King James Version

What Does Exodus 27:18 Mean?

Exodus 27:18 in the King James Version says “The length of the court shall be an hundred cubits, and the breadth fifty every where, and the height five cubits of fin...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Exodus 27:18 · KJV

Context

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.

20

And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always. to burn: Heb. to ascend up

Read Exodus 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Summary: the courtyard's complete dimensions—100 × 50 cubits, 5 cubits high (approximately 150' × 75' × 7.5'). These specific measurements create defined sacred space, neither too vast (overwhelming) nor too small (restrictive). The 5-cubit height (about 7.5 feet) allowed visibility of activity inside while maintaining separation—a reminder that God's workings are neither completely hidden nor fully exposed. We see 'through a glass darkly' but we do see (1 Corinthians 13:12).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 5-cubit height was tall enough to prevent animals from jumping over and to create clear boundaries, yet low enough that activities at the altar and laver remained visible to the congregation gathered outside. This balance between transparency and separation characterized the old covenant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God balance revelation (we can see) with mystery (we can't fully see)?
  2. What does the courtyard's defined dimensions teach about God creating appropriate sacred space?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
אֹ֣רֶךְ1 of 14

“The length”

H753

length

הֶֽחָצֵר֩2 of 14

“of the court”

H2691

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

מֵאָ֨ה3 of 14

“shall be an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אַמּ֖וֹת4 of 14

“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)

וְרֹ֣חַב׀5 of 14

“and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

בַּֽחֲמִשִּׁ֗ים6 of 14

“every where”

H2572

fifty

בַּֽחֲמִשִּׁ֗ים7 of 14

“every where”

H2572

fifty

וְקֹמָ֛ה8 of 14

“and the height”

H6967

height

חָמֵ֥שׁ9 of 14

“five”

H2568

five

אַמּ֖וֹת10 of 14

“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)

שֵׁ֣שׁ11 of 14

“linen”

H8336

bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble

מָשְׁזָ֑ר12 of 14

“of fine twined”

H7806

to twist (a thread of straw)

וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֖ם13 of 14

“and their sockets”

H134

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

נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃14 of 14

“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 27:18 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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