King James Version

What Does Exodus 37:3 Mean?

Exodus 37:3 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 37:3 · 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.

4

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

5

And he put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Four rings of gold (אַרְבַּע טַבְּעֹת זָהָב, arba tabba'ot zahav) in the ark's four corners enable carrying without touching it directly—teaching that God's holiness requires reverential distance. The number four (representing earth's four corners) suggests universal reach of God's covenant. These rings made the ark portable, demonstrating that God's presence accompanies His people through their journeys—He is not confined to one location. The rings picture how Christ is accessible (can be approached) yet holy (must be approached properly).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The four rings (two per side) received poles for carrying. Later, touching the ark directly resulted in death (Uzzah, 2 Samuel 6:6-7), demonstrating the serious holiness it represented. The rings and poles allowed Levites to transport the ark without direct contact.

Reflection Questions

  1. What do the rings enabling non-direct carrying teach about approaching God's holiness with reverence?
  2. How does the ark's portability illustrate God's accompaniment of His people through their journeys?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיִּצֹ֣ק1 of 18

And he cast

H3332

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

ל֗וֹ2 of 18
H0
אַרְבַּ֣ע3 of 18

for it four

H702

four

טַבָּעֹ֔ת4 of 18

rings

H2885

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

זָהָ֔ב5 of 18

of gold

H2091

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

עַ֖ל6 of 18
H5921

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

אַרְבַּ֣ע7 of 18

for it four

H702

four

פַּֽעֲמֹתָ֑יו8 of 18

corners

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

וּשְׁתֵּי֙9 of 18

of it and two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

טַבָּעֹ֔ת10 of 18

rings

H2885

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

עַל11 of 18
H5921

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

צַלְע֖וֹ12 of 18

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

הָֽאֶחָ֔ת13 of 18

upon the one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וּשְׁתֵּי֙14 of 18

of it and two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

טַבָּעֹ֔ת15 of 18

rings

H2885

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

עַל16 of 18
H5921

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

צַלְע֖וֹ17 of 18

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

הַשֵּׁנִֽית׃18 of 18

upon the other

H8145

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


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 37:3 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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