King James Version

What Does Exodus 26:21 Mean?

Exodus 26:21 in the King James Version says “And their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

Exodus 26:21 · KJV


Context

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.

20

And for the second side of the tabernacle on the north side there shall be twenty boards:

21

And their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

22

And for the sides of the tabernacle westward thou shalt make six boards.

23

And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Forty more silver sockets, two under each board—the pattern repeats exactly. Repetition in Scripture emphasizes importance. The repeated stress on silver sockets (redemption foundation) underscores that every part of God's dwelling, from every direction, stands solely on redemptive foundation. Whether approaching from south or north, left or right, all stand on Christ's blood-bought redemption. There's no alternate foundation (Acts 4:12).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The north side's forty silver sockets matched the south side exactly, bringing the total to eighty sockets for the two long sides. Each socket's talent-weight created an immovable foundation that kept the tabernacle stable during Israel's wanderings.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Scripture repeatedly emphasize the redemption foundation under every board?
  2. How does knowing there's no alternate foundation affect your confidence in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְאַרְבָּעִ֥ים1 of 13

And their forty

H705

forty

אֲדָנִ֔ים2 of 13

sockets

H134

a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)

כָּ֑סֶף3 of 13

of silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וּשְׁנֵ֣י4 of 13

and two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אֲדָנִ֔ים5 of 13

sockets

H134

a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)

תַּ֚חַת6 of 13
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הַקֶּ֥רֶשׁ7 of 13

board

H7175

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

הָֽאֶחָֽד׃8 of 13

under another

H259

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

וּשְׁנֵ֣י9 of 13

and two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אֲדָנִ֔ים10 of 13

sockets

H134

a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)

תַּ֖חַת11 of 13
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הַקֶּ֥רֶשׁ12 of 13

board

H7175

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

הָֽאֶחָֽד׃13 of 13

under another

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 26:21 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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