King James Version

What Does Exodus 26:27 Mean?

Exodus 26:27 in the King James Version says “And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabern...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 26:27 · KJV

Context

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.

28

And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall reach from end to end.

29

And thou shalt overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for places for the bars: and thou shalt overlay the bars with gold.

Read Exodus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Five bars for one side, five for the other—the number five suggesting grace. Grace connects God's people horizontally as redemption (silver sockets) supports them vertically. We stand on redemption and are held together by grace. The specific number (five, not three or seven) emphasizes that connection comes through grace, not law (three) or completion (seven). Only grace can unite sinners into holy dwelling.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The five bars were likely placed at intervals from ground to top, creating multiple connection points. This ensured that even if one bar failed, others would maintain the wall's integrity, demonstrating redundant strength in God's design.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does grace 'connect' you to other believers where law would separate?
  2. What does having multiple 'bars' (connection points) teach about strengthening Christian community?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַֽחֲמִשָּׁ֣ה1 of 13

“And five”

H2568

five

בְרִיחִ֗ם2 of 13

“bars”

H1280

a bolt

לְקַרְשֵׁי֙3 of 13

“for the boards”

H7175

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

צֶ֣לַע4 of 13

“of the side”

H6763

a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן5 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

הַשֵּׁנִ֑ית6 of 13

“of the other”

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

וַֽחֲמִשָּׁ֣ה7 of 13

“And five”

H2568

five

בְרִיחִ֗ם8 of 13

“bars”

H1280

a bolt

לְקַרְשֵׁי֙9 of 13

“for the boards”

H7175

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

צֶ֣לַע10 of 13

“of the side”

H6763

a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן11 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

לַיַּרְכָתַ֖יִם12 of 13

“for the two sides”

H3411

properly, the flank; but used only figuratively, the rear or recess

יָֽמָּה׃13 of 13

“westward”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

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 26:27 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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