King James Version

What Does Exodus 35:13 Mean?

Exodus 35:13 in the King James Version says “The table, and his staves, and all his vessels, and the shewbread , — study this verse from Exodus chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The table, and his staves, and all his vessels, and the shewbread ,

Exodus 35:13 · KJV


Context

11

The tabernacle, his tent, and his covering, his taches, and his boards, his bars, his pillars, and his sockets,

12

The ark, and the staves thereof, with the mercy seat, and the vail of the covering,

13

The table, and his staves, and all his vessels, and the shewbread ,

14

The candlestick also for the light, and his furniture, and his lamps, with the oil for the light,

15

And the incense altar, and his staves, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the door at the entering in of the tabernacle,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Taches (קְרָסִים, kerasim, 'clasps' or 'hooks'), boards (קְרָשִׁים, kerashim), bars (בְּרִיחִים, berichim), pillars (עַמֻּדִים, amudim), and sockets (אֲדָנִים, adanim) represent the structural integrity holding God's dwelling together. Each component, though individually simple, contributes to the whole—illustrating the body of Christ where each member, though diverse, is essential (1 Corinthians 12). The careful specification of even these practical elements shows God's concern for both beauty and strength in His house.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The boards were acacia wood overlaid with gold, standing upright and joined by silver sockets weighing approximately one talent each (75-100 pounds). The entire structure could be disassembled and carried, with each Levitical family assigned specific components (Numbers 4).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the careful specification of structural components teach about God's attention to detail and order?
  2. How does the interdependence of tabernacle parts illustrate the New Testament concept of the body of Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אֶת1 of 10
H853

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

הַשֻּׁלְחָ֥ן2 of 10

The table

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

וְאֶת3 of 10
H853

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

בַּדָּ֖יו4 of 10

and his staves

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

וְאֶת5 of 10
H853

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

כָּל6 of 10
H3605

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

כֵּלָ֑יו7 of 10

and all his vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

וְאֵ֖ת8 of 10
H853

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

לֶ֥חֶם9 of 10
H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

הַפָּנִֽים׃10 of 10

and the shewbread

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi


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 35:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 35:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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