King James Version

What Does Exodus 36:32 Mean?

Exodus 36:32 in the King James Version says “And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the tabernacle for the... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 36:32 · KJV


Context

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.

34

And he overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of gold to be places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Five bars for each side (north, south) demonstrate systematic connection—not random or haphazard, but ordered and complete. The number five often represents grace in Scripture (five fingers, five senses, five offerings in Leviticus). These grace-bars binding God's house together suggest that genuine unity comes through divine grace, not human effort. The symmetry (five per side) emphasizes God's consistent pattern across all aspects of His dwelling.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The five bars likely ran at different heights across each side, providing multiple points of lateral support. This redundant binding ensured stability even if one bar loosened or broke—demonstrating thoughtful engineering for a portable structure subjected to repeated assembly.

Reflection Questions

  1. What might the number five (often representing grace) for the bars teach about the source of unity in God's house?
  2. How does systematic, ordered connection (five bars per side) challenge haphazard approaches to Christian community?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַֽחֲמִשָּׁ֤ה1 of 12

And five

H2568

five

בְרִיחִם֙2 of 12

bars

H1280

a bolt

לְקַרְשֵׁ֣י3 of 12

for the boards

H7175

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

צֶֽלַע4 of 12

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

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן5 of 12

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

הַשֵּׁנִ֑ית6 of 12

of the other

H8145

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

וַֽחֲמִשָּׁ֤ה7 of 12

And five

H2568

five

בְרִיחִם֙8 of 12

bars

H1280

a bolt

לְקַרְשֵׁ֣י9 of 12

for the boards

H7175

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

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן10 of 12

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

לַיַּרְכָתַ֖יִם11 of 12

for the sides

H3411

properly, the flank; but used only figuratively, the rear or recess

יָֽמָּה׃12 of 12

westward

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif


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 36:32 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 36:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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