King James Version

What Does Exodus 26:17 Mean?

Exodus 26:17 in the King James Version says “Two tenons shall there be in one board, set in order one against another: thus shalt thou make for all the boards of the...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Exodus 26:17 · KJV

Context

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.

19

And thou shalt make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.

Read Exodus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Two tenons (יָד, yad, literally 'hands') per board, fitting into silver sockets. These tenons ('hands') extend from each board, reaching into the foundation. The imagery suggests that each standing board 'grasps' or 'holds onto' its foundation. Believers must be grounded in Christ, our foundation. The tenons' connection to silver sockets (silver represents redemption) shows we stand on redemptive foundation, not personal merit (1 Corinthians 3:11).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The tenons (projections at the base of each board) fit into corresponding holes in the silver sockets, creating a stable foundation that allowed the boards to stand vertically. This design enabled easy assembly and disassembly during travels.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you 'grasp' or 'hold onto' your foundation in Christ?
  2. What does standing on a 'silver' (redemption) foundation rather than earthly merit mean for your security?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
שְׁתֵּ֣י1 of 13

“Two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

יָד֗וֹת2 of 13

“tenons”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

קַרְשֵׁ֥י3 of 13

“board”

H7175

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

הָֽאֶחָ֔ד4 of 13

“shall there be in one”

H259

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

מְשֻׁלָּבֹ֔ת5 of 13

“set in order”

H7947

to space off; intensive (evenly) to make equidistant

אִשָּׁ֖ה6 of 13

“one”

H802

a woman

אֶל7 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲחֹתָ֑הּ8 of 13

“against another”

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

כֵּ֣ן9 of 13
H3651

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

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה10 of 13

“thus shalt thou make”

H6213

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

לְכֹ֖ל11 of 13
H3605

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

קַרְשֵׁ֥י12 of 13

“board”

H7175

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

הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃13 of 13

“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

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 26:17 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 26:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 36:24Exodus 36:22Exodus 26:19

Test Your Knowledge

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