King James Version

What Does Exodus 25:9 Mean?

Exodus 25:9 in the King James Version says “According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 25:9 · KJV


Context

7

Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The divine pattern: all must be made 'according to all that I shew thee.' The Hebrew תַּבְנִית (tabnit, pattern) suggests an architectural blueprint or model. This emphasizes that worship must conform to divine revelation, not human creativity. Hebrews 8:5 confirms that Moses was shown a heavenly pattern, making the earthly tabernacle a 'copy and shadow' of heavenly realities centered in Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Moses received these instructions during forty days on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:18), possibly seeing a heavenly vision of the true sanctuary. This divine origin gave the tabernacle unique authority as the place of God's prescribed worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why must worship conform to God's pattern rather than human preferences?
  2. How does knowing the tabernacle was patterned after heavenly realities affect your view of worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כְּכֹ֗ל1 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר2 of 14
H834

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

אֲנִי֙3 of 14
H589

i

מַרְאֶ֣ה4 of 14

According to all that I shew

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֽוֹתְךָ֔5 of 14
H853

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

אֵ֚ת6 of 14
H853

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

תַּבְנִ֣ית7 of 14

and the pattern

H8403

structure; by implication, a model, resemblance

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן8 of 14

of the tabernacle

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

וְאֵ֖ת9 of 14
H853

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

תַּבְנִ֣ית10 of 14

and the pattern

H8403

structure; by implication, a model, resemblance

כָּל11 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כֵּלָ֑יו12 of 14

of all the instruments

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

וְכֵ֖ן13 of 14
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

תַּֽעֲשֽׂוּ׃14 of 14

thereof even so shall ye make

H6213

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


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 25:9 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 25:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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