King James Version

What Does Exodus 27:17 Mean?

Exodus 27:17 in the King James Version says “All the pillars round about the court shall be filleted with silver; their hooks shall be of silver, and their sockets o...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 27:17 · KJV

Context

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.

18

The length of the court shall be an hundred cubits, and the breadth fifty every where, and the height five cubits of fine twined linen, and their sockets of brass. fifty: Heb. fifty by fifty

19

All the vessels of the tabernacle in all the service thereof, and all the pins thereof, and all the pins of the court, shall be of brass.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Four pillars support the gate—the number of universality (four corners of earth). The entrance, though singular (one gate), extends to all (four pillars). Silver hooks and fillets but bronze sockets—the connection is redemptive (silver) while the foundation is judgment-bearing (bronze). Christ's universal invitation ('Come unto me, all' - Matthew 11:28) rests on His bearing judgment for all. The door's universality derives from judgment fully satisfied.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These four pillars, spaced evenly across the 20-cubit gate opening, supported the colorful hanging that served as the courtyard entrance. The silver ornamentation elevated this gate above the courtyard's plain white walls.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's bearing judgment (bronze) make His invitation universal (four pillars)?
  2. What enables the gate to be both exclusive ('one way') and inclusive ('for all')?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כָּל1 of 10
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עַמּוּדֵ֨י2 of 10

“All the pillars”

H5982

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

הֶֽחָצֵ֤ר3 of 10

“the court”

H2691

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

סָבִיב֙4 of 10

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

מְחֻשָּׁקִ֣ים5 of 10

“shall be filleted”

H2836

to cling, i.e., join, (figuratively) to love, delight in; elliptically; to deliver

כָּ֑סֶף6 of 10

“shall be of silver”

H3701

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

וָֽוֵיהֶ֖ם7 of 10

“their hooks”

H2053

a hook (the name of the sixth hebrew letter)

כָּ֑סֶף8 of 10

“shall be of silver”

H3701

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

וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֖ם9 of 10

“and their sockets”

H134

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

נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃10 of 10

“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 27:17 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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