King James Version

What Does Exodus 27:9 Mean?

Exodus 27:9 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of f... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

Exodus 27:9 · KJV


Context

7

And the staves shall be put into the rings, and the staves shall be upon the two sides of the altar, to bear it.

8

Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was shewed thee in the mount, so shall they make it. it was: Heb. he shewed

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The courtyard (חָצֵר, chatser) surrounding the tabernacle measures 100 × 50 cubits (approximately 150' × 75'), enclosed by fine linen hangings. This courtyard creates consecrated space—distinct from common ground yet accessible to all Israel. The white linen (righteousness) walls define boundaries between holy and common. They separate without hiding; transparency allows viewing in but creates clear demarcation. Christ's righteousness becomes the boundary defining God's people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The courtyard's dimensions created a rectangular enclosure with the tabernacle at the west end and the altar near the entrance at the east. All Israelite men could enter this courtyard to bring offerings, though only priests could approach the tabernacle itself.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's righteousness (linen walls) both define and protect God's people?
  2. What does the courtyard's accessibility (all Israel could enter) teach about approaching God's presence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְעָשִׂ֕יתָ1 of 16

And thou shalt make

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֵ֖ת2 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לֶֽחָצֵ֜ר3 of 16

for the court

H2691

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

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן4 of 16

of the tabernacle

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

לַפֵּאָ֖ה5 of 16

side

H6285

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

נֶֽגֶב6 of 16

for the south

H5045

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

תֵּ֠ימָנָה7 of 16

southward

H8486

the south (as being on the right hand of a person facing the east)

קְלָעִ֨ים8 of 16

there shall be hangings

H7050

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

לֶֽחָצֵ֜ר9 of 16

for the court

H2691

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

שֵׁ֣שׁ10 of 16

linen

H8336

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

מָשְׁזָ֗ר11 of 16

of fine twined

H7806

to twist (a thread of straw)

מֵאָ֤ה12 of 16

of an hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

בָֽאַמָּה֙13 of 16

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)

אֹ֔רֶךְ14 of 16

long

H753

length

לַפֵּאָ֖ה15 of 16

side

H6285

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

הָֽאֶחָֽת׃16 of 16

for one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first


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 27:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 27:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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