King James Version

What Does Exodus 25:10 Mean?

Exodus 25:10 in the King James Version says “And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half th...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.”

Exodus 25:10 · KJV

Context

8

And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

9

According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.

10

And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.

11

And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about.

12

And thou shalt cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in the four corners thereof; and two rings shall be in the one side of it, and two rings in the other side of it.

Read Exodus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Ark's construction begins with acacia wood (שִׁטִּים, shittim), the most durable wood available in Sinai, overlaid with pure gold. Wood represents Christ's humanity (from earth), gold His deity (incorruptible). The dimensions (2.5 × 1.5 × 1.5 cubits, approximately 3.75' × 2.25' × 2.25') made it portable yet dignified. The Ark housed the law, showing that God's throne rests on His righteous standards, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Acacia trees grew in the Sinai wilderness, providing the primary structural wood for the tabernacle. The Ark would later contain the tablets of the law, a pot of manna, and Aaron's rod (Hebrews 9:4), each symbolizing God's covenant relationship with Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Ark's combination of wood and gold illustrate Christ's two natures?
  2. What does it mean that God's throne rests upon the law that Christ perfectly fulfilled?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְעָשׂ֥וּ1 of 13

“And they shall make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֲר֖וֹן2 of 13

“an ark”

H727

a box

עֲצֵ֣י3 of 13

“wood”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

שִׁטִּ֑ים4 of 13

“of shittim”

H7848

the acacia (from its scourging thorns)

וְאַמָּ֥ה5 of 13

“thereof and a cubit”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

וָחֵ֖צִי6 of 13

“and a half”

H2677

the half or middle

אָרְכּ֗וֹ7 of 13

“shall be the length”

H753

length

וְאַמָּ֥ה8 of 13

“thereof and a cubit”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

וָחֵ֖צִי9 of 13

“and a half”

H2677

the half or middle

רָחְבּ֔וֹ10 of 13

“the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

וְאַמָּ֥ה11 of 13

“thereof and a cubit”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

וָחֵ֖צִי12 of 13

“and a half”

H2677

the half or middle

קֹֽמָתֽוֹ׃13 of 13

“the height”

H6967

height

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 25:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 25:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 9:4Exodus 37:1-3Deuteronomy 10:1-3Revelation 11:192 Chronicles 8:11

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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