King James Version

What Does Exodus 38:11 Mean?

Exodus 38:11 in the King James Version says “And for the north side the hangings were an hundred cubits, their pillars were twenty, and their sockets of brass twenty...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And for the north side the hangings were an hundred cubits, their pillars were twenty, and their sockets of brass twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.”

Exodus 38:11 · KJV

Context

9

And he made the court: on the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, an hundred cubits:

10

Their pillars were twenty, and their brasen sockets twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver.

11

And for the north side the hangings were an hundred cubits, their pillars were twenty, and their sockets of brass twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.

12

And for the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.

13

And for the east side eastward fifty cubits.

Read Exodus 38 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The north side (צְלַע צָפוֹן, tzela tzafon) identical to the south (hundred cubits, twenty pillars, bronze sockets, silver hooks/fillets) demonstrates that God's standards maintain consistency regardless of direction or circumstance. Holiness boundaries don't shift with orientation; righteousness requirements don't vary by context. This bilateral symmetry teaches that God's character remains unchanging—His holiness is stable, His standards are consistent, His requirements are universal. The gospel's demands and provisions apply equally in all situations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The north side, facing toward Mount Sinai's general direction, matched the south side exactly—same length, same materials, same construction. This symmetry created visual impression of order and completeness, demonstrating that God's dwelling reflected His character: unchanging, consistent, perfectly balanced.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does identical construction (north and south) teach about God's unchanging standards across all circumstances?
  2. How does architectural symmetry communicate theological truth about God's consistent character?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְלִפְאַ֤ת1 of 13

“side”

H6285

properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity

צָפוֹן֙2 of 13

“And for the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

מֵאָ֣ה3 of 13

“the hangings were an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

בָֽאַמָּ֔ה4 of 13

“cubits”

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)

הָֽעַמּוּדִ֛ים5 of 13

“of the pillars”

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

עֶשְׂרִ֖ים6 of 13

“twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֥ם7 of 13

“and their sockets”

H134

a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)

עֶשְׂרִ֖ים8 of 13

“twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

נְחֹ֑שֶׁת9 of 13

“of brass”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

וָוֵ֧י10 of 13

“the hooks”

H2053

a hook (the name of the sixth hebrew letter)

הָֽעַמּוּדִ֛ים11 of 13

“of the pillars”

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

וַחֲשֻֽׁקֵיהֶ֖ם12 of 13

“and their fillets”

H2838

attached, i.e., a fence-rail or rod connecting the posts or pillars

כָּֽסֶף׃13 of 13

“of silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

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 38:11 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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