The overhanging part that is left over in the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that is left over, shall hang over the back of the tabernacle.
Parallel translations
- WEB The overhanging part that remains of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remains, shall hang over the back of the tabernacle.
- KJV And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle.
- BSB As for the overlap that remains of the tent curtains, the half curtain that is left over shall hang down over the back of the tabernacle.
- NKJV The remnant that remains of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remains, shall hang over the back of the tabernacle.
- NLT The remaining 3 feet of this tent covering will be left to hang over the back of the Tabernacle.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The extra length of the goats'-hair curtains was to hang over the back of the tabernacle. This overhang ensured the structure was fully covered.
Overview
Because the outer tent was larger, its surplus draped down at the rear of the tabernacle, completing its covering. The detail shows the practical thoroughness of the design. God left no part of His dwelling exposed, reflecting His complete care over the place of His presence.
Cross-references & the web
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Christ at the center
The Passover lamb whose blood turns away death, the exodus through the sea, the manna, the rock, and the tabernacle where God dwells with his people all foreshadow Jesus — our Passover, our redemption, the bread from heaven, and God-with-us in the flesh.
How Exodus 26:12 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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