Exodus 36:9
New International Version
All the curtains were the same size—twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide.

New Living Translation
All ten curtains were exactly the same size—42 feet long and 6 feet wide.

English Standard Version
The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits. All the curtains were the same size.

Berean Standard Bible
Each curtain was twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide; all the curtains were the same size.

King James Bible
The length of one curtain was twenty and eight cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: the curtains were all of one size.

New King James Version
The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits; the curtains were all the same size.

New American Standard Bible
The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits; all the curtains had the same measurements.

NASB 1995
The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits and the width of each curtain four cubits; all the curtains had the same measurements.

NASB 1977
The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits; all the curtains had the same measurements.

Legacy Standard Bible
The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits and the width of each curtain four cubits; all the curtains had the same measurements.

Amplified Bible
Each curtain was twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide; all the curtains were one size.

Christian Standard Bible
Each curtain was forty-two feet long and six feet wide; all the curtains had the same measurements.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The length of each curtain was 42 feet, and the width of each curtain six feet; all the curtains had the same measurements.

American Standard Version
The length of each curtain was eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains had one measure.

English Revised Version
The length of each curtain was eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains had one measure.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Each sheet was 42 feet long and 6 feet wide-all the same size.

Good News Translation
Each piece was the same size, 14 yards long and 2 yards wide.

International Standard Version
The length of each curtain was 28 cubits, and the width of each curtain two cubits. All the curtains had the same measurements.

NET Bible
The length of one curtain was forty-two feet, and the width of one curtain was six feet--the same size for each of the curtains.

New Heart English Bible
The length of each curtain was forty-eight feet three inches, and the breadth of each curtain six feet eleven inches. All the curtains were the same size.

Webster's Bible Translation
The length of one curtain was twenty and eight cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: the curtains were all of one size.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Each curtain was twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide; all the curtains were the same size.

World English Bible
The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits. All the curtains had one measure.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The length of one curtain [is] twenty-eight by the cubit, and the breadth of one curtain [is] four by the cubit; one measure [is] for all the curtains.

Young's Literal Translation
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.

Smith's Literal Translation
The length of the one curtain, eight and twenty by the cubit, and the breadth, four by the cubit of the one curtain: one length to all the curtains.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The length of one curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth four: all the curtains were of the same size.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Each of these was twenty-eight cubits in length, and in width, four. All the curtains were of one measure.

New American Bible
The length of each sheet was twenty-eight cubits, and the width four cubits; all the sheets were the same size.

New Revised Standard Version
The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits; all the curtains were of the same size.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits; the curtains were all of one size.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The length of one curtain was twenty and eight cubits, and its width four cubits; the measure of one curtain was the same for all the curtains.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The length of each curtain was eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits; all the curtains had one measure.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
of eight and twenty cubits the length of one curtain: the same measure was to all, and the breadth of one curtain was of four cubits.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Curtains for the Tabernacle
8All the skilled craftsmen among the workmen made the ten curtains for the tabernacle. They were made of finely spun linen, as well as blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them. 9Each curtain was twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide; all the curtains were the same size. 10And he joined five of the curtains together, and the other five he joined as well.…

Cross References
Exodus 26:1-2
“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. / Each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide—all curtains the same size.

1 Kings 6:9-10
So Solomon built the temple and finished it, roofing it with beams and planks of cedar. / He built chambers all along the temple, each five cubits high and attached to the temple with beams of cedar.

2 Chronicles 3:3-4
The foundation that Solomon laid for the house of God was sixty cubits long and twenty cubits wide, according to the old standard. / The portico at the front, extending across the width of the temple, was twenty cubits long and twenty cubits high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold.

Ezekiel 41:1-2
Then the man brought me into the outer sanctuary and measured the side pillars to be six cubits wide on each side. / The width of the entrance was ten cubits, and the sides of the entrance were five cubits on each side. He also measured the length of the outer sanctuary to be forty cubits, and the width to be twenty cubits.

Hebrews 8:5
The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”

Hebrews 9:1-2
Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. / A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place.

