junction, i.e., seam or sewed piece
כֵּ֤ן
H3651
כֵּ֤ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
עָשָׂה֙
And he made
H6213
עָשָׂה֙
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בִּשְׂפַ֣ת
on the edge
H8193
בִּשְׂפַ֣ת
on the edge
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
12 of 16
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
Historical Context
The loops were made of twisted blue thread, matching the blue in the curtains themselves. They lined the edges where the two five-curtain sections would join, positioned to align with corresponding loops on the opposite section for coupling with clasps.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the use of blue (heavenly) loops for joining teach about the divine source of unity in God's house?
- How do the specific number and placement of loops illustrate that genuine unity requires intentional design and careful execution?
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Analysis & Commentary
Loops of blue (לֻלָאֹת תְּכֵלֶת, lula'ot tekhelet) on curtain edges enable joining through clasps—small details making unity possible. Blue, the color of heaven, symbolizes divine origin and authority. These heavenly-colored loops teach that true unity in God's house comes through divine means, not human strategies. The specific number (fifty loops) and precise placement (edge of the curtain) demonstrate that unity requires intentional design, not accidental convergence.