King James Version

What Does Exodus 25:23 Mean?

Exodus 25:23 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt also make a table of shittim wood: two cubits shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, a...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt also make a table of shittim wood: two cubits shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.”

Exodus 25:23 · KJV

Context

21

And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.

22

And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

23

Thou shalt also make a table of shittim wood: two cubits shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.

24

And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, and make thereto a crown of gold round about.

25

And thou shalt make unto it a border of an hand breadth round about, and thou shalt make a golden crown to the border thereof round about.

Read Exodus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The table of showbread is made of acacia wood overlaid with gold (humanity and divinity united), measuring 2 cubits × 1 cubit × 1.5 cubits. Unlike the Ark (God's throne), this table serves fellowship—God and man sharing bread. The Hebrew לֶחֶם פָּנִים (lechem panim, 'bread of the presence/face') means bread constantly before God's face. Christ declares 'I am the bread of life' (John 6:35), the sustenance of divine-human fellowship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The table would hold twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes (Leviticus 24:5-9), replaced weekly and eaten by the priests. This sacred bread sustained the mediators, prefiguring Christ who sustains all believers in their priestly service.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does shared bread symbolize fellowship between God and His people?
  2. In what ways does Christ, the 'bread of life,' sustain your relationship with God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ1 of 11

“Thou shalt also make”

H6213

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

שֻׁלְחָ֖ן2 of 11

“a table”

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

עֲצֵ֣י3 of 11

“wood”

H6086

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

שִׁטִּ֑ים4 of 11

“of shittim”

H7848

the acacia (from its scourging thorns)

וְאַמָּ֥ה5 of 11

“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)

אָרְכּוֹ֙6 of 11

“shall be the length”

H753

length

וְאַמָּ֥ה7 of 11

“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)

רָחְבּ֔וֹ8 of 11

“the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

וְאַמָּ֥ה9 of 11

“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)

וָחֵ֖צִי10 of 11

“and a half”

H2677

the half or middle

קֹֽמָתֽוֹ׃11 of 11

“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 25:23 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 25:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 9:2Exodus 37:10-161 Kings 7:482 Chronicles 4:8Leviticus 24:62 Chronicles 4:19

Test Your Knowledge

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

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