King James Version

What Does Exodus 36:25 Mean?

Exodus 36:25 in the King James Version says “And for the other side of the tabernacle, which is toward the north corner, he made twenty boards, — study this verse from Exodus chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And for the other side of the tabernacle, which is toward the north corner, he made twenty boards,

Exodus 36:25 · KJV


Context

23

And he made boards for the tabernacle; twenty boards for the south side southward:

24

And forty sockets of silver he made under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.

25

And for the other side of the tabernacle, which is toward the north corner, he made twenty boards,

26

And their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

27

And for the sides of the tabernacle westward he made six boards.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Twenty boards for the north side (צֶלַע הַמִּשְׁכָּן הַשֵּׁנִית, tzela ha-mishkan ha-shenit, 'the second side of the tabernacle') mirror the south side's construction, demonstrating symmetry and balance in God's house. The identical number and arrangement teach that God's principles apply consistently regardless of direction or orientation—His standards don't shift with circumstances. Theological truth maintains integrity in all contexts, under all conditions.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The north side faced the Mediterranean Sea (though distant) and received less direct sun than the south. Despite environmental differences, the construction remained identical—demonstrating that God's design transcends environmental variations.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the identical construction of north and south sides teach about the consistency of God's standards?
  2. How does architectural symmetry illustrate theological stability and unchanging truth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וּלְצֶ֧לַע1 of 8

side

H6763

a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן2 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

הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית3 of 8

And for the other

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

לִפְאַ֣ת4 of 8

corner

H6285

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

צָפ֑וֹן5 of 8

which is toward the north

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

עָשָׂ֖ה6 of 8

he made

H6213

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

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים7 of 8

twenty

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

קְרָשִֽׁים׃8 of 8

boards

H7175

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


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 36:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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