King James Version

What Does Exodus 27:11 Mean?

Exodus 27:11 in the King James Version says “And likewise for the north side in length there shall be hangings of an hundred cubits long, and his twenty pillars and ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And likewise for the north side in length there shall be hangings of an hundred cubits long, and his twenty pillars and their twenty sockets of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.”

Exodus 27:11 · KJV

Context

9

And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side:

10

And the twenty pillars thereof and their twenty sockets shall be of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets shall be of silver.

11

And likewise for the north side in length there shall be hangings of an hundred cubits long, and his twenty pillars and their twenty sockets of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.

12

And for the breadth of the court on the west side shall be hangings of fifty cubits: their pillars ten, and their sockets ten.

13

And the breadth of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits.

Read Exodus 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The north side receives identical treatment—twenty pillars, twenty bronze sockets, silver hooks and silver fillets (bands connecting pillars). The symmetry emphasizes that God's standards are consistent, not variable based on approach direction. North or south, the same righteousness (linen), same judgment foundation (bronze), same redeeming connections (silver hooks/bands) apply. Christ is 'the same yesterday, today, and forever' (Hebrews 13:8).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The north side's identical construction to the south created a 100-cubit parallel wall, forming the courtyard's length. The silver hooks and bands connected the pillars, creating a unified fence that supported the linen hangings.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's consistency (identical north and south) encourage trust in His unchanging character?
  2. What aspects of Christ's work remain constant regardless of how people approach Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְכֵ֨ן1 of 16
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

לִפְאַ֤ת2 of 16

“side”

H6285

properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity

צָפוֹן֙3 of 16

“And likewise for the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

אֹ֑רֶךְ4 of 16

“cubits long”

H753

length

קְלָעִ֖ים5 of 16

“there shall be hangings”

H7050

a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself

מֵ֣אָה6 of 16

“of an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אֹ֑רֶךְ7 of 16

“cubits long”

H753

length

הָֽעַמֻּדִ֛ים8 of 16

“of the pillars”

H5982

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

עֶשְׂרִים֙9 of 16

“and his twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֤ם10 of 16

“sockets”

H134

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

עֶשְׂרִים֙11 of 16

“and his twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

נְחֹ֔שֶׁת12 of 16

“of brass”

H5178

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

וָוֵ֧י13 of 16

“the hooks”

H2053

a hook (the name of the sixth hebrew letter)

הָֽעַמֻּדִ֛ים14 of 16

“of the pillars”

H5982

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

וַחֲשֻֽׁקֵיהֶ֖ם15 of 16

“and their fillets”

H2838

attached, i.e., a fence-rail or rod connecting the posts or pillars

כָּֽסֶף׃16 of 16

“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 27:11 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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