King James Version

What Does Exodus 26:16 Mean?

Exodus 26:16 in the King James Version says “Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and a cubit and a half shall be the breadth of one board.” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and a cubit and a half shall be the breadth of one board.”

Exodus 26:16 · KJV

Context

14

And thou shalt make a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering above of badgers' skins.

15

And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up.

16

Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and a cubit and a half shall be the breadth of one board.

17

Two tenons shall there be in one board, set in order one against another: thus shalt thou make for all the boards of the tabernacle. tenons: Heb. hands

18

And thou shalt make the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards on the south side southward.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Each board measures 10 cubits × 1.5 cubits (approximately 15' × 27'). The height (10) suggests completeness; the width enables the boards to stand together forming walls. These uniform dimensions ensure all boards fit together perfectly—no board too short or too tall. In Christ's body, each member is perfectly sized and placed for their function (1 Corinthians 12:18). God doesn't create misfits; apparent differences serve divine design.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The ten-cubit height meant the boards reached from ground to the tabernacle's roof structure. The 1.5-cubit width allowed twenty boards on each side and six (possibly eight with corner pieces) on the west end, creating a 30 × 10 cubit interior.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God 'size' each believer perfectly for their place in His dwelling?
  2. When have you felt 'misfit' for God's purposes, only to discover His perfect placement?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
עֶ֥שֶׂר1 of 10

“Ten”

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

הָֽאַמָּ֔ה2 of 10

“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)

אֹ֣רֶךְ3 of 10

“shall be the length”

H753

length

הַקֶּ֥רֶשׁ4 of 10

“board”

H7175

a slab or plank; by implication, a deck of a ship

הָֽאַמָּ֔ה5 of 10

“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)

וַֽחֲצִ֣י6 of 10

“and a half”

H2677

the half or middle

הָֽאַמָּ֔ה7 of 10

“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)

רֹ֖חַב8 of 10

“shall be the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

הַקֶּ֥רֶשׁ9 of 10

“board”

H7175

a slab or plank; by implication, a deck of a ship

הָֽאֶחָֽד׃10 of 10

“of one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

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 26:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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