King James Version

What Does Exodus 37:27 Mean?

Exodus 37:27 in the King James Version says “And he made two rings of gold for it under the crown thereof, by the two corners of it, upon the two sides thereof, to b...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he made two rings of gold for it under the crown thereof, by the two corners of it, upon the two sides thereof, to be places for the staves to bear it withal.”

Exodus 37:27 · KJV

Context

25

And he made the incense altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was foursquare; and two cubits was the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same.

26

And he overlaid it with pure gold, both the top of it, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns of it: also he made unto it a crown of gold round about.

27

And he made two rings of gold for it under the crown thereof, by the two corners of it, upon the two sides thereof, to be places for the staves to bear it withal.

28

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

29

And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary.

Read Exodus 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Two golden rings on opposite sides (שְׁתֵּי צְלָעֹת, shetei tsela'ot) beneath the crown for carrying-staves teach that even the altar of prayer accompanies God's people through their journeys. Prayer isn't confined to sacred spaces but travels with believers through wilderness wanderings. The rings beneath the crown suggest that royal privilege (crown) includes divine accompaniment (portability). God's people never journey where prayer cannot reach.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The rings positioned on two sides (likely north and south) allowed staves to be inserted for carrying. The altar, like other tabernacle furniture, was portable—carried by Levites during wilderness travels. This portability ensured that the means of prayer and worship moved with Israel throughout their journey.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the portable incense altar teach about prayer accompanying believers through all life circumstances?
  2. How does the combination of royal privilege (crown) and divine accompaniment (portability) encourage believers in prayer?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
שְׁנֵ֣י1 of 18

“of it upon the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

טַבְּעֹ֨ת2 of 18

“rings”

H2885

properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind

זָהָ֜ב3 of 18

“of gold”

H2091

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

עָֽשָׂה4 of 18

“And he made”

H6213

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

ל֣וֹ׀5 of 18
H0
מִתַּ֣חַת6 of 18
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

לְזֵר֗וֹ7 of 18

“for it under the crown”

H2213

a chaplet (as spread around the top), i.e., (specifically) a border moulding

עַ֚ל8 of 18
H5921

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

שְׁנֵ֣י9 of 18

“of it upon the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

צַלְעֹתָ֔יו10 of 18

“corners”

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

עַ֖ל11 of 18
H5921

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

שְׁנֵ֣י12 of 18

“of it upon the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

צִדָּ֑יו13 of 18

“sides”

H6654

a side; figuratively, an adversary

לְבָתִּ֣ים14 of 18

“thereof to be places”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לְבַדִּ֔ים15 of 18

“for the staves”

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

לָשֵׂ֥את16 of 18

“to bear”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֹת֖וֹ17 of 18
H853

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

בָּהֶֽם׃18 of 18
H0

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 37:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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