Revelation 21:15-16
The angel who spoke with me had a golden measuring rod to measure the city and its gates and walls. / The city lies foursquare, with its width the same as its length. And he measured the city with the rod, and all its dimensions were equal—12,000 stadia in length and width and height.

1 Kings 6:15-16
He lined the interior walls with cedar paneling from the floor of the temple to the ceiling, and he covered the floor with cypress boards. / He partitioned off the twenty cubits at the rear of the temple with cedar boards from floor to ceiling to form within the temple an inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place.

2 Chronicles 3:8-9
Then he made the Most Holy Place; its length corresponded to the width of the temple—twenty cubits long and twenty cubits wide. And he overlaid the inside with six hundred talents of fine gold. / The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. He also overlaid the upper rooms with gold.

Ezekiel 40:5
And I saw a wall surrounding the temple area. Now the length of the measuring rod in the man’s hand was six long cubits (each measuring a cubit and a handbreadth), and he measured the wall to be one rod thick and one rod high.

Exodus 25:9
You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I show you.

Exodus 25:40
See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.

Acts 7:44
Our fathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the wilderness. It was constructed exactly as God had directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen.

Hebrews 3:3-4
For Jesus has been counted worthy of greater glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. / And every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.

Revelation 11:1
Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the number of worshipers there.


Treasury of Scripture

The length of one curtain was twenty and eight cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: the curtains were all of one size.

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Exodus 36
1. The offerings are delivered to the workmen
4. The generosity of the people is restrained
8. The curtains with cherubim
14. The curtains of goats' hair
19. The covering of skins
20. The boards with their sockets
31. The bars
35. The veil
37. The hanging for the door














Each curtain was twenty-eight cubits long
The length of twenty-eight cubits (approximately 42 feet or 12.8 meters) for each curtain signifies the grandeur and scale of the Tabernacle, reflecting the majesty of God. The number 28, being a multiple of 7, can symbolize completeness and perfection in biblical numerology. The curtains' length ensured that the Tabernacle was a significant and imposing structure, emphasizing the importance of God's dwelling place among His people.

and four cubits wide
The width of four cubits (approximately 6 feet or 1.8 meters) for each curtain indicates the practical design for covering the Tabernacle. The number four often represents universality or the earth in biblical symbolism, suggesting that God's presence was meant to be accessible and encompassing. The dimensions allowed for a precise fit, ensuring the Tabernacle was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

all the curtains were the same size
Uniformity in the size of the curtains highlights the order and precision in God's instructions for the Tabernacle's construction. This consistency reflects God's nature as a God of order and detail. The identical size of the curtains ensured a harmonious and unified appearance, symbolizing the unity and equality of the tribes of Israel under God's covenant. This uniformity can also be seen as a type of Christ, who brings unity and equality to all believers.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle from God.

2. Bezalel and Oholiab
Skilled craftsmen appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

3. The Tabernacle
A portable sanctuary that served as the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

4. The Israelites
The people of God, who contributed materials and labor for the construction of the Tabernacle.

5. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites traveled and where the Tabernacle was constructed and used.
Teaching Points
Precision in Obedience
The specific dimensions of the curtains highlight the importance of following God's instructions precisely. This teaches us the value of obedience in our walk with God.

Unity and Uniformity
The fact that all the curtains were the same size symbolizes unity and uniformity in the body of Christ. We are called to be united in purpose and mission.

God's Dwelling Among Us
The Tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence with His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we should live in a way that reflects His presence in us.

Generosity and Contribution
The Israelites contributed materials and labor for the Tabernacle. This encourages us to use our resources and talents for the work of God's kingdom.

Temporary vs. Eternal
The Tabernacle was a temporary structure pointing to the eternal dwelling of God with His people. We should focus on eternal values and not just temporary, earthly concerns.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Exodus 36:9?

2. How does Exodus 36:9 demonstrate God's attention to detail in craftsmanship?

3. What can we learn about obedience from the construction in Exodus 36:9?

4. How does the tabernacle's construction reflect God's holiness and order?

5. How can we apply the precision in Exodus 36:9 to our spiritual lives?

6. What other biblical examples show the importance of following God's specific instructions?

7. What is the significance of the tabernacle's dimensions in Exodus 36:9?

8. How do the tabernacle's measurements reflect God's precision and order?

9. Why are specific dimensions important in the construction of the tabernacle?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 36?

