King James Version

What Does Exodus 27:15 Mean?

Exodus 27:15 in the King James Version says “And on the other side shall be hangings fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three.” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 27:15 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And for the gate of the court shall be an hanging of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework : and their pillars shall be four, and their sockets four.

17

All the pillars round about the court shall be filleted with silver; their hooks shall be of silver, and their sockets of brass.

Read Exodus 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The other side of the entrance receives identical treatment—15 cubits of hangings, three pillars, three sockets. The symmetry creates a balanced, dignified entrance, suggesting that God's invitation is orderly, not chaotic. The matching sides show that all who enter do so on equal terms—no side entrance for privileged few, no inferior gate for lesser ones. Christ, the Door, is the same for all—'whosoever will may come' (Revelation 22:17).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The symmetrical entrance (15 cubits on each side of a 20-cubit gate) created a proportioned, welcoming gateway. This design invited approach while maintaining the courtyard's sacred boundaries—access was available but regulated.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the entrance's symmetry illustrate the equal availability of Christ to all people?
  2. What does an 'orderly' (not chaotic) entrance teach about approaching God with reverence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְלַכָּתֵף֙1 of 9

“side”

H3802

the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi

הַשֵּׁנִ֔ית2 of 9

“And on the other”

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

חְמֵ֥שׁ3 of 9

“fifteen”

H2568

five

עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה4 of 9
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

קְלָעִ֑ים5 of 9

“shall be hangings”

H7050

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

עַמֻּֽדֵיהֶ֣ם6 of 9

“cubits their pillars”

H5982

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

שְׁלֹשָֽׁה׃7 of 9

“three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֖ם8 of 9

“and their sockets”

H134

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

שְׁלֹשָֽׁה׃9 of 9

“three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

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 27:15 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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