King James Version

What Does Exodus 26:28 Mean?

Exodus 26:28 in the King James Version says “And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall reach from end to end. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 26:28 · KJV


Context

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.

30

And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was shewed thee in the mount.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The middle bar runs through the boards' midst from end to end—one continuous bar the entire length. While the other bars connect sections, this middle bar spans all, unifying the entire side. It prefigures Christ, the central unity of His church, who connects every member to every other (Ephesians 4:15-16). He's not merely one connection among many but the central, unifying presence from beginning to end.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This middle bar possibly ran through holes bored completely through the boards' thickness (not just through rings on the surface like the other bars), creating stronger connection. Its continuous length from corner to corner provided primary lateral stability.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ serve as the 'middle bar' unifying every member of His body?
  2. What's the difference between Christ as central unity versus merely one connection among others?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְהַבְּרִ֥יחַ1 of 9

bar

H1280

a bolt

הַתִּיכֹ֖ן2 of 9

And the middle

H8484

central

בְּת֣וֹךְ3 of 9

in the midst

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הַקְּרָשִׁ֑ים4 of 9

of the boards

H7175

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

מַבְרִ֕חַ5 of 9

shall reach

H1272

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

מִן6 of 9
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַקָּצֶֽה׃7 of 9

from end

H7097

an extremity

אֶל8 of 9
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַקָּצֶֽה׃9 of 9

from end

H7097

an extremity


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 26:28 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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