Original Word: מַחְבֶּרֶת
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: machbereth
Pronunciation: makh-beh'-reth
Phonetic Spelling: (makh-beh'-reth)
KJV: coupling
NASB: set, place where, place where it is joined, place where it joined
Word Origin: [from H2266 (חָבַר - joined)]

1. a junction, i.e. seam or sewed piece

coupling

From chabar; a junction, i.e. Seam or sewed piece -- coupling.

see HEBREW chabar

Word Origin
from chabar
Definition
something joined, place of joining
NASB Translation
place where (2), place where it is joined (1), place where it joined (1), set (6).

מַחְבֶּ֫רֶת noun feminine thing joined, place of joining; — absolute ׳מ Exodus 26:4 3t.; מַחְבָּ֑רֶת Exodus 36:11,17; suffix מַחְבַּרְתּוֺ Exodus 28:27; Exodus 39:20; —

1 thing joined, of curtain-pieces of tabernacle (compare חֹבֶרֶת), Exodus 26:4,5; Exodus 36:11 (twice in verse); Exodus 36:12.

2 place of joining:

a. of the curtains Exodus 36:17.

b. of shoulder-pieces of the ephod Exodus 28:27; Exodus 39:20 (all P).

Occurrences in Scripture

מַחְבֶּרֶת appears eight times, all in Exodus, and always in connection with items that must be joined together for the Tabernacle or the high priest’s garments (Exodus 26:4; 26:5; 28:27; 36:11; 36:12; 36:17; 39:20). Two settings dominate: (1) the ten linen curtains that formed the Tabernacle’s inner covering, and (2) the ephod worn by Aaron. Both contexts stress precise attachment so that separate parts function as a single, flawless whole.

Function within the Tabernacle Curtains

When the inner curtains were finished, they existed in two large panels of five curtains each. The Lord commanded Moses, “Make loops of blue yarn on the edge of the outermost curtain in the first set, and do the same on the edge of the outermost curtain in the second set” (Exodus 26:4). The loops were matched with clasps of gold so “the tent would be a unit” (Exodus 26:6). מַחְבֶּרֶת therefore identifies the juncture where two great swaths met. Under tension, dust, wind, and the movements of worshipers, the coupling kept the sanctuary intact. It spoke of strength without visible gaps, illustrating how divine dwelling demands both purity and wholeness (James 2:10).

Role in the High Priest’s Ephod

The ephod likewise needed to remain unified while the priest moved. “Make two more gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the two shoulder pieces, on the front of the ephod, near the seam just above the woven waistband” (Exodus 28:27). Here מַחְבֶּרֶת marks the seam that anchored the breastpiece to the ephod, holding the twelve memorial stones over Aaron’s heart. Should the coupling fail, the names of the tribes could slip from their ordained place. The permanence of the seam prefigures the unbreakable intercession of the true High Priest who “always lives to intercede” (Hebrews 7:25).

Theological and Ministry Implications

1. Unity within diversity. Distinct curtains, clasps, rings, and garments were fashioned separately but required a coupling to achieve purpose. In the church, “from Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows” (Ephesians 4:16).
2. Hidden strength. The coupling was largely unseen, yet everything depended on it. Ministry often hinges on unseen acts of faithfulness—intercession, administration, quiet service—that allow public worship to proceed without division (1 Corinthians 12:22-25).
3. Precision in obedience. The Spirit included exact placement (“fifty loops,” “two rings”) to show that holiness is not casual. Leaders who love Scripture will model accuracy in doctrine and practice, refusing shortcuts in the name of expediency (2 Timothy 2:15).
4. Covenant security. The ephod’s seam ensured the tribes were never off the high priest’s heart; Christ likewise seals believers “with the promised Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 1:13), a coupling no trial can sever (Romans 8:38-39).

Christological and Ecclesiological Reflections

Just as the coupling joined two panels, Jesus reconciles Jew and Gentile into “one new man” (Ephesians 2:15). The golden clasps that passed through loops of blue—heaven’s color—suggest a union accomplished by a divine agent. Moreover, the ephod’s seam positioned the breastpiece “above the woven waistband,” a reminder that Christ’s righteousness (symbolized by linen) upholds and displays the redeemed before the Father (Revelation 19:8).

Practical Applications for Ministry

• Foster relationships that bind believers together, especially across cultural or generational boundaries, mirroring the curtain couplings.
• Guard doctrinal seams; a loosened truth can cause spiritual exposure.
• Value the hidden servants—the modern “couplings”—whose quiet labor maintains the church’s unity.
• Encourage every member to fit where God assigns, trusting that precise obedience produces a habitation for His glory.

By observing how Scripture employs מַחְבֶּרֶת, the church gains a vivid picture of the joining work of God that secures His dwelling among His people and sustains the ministry of reconciliation in Christ.

בַּמַּחְבֶּ֖רֶת בַּמַּחְבֶּ֣רֶת בַּמַּחְבָּ֑רֶת במחברת מֶחְבַּרְתּ֑וֹ מחברתו bam·maḥ·bā·reṯ bam·maḥ·be·reṯ bammachBaret bammachBeret bammaḥbāreṯ bammaḥbereṯ mechbarTo meḥ·bar·tōw meḥbartōwInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts