King James Version

What Does Exodus 26:37 Mean?

Exodus 26:37 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, and their hooks shall be o...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, and their hooks shall be of gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.”

Exodus 26:37 · KJV

Context

35

And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side.

36

And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.

37

And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, and their hooks shall be of gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.

Read Exodus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Five pillars of acacia overlaid with gold support the door hanging, with golden hooks and bronze sockets. Five suggests grace—entrance comes by grace. The shift from silver sockets (inside) to bronze sockets (at the door) shows that entrance requires judgment borne (bronze) before experiencing redemption's full benefits (silver inside). Christ bore judgment (bronze) at entry to provide redemption (silver) within. The pillars' gold overlay shows divine provision enables entrance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

These five pillars created a 10-cubit-wide entrance (five pillars at 1.5 cubits each, plus spaces). The bronze sockets distinguished this threshold from the interior's silver sockets, marking the boundary between common and holy space.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Christ bear judgment (bronze) at the threshold to provide redemption (silver) within?
  2. What does entering by grace (five pillars) rather than merit mean for your access to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ1 of 15

“And thou shalt make”

H6213

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

לַמָּסָ֗ךְ2 of 15

“for the hanging”

H4539

a cover, i.e., veil

חֲמִשָּׁ֖ה3 of 15

“five”

H2568

five

עַמּוּדֵ֣י4 of 15

“pillars”

H5982

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

שִׁטִּ֔ים5 of 15

“of shittim”

H7848

the acacia (from its scourging thorns)

וְצִפִּיתָ֤6 of 15

“wood and overlay”

H6823

to sheet over (especially with metal)

אֹתָם֙7 of 15
H853

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

זָהָ֑ב8 of 15

“shall be of gold”

H2091

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

וָֽוֵיהֶ֖ם9 of 15

“and their hooks”

H2053

a hook (the name of the sixth hebrew letter)

זָהָ֑ב10 of 15

“shall be of gold”

H2091

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

וְיָֽצַקְתָּ֣11 of 15

“and thou shalt cast”

H3332

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

לָהֶ֔ם12 of 15
H0
חֲמִשָּׁ֖ה13 of 15

“five”

H2568

five

אַדְנֵ֥י14 of 15

“sockets”

H134

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

נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃15 of 15

“of brass”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

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 26:37 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 26:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 36:38

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