King James Version

What Does Exodus 35:16 Mean?

Exodus 35:16 in the King James Version says “The altar of burnt offering, with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot, — study this verse from Exodus chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The altar of burnt offering, with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,

Exodus 35:16 · KJV


Context

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,

16

The altar of burnt offering, with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,

17

The hangings of the court, his pillars, and their sockets, and the hanging for the door of the court,

18

The pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The table (שֻׁלְחָן, shulchan) for showbread represented God's provision and fellowship with His people through the bread of His presence (לֶחֶם הַפָּנִים, lechem ha-panim, 'bread of the faces/presence'). Twelve loaves, one per tribe, sat continually before God, symbolizing Israel's perpetual presentation before Him and His constant provision for them. This anticipates Christ, the bread of life (John 6:35), who provides spiritual sustenance and invites believers to fellowship at His table.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The table was made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, measuring approximately 3' × 1.5' × 2.25'. Fresh bread was placed on it each Sabbath (Leviticus 24:5-9), and the removed bread could only be eaten by priests—foreshadowing the holy meal of communion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the table of showbread illustrate both God's provision for His people and their presentation before Him?
  2. In what ways does the showbread anticipate Christ's declaration 'I am the bread of life'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אֵ֣ת׀1 of 17
H853

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

מִזְבַּ֣ח2 of 17

The altar

H4196

an altar

הָֽעֹלָ֗ה3 of 17

of burnt offering

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וְאֶת4 of 17
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

מִכְבַּ֤ר5 of 17

grate

H4345

a grate

הַנְּחֹ֙שֶׁת֙6 of 17

with his brasen

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

אֲשֶׁר7 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

ל֔וֹ8 of 17
H0
אֶת9 of 17
H853

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

בַּדָּ֖יו10 of 17

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

וְאֶת11 of 17
H853

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

כָּל12 of 17
H3605

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

כֵּלָ֑יו13 of 17

and all his vessels

H3627

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

אֶת14 of 17
H853

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

הַכִּיֹּ֖ר15 of 17

the laver

H3595

properly, something round (as excavated or bored), i.e., a chafing-dish for coals or a caldron for cooking; hence (from similarity of form) a washbowl

וְאֶת16 of 17
H853

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

כַּנּֽוֹ׃17 of 17

and his foot

H3653

a stand, i.e., pedestal or station


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 35:16 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 35:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study