share torah logo

Exodus 26:8 - Divine dimensions of Mishkan's curtains

Exodus 26:8 - שמות 26:8

Hebrew Text

אֹרֶךְ הַיְרִיעָה הָאַחַת שְׁלֹשִׁים בָּאַמָּה וְרֹחַב אַרְבַּע בָּאַמָּה הַיְרִיעָה הָאֶחָת מִדָּה אַחַת לְעַשְׁתֵּי עֶשְׂרֵה יְרִיעֹת׃

English Translation

The length of one curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and the eleven curtains shall be all of one measure.

Transliteration

Orekh hayri'ah ha'achat shloshim ba'amah verochav arba ba'amah hayri'ah ha'echat midah achat le'ashtei esreh yeri'ot.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֹ֣רֶךְ&thinsp
אֹ֣רֶךְ&thinsp

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Dimensions of the Mishkan's Curtains

The verse describes the measurements of the curtains (yeriot) used in the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Each curtain was 30 cubits long and 4 cubits wide, with all eleven curtains being of identical size. Rashi (Exodus 26:8) explains that these curtains formed the outer covering of the Mishkan, made of goat hair, and were placed over the inner curtains of fine linen.

Symbolism of the Measurements

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:6) notes that the number thirty alludes to the Luchot HaBrit (Tablets of the Covenant), which were inscribed on both sides. The Talmud (Bava Batra 14a) teaches that each tablet measured 6 cubits in length, 6 in width, and 3 in thickness—totaling 30 cubits when accounting for all dimensions. Thus, the curtains' length hints at the Torah's centrality in the Mishkan.

Eleven Curtains and Their Significance

The Kli Yakar (Exodus 26:7) raises a question: Why were there eleven curtains instead of ten, which would correspond neatly with the ten inner linen curtains? He explains that the extra curtain symbolizes the concept of tikkun (rectification)—just as the world was created with ten utterances but requires human effort to perfect it, the Mishkan's structure includes an "additional" element representing mankind's role in elevating the physical world for divine service.

  • Material: The goat hair curtains (yeriot izzim) represent protection, as goats were associated with atonement (Yoma 66a).
  • Uniformity: The identical measurements teach unity in serving Hashem—all components of the Mishkan worked in harmony (Malbim, Exodus 26:8).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the measurements for the curtains in Exodus 26:8?
A: The measurements (30 cubits long and 4 cubits wide) for the curtains of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) were given by Hashem to ensure uniformity and holiness in the construction. Rashi explains that these precise measurements reflect the divine order and the importance of following exact instructions when building a sacred space.
Q: Why were there specifically eleven curtains mentioned in this verse?
A: The eleven curtains were part of the covering for the Mishkan. According to the Talmud (Shabbat 98b), the arrangement of the curtains—with one set of five and another set of six—created an overlap for protection and beauty, symbolizing both functionality and reverence in serving Hashem.
Q: What can we learn from the detail in Exodus 26:8 about the Mishkan's construction?
A: The detailed instructions teach us the value of precision and care in fulfilling mitzvot (commandments). The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah) emphasizes that every detail in the Mishkan’s construction reflects how we should approach divine service—with exactness, intention, and devotion.
Q: How does the concept of uniform measurements apply to Jewish life today?
A: Just as the curtains had one uniform measure, Judaism teaches the importance of consistency in mitzvah observance. The Midrash (Tanchuma Terumah 11) compares this to living a balanced life where our actions align with Torah values in all aspects, creating harmony in serving Hashem.