King James Version

What Does Exodus 25:30 Mean?

Exodus 25:30 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 25:30 · KJV

Context

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.

32

And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side:

Read Exodus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The perpetual statute: 'Thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.' The Hebrew תָּמִיד (tamid, continually/always) emphasizes unbroken fellowship. God desires constant communion with His people, symbolized by bread perpetually in His presence. The twelve loaves (Leviticus 24:5-9) represented Israel always before God. Christ eternally mediates this fellowship—His presence before the Father never ceases, ensuring our access never fails.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Each Sabbath, fresh bread replaced the week-old loaves, which the priests would eat in the holy place (Leviticus 24:8-9). This weekly renewal maintained freshness while the perpetual presence symbolized unbroken covenant relationship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does perpetual bread 'before God' teach about His desire for fellowship with you?
  2. How does Christ's eternal presence before the Father secure your access?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְנָֽתַתָּ֧1 of 7

“And thou shalt set”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עַֽל2 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַשֻּׁלְחָ֛ן3 of 7

“upon the table”

H7979

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

לֶ֥חֶם4 of 7

“shewbread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

לְפָנַ֥י5 of 7

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

לְפָנַ֥י6 of 7

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

תָּמִֽיד׃7 of 7

“me alway”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

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 25:30 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 25:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 12:4Leviticus 24:5-9Exodus 39:362 Chronicles 13:111 Samuel 21:6Malachi 1:12

Test Your Knowledge

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

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