King James Version

What Does Exodus 26:32 Mean?

Exodus 26:32 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver.

Exodus 26:32 · KJV


Context

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:

32

And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver.

33

And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.

34

And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of the testimony in the most holy place.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The veil hangs on four golden hooks upon four pillars of acacia wood overlaid with gold, standing on silver sockets. Four suggests universality—this veil concerns all humanity. The pillars combine wood (humanity) and gold (deity), standing on silver (redemption), supporting the veil that represents Christ's flesh. His humanity, unified with deity, resting on redemptive purpose, provided the veil through which we enter God's presence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These four pillars stood in a line across the tabernacle's width, supporting the veil that blocked visual and physical access to the Most Holy Place. The golden hooks enabled the veil to hang securely while the silver sockets ensured stability.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the four pillars (universality) show Christ's veil-work applies to all humanity?
  2. What does the veil's support system (wood, gold, silver) teach about Christ's qualification as mediator?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְנָֽתַתָּ֣ה1 of 14

And thou shalt hang

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֹתָ֗הּ2 of 14
H853

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

עַל3 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אַרְבָּעָ֖ה4 of 14

it upon four

H702

four

עַמּוּדֵ֣י5 of 14

pillars

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

שִׁטִּ֔ים6 of 14

of shittim

H7848

the acacia (from its scourging thorns)

מְצֻפִּ֣ים7 of 14

wood overlaid

H6823

to sheet over (especially with metal)

זָהָ֑ב8 of 14

shall be of gold

H2091

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

וָֽוֵיהֶ֖ם9 of 14

their hooks

H2053

a hook (the name of the sixth hebrew letter)

זָהָ֑ב10 of 14

shall be of gold

H2091

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

עַל11 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אַרְבָּעָ֖ה12 of 14

it upon four

H702

four

אַדְנֵי13 of 14

sockets

H134

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

כָֽסֶף׃14 of 14

of silver

H3701

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


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 26:32 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 26:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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