King James Version
What Does Exodus 26:25 Mean?
“And they shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.”
Exodus 26:25 · KJV
Context
23
And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.
24
And they shall be coupled together beneath, and they shall be coupled together above the head of it unto one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners. coupled: Heb. twinned
25
And they shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.
26
And thou shalt make bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
27
And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryEight boards total for the west end with sixteen silver sockets (two per board). Eight often represents new beginning/resurrection; the west wall (enclosing the Most Holy Place where God's glory dwells) stands on new-beginning foundation. Access to God's presence requires resurrection—we who were dead are made alive (Ephesians 2:5). The sixteen sockets (8 × 2) emphasize the complete redemptive foundation for this resurrection reality.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The eight boards (six standard plus two corners) at 1.5 cubits each created a 10-12 cubit width, matching the tabernacle's dimensions. The sixteen silver sockets continued the pattern of abundant redemptive foundation under every part of the structure.
Reflection Questions
- How does resurrection (eight) serve as foundation for entering God's presence?
- What 'new beginning' has redemption provided in your relationship with God?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 18 wordsוְהָיוּ֙1 of 18
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שְׁמֹנָ֣ה2 of 18
“And they shall be eight”
H8083a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
שִׁשָּׁ֥ה6 of 18
“sixteen”
H8337six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
תַּ֚חַת11 of 18
H8478the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
תַּ֖חַת16 of 18
H8478the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
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 26:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.