King James Version

What Does Exodus 37:10 Mean?

Exodus 37:10 in the King James Version says “And he made the table of shittim wood: two cubits was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit a...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he made the table of shittim wood: two cubits was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof:”

Exodus 37:10 · KJV

Context

8

One cherub on the end on this side, and another cherub on the other end on that side: out of the mercy seat made he the cherubims on the two ends thereof. on the end: or, out of, etc on the other end: or, out of, etc

9

And the cherubims spread out their wings on high, and covered with their wings over the mercy seat, with their faces one to another; even to the mercy seatward were the faces of the cherubims.

10

And he made the table of shittim wood: two cubits was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof:

11

And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made thereunto a crown of gold round about.

12

Also he made thereunto a border of an handbreadth round about; and made a crown of gold for the border thereof round about.

Read Exodus 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Bezaleel makes the table (שֻׁלְחָן, shulchan) of shittim wood, continuing the pattern of acacia overlaid with gold—humanity clothed in divinity. The table held the bread of the Presence (לֶחֶם הַפָּנִים, lechem ha-panim, 'bread of the faces'), representing God's provision and Israel's perpetual presentation before Him. This table anticipates communion—Christ the bread of life (John 6:35) inviting believers to fellowship at His table, where He provides spiritual sustenance and we present ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The table of showbread stood in the Holy Place (just outside the veil), on the north side opposite the golden lampstand. Twelve loaves of bread sat on it continually, replaced each Sabbath. Only priests could eat the removed bread (Leviticus 24:5-9), prefiguring the holy meal of communion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the table of showbread illustrate both God's provision for His people and their presentation before Him?
  2. In what ways does this table prefigure communion, where Christ provides the bread of life and invites believers to fellowship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ1 of 12

“And he made”

H6213

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

אֶת2 of 12
H853

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

הַשֻּׁלְחָ֖ן3 of 12

“the table”

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

עֲצֵ֣י4 of 12

“wood”

H6086

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

שִׁטִּ֑ים5 of 12

“of shittim”

H7848

the acacia (from its scourging thorns)

וְאַמָּ֥ה6 of 12

“thereof 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)

אָרְכּוֹ֙7 of 12

“was the length”

H753

length

וְאַמָּ֥ה8 of 12

“thereof 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)

רָחְבּ֔וֹ9 of 12

“the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

וְאַמָּ֥ה10 of 12

“thereof 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 12

“and a half”

H2677

the half or middle

קֹֽמָתֽוֹ׃12 of 12

“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 37:10 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 37:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 25:23-30Exodus 40:22-23Exodus 35:13Ezekiel 40:39-42John 1:14Malachi 1:12

Test Your Knowledge

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

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