King James Version

What Does Exodus 36:29 Mean?

Exodus 36:29 in the King James Version says “And they were coupled beneath, and coupled together at the head thereof, to one ring: thus he did to both of them in bot... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they were coupled beneath, and coupled together at the head thereof, to one ring: thus he did to both of them in both the corners. coupled: Heb. twinned

Exodus 36:29 · KJV


Context

27

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

28

And two boards made he for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.

29

And they were coupled beneath, and coupled together at the head thereof, to one ring: thus he did to both of them in both the corners. coupled: Heb. twinned

30

And there were eight boards; and their sockets were sixteen sockets of silver, under every board two sockets . under: Heb. two sockets, two sockets under one board

31

And he made bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Corner boards 'coupled together beneath' and 'coupled together above' (תָּמִים, tammim—'perfect, complete') ensure seamless joining from foundation to top. This complete coupling illustrates that connections in God's house must be secure throughout, not just superficially. Unity isn't merely external appearance but internal reality, from foundation (doctrine) to crown (practice). The coupling 'unto one ring' (אֶל־הַטַּבַּעַת הָאֶחָת, el-hatabba'at ha-echat) emphasizes that diverse boards unite in one purpose, one Lord, one faith (Ephesians 4:5).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The precise description of corner coupling (both bottom and top, using rings) demonstrates sophisticated woodworking, likely involving interlocking joints and metal rings to hold corners firmly. This engineering ensured corners wouldn't separate under stress of repeated assembly.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the requirement for corners to be coupled both beneath and above teach about comprehensive unity in God's house?
  2. How does coupling 'unto one ring' illustrate diverse believers united in Christ's single purpose?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְהָי֣וּ1 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

תַמִּים֙2 of 16

And they were coupled

H8382

to be (causatively, make) twinned, i.e., (figuratively) duplicate or (architectural) jointed

מִלְּמַטָּה֒3 of 16

beneath

H4295

downward, below or beneath; often adverbially with or without prefixes

וְיַחְדָּ֗ו4 of 16

together

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

יִֽהְי֤וּ5 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

תַמִּים֙6 of 16

And they were coupled

H8382

to be (causatively, make) twinned, i.e., (figuratively) duplicate or (architectural) jointed

אֶל7 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רֹאשׁ֔וֹ8 of 16

at the head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אֶל9 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַטַּבַּ֖עַת10 of 16

ring

H2885

properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind

הָֽאֶחָ֑ת11 of 16

thereof to one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

כֵּ֚ן12 of 16
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

עָשָׂ֣ה13 of 16

thus he did

H6213

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

לִשְׁנֵ֖י14 of 16

of them in both

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

לִשְׁנֵ֖י15 of 16

of them in both

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַמִּקְצֹעֹֽת׃16 of 16

the corners

H4740

an angle or recess


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 36:29 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 36:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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