King James Version

What Does Exodus 36:20 Mean?

Exodus 36:20 in the King James Version says “And he made boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood, standing up. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he made boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood, standing up.

Exodus 36:20 · KJV


Context

18

And he made fifty taches of brass to couple the tent together, that it might be one.

19

And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers' skins above that.

20

And he made boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood, standing up.

21

The length of a board was ten cubits, and the breadth of a board one cubit and a half.

22

One board had two tenons, equally distant one from another: thus did he make for all the boards of the tabernacle.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The boards (קְרָשִׁים, kerashim) of shittim wood (acacia) overlaid with gold form the tabernacle's structural frame—humanity (wood) clothed in divinity (gold). Standing upright (עֹמְדִים, omedim), these boards represent believers standing firm in God's house, rooted in divine strength. The dual nature (wood and gold) prefigures Christ's two natures (human and divine) and believers' identity (earthly origin, heavenly standing)—'you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God' (Colossians 3:3).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Each board was approximately 15 feet tall by 2.25 feet wide (10 cubits × 1.5 cubits), made from acacia wood completely overlaid with gold. These boards, fitted into silver sockets, formed three sides of the rectangular tabernacle structure (back and two sides), with curtains forming the entrance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the boards (wood overlaid with gold) standing upright illustrate believers' identity in Christ?
  2. What does the transformation of desert-grown acacia into gold-covered boards teach about redemption and sanctification?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ1 of 7

And he made

H6213

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

אֶת2 of 7
H853

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

הַקְּרָשִׁ֖ים3 of 7

boards

H7175

a slab or plank; by implication, a deck of a ship

לַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן4 of 7

for 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

עֲצֵ֥י5 of 7

wood

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

שִׁטִּ֖ים6 of 7

of shittim

H7848

the acacia (from its scourging thorns)

עֹֽמְדִֽים׃7 of 7

standing up

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)


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 36:20 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 36:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study