King James Version

What Does Exodus 26:29 Mean?

Exodus 26:29 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for places for the bars: and thou shalt overla... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 26:29 · KJV


Context

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.

31

And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The boards are overlaid with gold, and their rings (through which bars pass) are of gold. Gold-overlaid bars run through gold rings on gold-overlaid boards—deity permeates every element. The boards (humanity—wood) are transformed by gold overlay (divine nature). The rings (connection points) are pure gold (divine provision). The bars (unifying force) are gold-covered (divine power). All is sanctified, all reflects God's glory.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gold overlay required hammering thin gold leaf onto the wooden surfaces, covering the natural wood completely. The rings were likely solid gold, cast or formed separately and attached to the boards, creating durable connection points for the bars.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's divine nature ('gold') permeate every aspect of His dwelling (boards, rings, bars)?
  2. In what ways has your 'natural wood' (humanity) been overlaid with divine nature (2 Peter 1:4)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְֽאֶת1 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַקְּרָשִׁ֞ים2 of 14

the boards

H7175

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

וְצִפִּיתָ֥3 of 14

And thou shalt overlay

H6823

to sheet over (especially with metal)

זָהָֽב׃4 of 14

of gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וְאֶת5 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

טַבְּעֹֽתֵיהֶם֙6 of 14

their rings

H2885

properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה7 of 14

and make

H6213

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

זָהָֽב׃8 of 14

of gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

בָּתִּ֖ים9 of 14

for places

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַבְּרִיחִ֖ם10 of 14

for the bars

H1280

a bolt

וְצִפִּיתָ֥11 of 14

And thou shalt overlay

H6823

to sheet over (especially with metal)

אֶת12 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַבְּרִיחִ֖ם13 of 14

for the bars

H1280

a bolt

זָהָֽב׃14 of 14

of gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky


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 26:29 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 26:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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