King James Version

What Does Exodus 27:13 Mean?

Exodus 27:13 in the King James Version says “And the breadth of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 27:13 · KJV


Context

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.

14

The hangings of one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three.

15

And on the other side shall be hangings fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The east end (entrance side) also measures 50 cubits but contains the gate. The east faces the rising sun—symbolically appropriate for the entrance, as Christ is the 'Sun of righteousness' (Malachi 4:2) and 'Morning Star' (Revelation 22:16). This entrance side establishes that access comes from a specific direction, according to divine appointment. We don't approach God from any angle but through the prescribed door—Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The east entrance meant worshipers faced west (toward the Most Holy Place) as they entered, moving from light to greater glory. This orientation also meant the rising sun's light would illuminate the tabernacle entrance each morning.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does approaching from the 'east' (sunrise) symbolize Christ as the light through which we enter?
  2. What does the prescribed entrance direction teach about the exclusivity of Christ as the way to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְרֹ֣חַב1 of 7

And the breadth

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

הֶֽחָצֵ֗ר2 of 7

of the court

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

לִפְאַ֛ת3 of 7

side

H6285

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

קֵ֥דְמָה4 of 7

on the east

H6924

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

מִזְרָ֖חָה5 of 7

eastward

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים6 of 7

shall be fifty

H2572

fifty

אַמָּֽה׃7 of 7

cubits

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)


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 27:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study