King James Version

What Does Exodus 37:1 Mean?

Exodus 37:1 in the King James Version says “And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadt...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it:”

Exodus 37:1 · KJV

Context

1

And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it:

2

And he overlaid it with pure gold within and without, and made a crown of gold to it round about.

3

And he cast for it four rings of gold, to be set by the four corners of it; even two rings upon the one side of it, and two rings upon the other side of it.

Read Exodus 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Bezaleel personally constructs the ark (אֲרוֹן, aron)—the most sacred object mentioned first, emphasizing proper priorities. The ark represented God's throne, His presence, and His covenant—the foundation of Israel's worship. Beginning with the ark teaches that constructing God's house must start with God Himself, not peripheral elements. The ark contained the law tablets, showing that God's word is central to His dwelling. Christ is our ark—containing divine truth, our mercy seat (Romans 3:25), the meeting place of God and humanity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Bezaleel's personal construction of the ark (while delegating other tasks) demonstrates the ark's supreme importance. The ark was Israel's most sacred object, representing God's throne on earth. It would eventually rest in the temple's Most Holy Place (1 Kings 8:6-9).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does beginning tabernacle construction with the ark teach about proper priorities in building God's house?
  2. How does the ark, containing God's law and serving as His throne, prefigure Christ as the fulfillment of the law and Lord of all?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיַּ֧עַשׂ1 of 15

“made”

H6213

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

בְּצַלְאֵ֛ל2 of 15

“And Bezaleel”

H1212

betsalel, the name of two israelites

אֶת3 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָֽאָרֹ֖ן4 of 15

“the ark”

H727

a box

עֲצֵ֣י5 of 15

“wood”

H6086

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

שִׁטִּ֑ים6 of 15

“of shittim”

H7848

the acacia (from its scourging thorns)

וְאַמָּ֥ה7 of 15

“of it and a cubit”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

וָחֵ֖צִי8 of 15

“and a half”

H2677

the half or middle

אָרְכּ֗וֹ9 of 15

“was the length”

H753

length

וְאַמָּ֥ה10 of 15

“of it and a cubit”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

וָחֵ֖צִי11 of 15

“and a half”

H2677

the half or middle

רָחְבּ֔וֹ12 of 15

“the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

וְאַמָּ֥ה13 of 15

“of it and a cubit”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

וָחֵ֖צִי14 of 15

“and a half”

H2677

the half or middle

קֹֽמָתֽוֹ׃15 of 15

“the height”

H6967

height

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 37:1 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 37:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 10:33-36Exodus 25:10-20Exodus 26:33Exodus 40:20-21Exodus 40:3Exodus 31:7

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 37 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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