King James Version

What Does Exodus 35:18 Mean?

Exodus 35:18 in the King James Version says “The pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords, — study this verse from Exodus chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 35:18 · KJV


Context

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,

19

The cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office.

20

And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Oil for lighting (שֶׁמֶן לַמָּאֹר, shemen la-ma'or) had to be pure, beaten olive oil—the finest quality requiring crushing the olives rather than pressing them. This oil kept the menorah burning continually (תָּמִיד, tamid, 'perpetually'), symbolizing the Holy Spirit's unceasing work in providing light and illumination. The requirement for 'beaten' oil parallels Christ's suffering ('beaten' for our iniquities, Isaiah 53:5) that provides the light of life to all who believe.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pure olive oil was produced by crushing olives in a mortar rather than grinding in a mill, yielding the clearest, cleanest burning oil. The daily oil supply and lamp-tending fell to the priests as one of their primary duties, emphasizing the priority of maintaining God's light.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the spiritual significance of requiring 'beaten' oil for the light that represents God's presence?
  2. How does the continual burning of the lamps challenge believers regarding consistent spiritual vigilance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אֶת1 of 8
H853

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

יִתְדֹ֥ת2 of 8

The pins

H3489

a peg

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן3 of 8

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

וְאֶת4 of 8
H853

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

יִתְדֹ֥ת5 of 8

The pins

H3489

a peg

הֶֽחָצֵ֖ר6 of 8

of the court

H2691

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

וְאֶת7 of 8
H853

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

מֵֽיתְרֵיהֶֽם׃8 of 8

and their cords

H4340

a cord (of a tent); or the string (of a bow)


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 35:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 35:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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