King James Version

What Does Exodus 36:31 Mean?

Exodus 36:31 in the King James Version says “And he made bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle, — study this verse from Exodus chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 36:31 · KJV


Context

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.

33

And he made the middle bar to shoot through the boards from the one end to the other.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Bars of shittim wood (acacia, בְּרִיחֵי עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים, berichei atzei shittim) overlaid with gold bound the standing boards together horizontally, creating lateral strength. While boards stood individually on redemption-foundations, bars joined them corporately—illustrating that believers, though each individually redeemed, require mutual connection for stability. The bars represent fellowship, accountability, and shared purpose that bind God's people together. Without lateral support, individual boards could topple; without genuine community, individual believers become vulnerable.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Five bars ran horizontally across each side (north, south, west), fitting through rings attached to the boards. This system allowed the entire framework to function as a unified structure while still being disassemblable for transport.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the bars binding boards together illustrate the necessity of Christian community and mutual support?
  2. What does the combination of individual standing (each board on its foundation) and corporate binding (bars joining boards) teach about personal and communal aspects of faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ1 of 9

And he made

H6213

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

בְּרִיחֵ֖י2 of 9

bars

H1280

a bolt

עֲצֵ֣י3 of 9

wood

H6086

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

שִׁטִּ֑ים4 of 9

of shittim

H7848

the acacia (from its scourging thorns)

חֲמִשָּׁ֕ה5 of 9

five

H2568

five

לְקַרְשֵׁ֥י6 of 9

for the boards

H7175

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

צֶֽלַע7 of 9

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

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן8 of 9

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

הָֽאֶחָֽת׃9 of 9

of the one

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 36:31 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 36:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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