King James Version

What Does Exodus 38:17 Mean?

Exodus 38:17 in the King James Version says “And the sockets for the pillars were of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver; and the overlaying ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the sockets for the pillars were of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver; and the overlaying of their chapiters of silver; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver.

Exodus 38:17 · KJV


Context

15

And for the other side of the court gate, on this hand and that hand, were hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.

16

All the hangings of the court round about were of fine twined linen.

17

And the sockets for the pillars were of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver; and the overlaying of their chapiters of silver; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver.

18

And the hanging for the gate of the court was needlework , of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen: and twenty cubits was the length, and the height in the breadth was five cubits, answerable to the hangings of the court.

19

And their pillars were four, and their sockets of brass four; their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their chapiters and their fillets of silver.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Four pillars and four bronze sockets for the gate demonstrate stability and universality (four directions, four corners of earth) in the entrance to God's dwelling. Four pillars (versus three on each side section) provide extra support for the heavier embroidered curtain, teaching that the way into God's presence, though singular, receives special reinforcement. This substantial entrance structure ensures that access remains available—the gate won't collapse under traffic of all who enter. The bronze sockets (judgment) foundation even under the beautiful gate teaches that entrance still acknowledges judgment, now satisfied through sacrifice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The four pillars, spaced across the twenty-cubit gate, supported the heavier embroidered curtain. Bronze sockets (matching the altar and laver) in the courtyard contrasted with silver sockets (redemption) in the tabernacle proper, demonstrating progressive degrees of holiness. The gate's durability ensured continuous access throughout Israel's wilderness journey.

Reflection Questions

  1. What do four pillars (versus three on sides) teach about God reinforcing the entrance to ensure continued access?
  2. How do bronze sockets even under the beautiful gate illustrate that all access acknowledges judgment satisfied through sacrifice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְהָֽאֲדָנִ֣ים1 of 16

And the sockets

H134

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

עַמֻּדֵ֥י2 of 16

and all the pillars

H5982

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

נְחֹשֶׁת֒3 of 16

were of brass

H5178

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

וָוֵ֨י4 of 16

the hooks

H2053

a hook (the name of the sixth hebrew letter)

עַמֻּדֵ֥י5 of 16

and all the pillars

H5982

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

וַחֲשֽׁוּקֵיהֶם֙6 of 16

and their fillets

H2838

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

כֶּ֔סֶף7 of 16

of silver

H3701

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

וְצִפּ֥וּי8 of 16

and the overlaying

H6826

encasement (with metal)

רָֽאשֵׁיהֶ֖ם9 of 16

of their chapiters

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

כֶּ֔סֶף10 of 16

of silver

H3701

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

וְהֵם֙11 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מְחֻשָּׁקִ֣ים12 of 16

were filleted

H2836

to cling, i.e., join, (figuratively) to love, delight in; elliptically; to deliver

כֶּ֔סֶף13 of 16

of silver

H3701

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

כֹּ֖ל14 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עַמֻּדֵ֥י15 of 16

and all the pillars

H5982

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

הֶֽחָצֵֽר׃16 of 16

of the court

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)


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 38:17 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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