King James Version

What Does Exodus 25:29 Mean?

Exodus 25:29 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt make the dishes thereof, and spoons thereof, and covers thereof, and bowls thereof, to cover withal: of p...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt make the dishes thereof, and spoons thereof, and covers thereof, and bowls thereof, to cover withal: of pure gold shalt thou make them. to: or, to pour out withal”

Exodus 25:29 · KJV

Context

27

Over against the border shall the rings be for places of the staves to bear the table.

28

And thou shalt make the staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne with them.

29

And thou shalt make the dishes thereof, and spoons thereof, and covers thereof, and bowls thereof, to cover withal: of pure gold shalt thou make them. to: or, to pour out withal

30

And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.

31

And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.

Read Exodus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The purpose: 'to cover withal'—the utensils protect and honor the sacred bread. The bread of the Presence must be shielded from profanation yet remain accessible for its intended purpose. This balance of protection and availability prefigures how Christ, the bread of life, is simultaneously guarded from irreverence (not to be taken lightly) yet freely offered to all who hunger for God (John 6:51).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

During the tabernacle's transport, these golden vessels would be carefully wrapped and covered (Numbers 4:7), maintaining the sacred bread's sanctity even while in transit. The priests' careful handling testified to the holiness of fellowship with God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we guard Christ's person from irreverence while making Him accessible to seekers?
  2. What does it mean to approach the 'bread of life' with both reverence and hunger?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה1 of 12

“And thou shalt make”

H6213

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

קְּעָרֹתָ֜יו2 of 12

“the dishes”

H7086

a bowl (as cut out hollow)

וְכַפֹּתָ֗יו3 of 12

“thereof and spoons”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

וּקְשׂוֹתָיו֙4 of 12

“thereof and covers”

H7184

a jug (from its shape)

וּמְנַקִּיֹּתָ֔יו5 of 12

“thereof and bowls”

H4518

a sacrificial basin (for holding blood)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר6 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יֻסַּ֖ךְ7 of 12

“thereof to cover”

H5258

to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king

בָּהֵ֑ן8 of 12

“withal”

H2004

they (only used when emphatic)

זָהָ֥ב9 of 12

“gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

טָה֖וֹר10 of 12

“of pure”

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה11 of 12

“And thou shalt make”

H6213

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

אֹתָֽם׃12 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

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 25:29 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 25:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 4:7Exodus 37:16Revelation 3:20Numbers 7:19Ezra 1:9-111 Kings 7:50

Test Your Knowledge

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

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