King James Version

What Does Exodus 37:16 Mean?

Exodus 37:16 in the King James Version says “And he made the vessels which were upon the table, his dishes, and his spoons, and his bowls, and his covers to cover wi...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he made the vessels which were upon the table, his dishes, and his spoons, and his bowls, and his covers to cover withal, of pure gold. to cover: or, to pour out withal”

Exodus 37:16 · KJV

Context

14

Over against the border were the rings, the places for the staves to bear the table.

15

And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold, to bear the table.

16

And he made the vessels which were upon the table, his dishes, and his spoons, and his bowls, and his covers to cover withal, of pure gold. to cover: or, to pour out withal

17

And he made the candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same:

18

And six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof:

Read Exodus 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Vessels, dishes, spoons, and bowls (קְּעָרֹתָיו וְכַפֹּתָיו וּקְשׂוֹתָיו וּמְנַקִּיֹּתָיו, ke'arotav vekhappotav ukesotav umenakkiyotav) made of pure gold served the table—demonstrating that even implements of service deserve excellence. These vessels held the bread and drink offerings associated with the showbread. Making service-vessels from pure gold teaches that tools of ministry, though instrumental rather than primary, still deserve God's best. Those who serve at God's table should use golden excellence in preparation and presentation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The dishes held the showbread loaves; the spoons contained frankincense (Leviticus 24:7); the bowls and covers held drink offerings. All these utensils were pure gold, matching the table itself. They traveled with the table, wrapped in blue cloth and covered with skins (Numbers 4:7-8).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does making service-vessels from pure gold teach about excellence in tools and methods of ministry?
  2. How does God's concern for even utensils and implements challenge shortcuts in preparation and presentation in worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיַּ֜עַשׂ1 of 19

“And he made”

H6213

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

אֶֽת2 of 19
H853

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

הַכֵּלִ֣ים׀3 of 19

“the vessels”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עַל5 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַשֻּׁלְחָ֗ן6 of 19

“which were upon the table”

H7979

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

אֶת7 of 19
H853

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

קְעָֽרֹתָ֤יו8 of 19

“his dishes”

H7086

a bowl (as cut out hollow)

וְאֶת9 of 19
H853

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

כַּפֹּתָיו֙10 of 19

“and his spoons”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

וְאֵת֙11 of 19
H853

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

מְנַקִּיֹּתָ֔יו12 of 19

“and his bowls”

H4518

a sacrificial basin (for holding blood)

וְאֶ֨ת13 of 19
H853

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

הַקְּשָׂוֹ֔ת14 of 19

“and his covers”

H7184

a jug (from its shape)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יֻסַּ֖ךְ16 of 19

“to cover”

H5258

to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king

בָּהֵ֑ן17 of 19

“withal”

H2004

they (only used when emphatic)

זָהָ֖ב18 of 19

“gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

טָהֽוֹר׃19 of 19

“of pure”

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

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 37:16 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 37:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 52:18-192 Timothy 2:201 Kings 7:50Exodus 25:292 Kings 12:13

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