11. What are the Biblical weights and measures?

12. Exodus 26 - How do these tabernacle measurements align or conflict with other biblical or historical texts regarding the scale and feasibility of such a dwelling?

13. Exodus 27:9-19: How do we reconcile these detailed Tabernacle dimensions with differing descriptions of sacred spaces elsewhere in the Bible?

14. Numbers 4 - Given the large census numbers in previous chapters, is there any historical or scientific basis to confirm the vast manpower needed for these Tabernacle tasks?
What Does Exodus 36:9 Mean
Each curtain

- The verse opens with a focus on the single unit, “Each curtain.” Earlier instructions had called for ten beautiful curtains for the Tabernacle (Exodus 36:8; cf. Exodus 26:1).

- God’s design highlights individual pieces that together form one covering—much like the way individual believers form one body in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-14).

- Hebrews 8:5 reminds us that these earthly items were “a copy and shadow of what is in heaven,” underscoring that the details matter because they reflect a heavenly pattern.


Was twenty-eight cubits long

- Twenty-eight cubits (about forty-two feet) gave each curtain ample length to drape over the Tabernacle’s framework, reaching down the sides to guard the holy space within (Exodus 26:2).

- The generous dimension speaks of complete coverage—nothing inside was left exposed. Psalm 5:12 echoes the thought spiritually: “For You bless the righteous, O LORD; You surround him with favor as with a shield.”

- The length also points ahead to the perfection of Christ’s atoning work that fully covers sin (Romans 3:24-25).


And four cubits wide

- Four cubits (about six feet) provided balanced proportion, enabling the ten curtains to be joined in two sets of five (Exodus 36:10).

- Precision in width ensured stability, preventing gaps. In the same way, God’s Word is exact and reliable (Proverbs 30:5), leaving no “gaps” in truth or promise.

- The orderly width anticipates the orderliness God desires in worship (1 Corinthians 14:40).


All the curtains were the same size

- Uniformity promoted seamless joining, reflecting the unity of God’s people. Ephesians 4:4-6 affirms, “There is one body and one Spirit… one hope… one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all.”

- Consistency also shows God’s impartiality—every curtain received identical honor and function (James 2:1).

- Standard size guaranteed that the glory within would not be diminished by human innovation; God—not man—set the measurements (Exodus 25:40).


summary

Exodus 36:9 records precise dimensions because every detail of the Tabernacle foreshadows greater spiritual realities. Each curtain mattered individually, yet all worked together in unified purpose. Their length assured complete coverage, their width supplied balanced proportion, and their identical size protected unity and order. The verse teaches that God’s design is exact, His protection is thorough, and His people are called to uniform obedience that displays His glory.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The length
אֹ֜רֶךְ (’ō·reḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 753: Length

of each
הָֽאַחַ֗ת (hā·’a·ḥaṯ)
Article | Number - feminine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

curtain
הַיְרִיעָ֣ה (hay·rî·‘āh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3407: A hanging

was twenty-eight
שְׁמֹנֶ֤ה (šə·mō·neh)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 8083: A cardinal number, eight, eighth

cubits,
בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה (bā·’am·māh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 520: A mother, a cubit, a door-base

and width
וְרֹ֙חַב֙ (wə·rō·ḥaḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7341: Breadth, width

of each
הָאֶחָ֑ת (hā·’e·ḥāṯ)
Article | Number - feminine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

curtain
הַיְרִיעָ֖ה (hay·rî·‘āh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3407: A hanging

[was] four
אַרְבַּ֣ע (’ar·ba‘)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 702: Four

cubits;
בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה (bā·’am·māh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 520: A mother, a cubit, a door-base

all
לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the curtains
הַיְרִיעֹֽת׃ (hay·rî·‘ōṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 3407: A hanging

had the same
אַחַ֖ת (’a·ḥaṯ)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

measurements,
מִדָּ֥ה (mid·dāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4060: Extension, height, breadth, a measure, a portion, a vestment, tribute


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OT Law: Exodus 36:9 The length of each curtain was twenty-eight (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 36:8
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