The Church Fathers on this verse

Exodus 26:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thou shalt make also fifty rings of gold, wherewith the veils of the curtains are to be joined, that it may be made one tabernacle.

Douay-Rheims

וְעָשִׂ֕יתָ חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים קַרְסֵ֣י זָהָ֑ב וְחִבַּרְתָּ֨ אֶת־הַיְרִיעֹ֜ת אִשָּׁ֤ה אֶל־אֲחֹתָהּ֙ בַּקְּרָסִ֔ים וְהָיָ֥ה הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן אֶחָֽד׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

3 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Gregory of Nyssa

4th centuryChurch Father

One might reasonably contend that the ‘pillars’ (Ex. 26: 1), which interconnect to form a protective barrier around the tabernacle, represent the harmony among believers, enveloped in love and tranquility. This understanding aligns with David’s words, when he proclaims, ‘establish peace within thy bounds’ (Psalms 147: 3).

Beda Venerabilis

7th centuryChurch Father

The number fifty symbolizes true peace found in the Holy Spirit, much like a circle that has neither beginning nor end, and akin to how gold shines with unmatched brilliance compared to other precious metals. Thus, can we not interpret the fifty golden hooks as representing the continuous and unwavering light of the ultimate rest? These hooks are affixed to the loops of the curtains so that many curtains may be united into a single tabernacle. This union allows the glory of the heavenly kingdom to be poured out upon the pure-hearted faithful. Through this divine connection, the Church of Christ is established from all nations or, more appropriately, from every chosen individual.

Wlastow G.K.

19th centuryCommentator

With ornate golden clasps woven into the azure strands of two expansive draperies, one was crafted to symbolize the extent of the inner sanctuary, measuring 60 feet from the entrance to the rear of the Most Holy Place.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.