King James Version

What Does Exodus 36:30 Mean?

Exodus 36:30 in the King James Version says “And there were eight boards; and their sockets were sixteen sockets of silver, under every board two sockets . under: He...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Exodus 36:30 · KJV

Context

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,

32

And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the tabernacle for the sides westward.

Read Exodus 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Summary: eight boards and sixteen silver sockets for the west side demonstrate that even the back of God's dwelling stands fully on redemption-foundation. No part of the tabernacle rests on anything inferior to atonement-silver. This universal foundation teaches that God's house—whether front or back, visible or hidden, public or private—stands entirely on Christ's redemptive work. No area of the church, no aspect of Christian life, has any foundation except Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The sixteen sockets (two per board) represented redemption-silver from thirty-two Israelites' half-shekel atonement tax. Even the tabernacle's back, least visible side, proclaimed the message of redemption as its foundation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the redemption-silver foundation even on the tabernacle's back side teach about the comprehensive nature of Christ's atonement?
  2. How does every board standing on atonement-silver illustrate that all aspects of Christian life rest on Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְהָיוּ֙1 of 15
H1961

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

שְׁמֹנָ֣ה2 of 15

“And there were eight”

H8083

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

הַקֶּ֥רֶשׁ3 of 15

“board”

H7175

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

אֲדָנִ֔ים4 of 15

“and their sockets”

H134

a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)

כֶּ֔סֶף5 of 15

“of silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

שִׁשָּׁ֥ה6 of 15

“were sixteen”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

עָשָׂ֖ר7 of 15
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

אֲדָנִ֔ים8 of 15

“and their sockets”

H134

a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)

שְׁנֵ֣י9 of 15

“two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אֲדָנִ֔ים10 of 15

“and their sockets”

H134

a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)

שְׁנֵ֣י11 of 15

“two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אֲדָנִ֔ים12 of 15

“and their sockets”

H134

a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)

תַּ֖חַת13 of 15
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הַקֶּ֥רֶשׁ14 of 15

“board”

H7175

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

הָֽאֶחָֽד׃15 of 15

“under every”

H259

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

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 36:30 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 36:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 26:25

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