King James Version

What Does Exodus 38:21 Mean?

Exodus 38:21 in the King James Version says “This is the sum of the tabernacle, even of the tabernacle of testimony, as it was counted, according to the commandment ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“This is the sum of the tabernacle, even of the tabernacle of testimony, as it was counted, according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son to Aaron the priest.”

Exodus 38:21 · KJV

Context

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.

20

And all the pins of the tabernacle, and of the court round about, were of brass.

21

This is the sum of the tabernacle, even of the tabernacle of testimony, as it was counted, according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son to Aaron the priest.

22

And Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses.

23

And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet , and fine linen.

Read Exodus 38 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Numbering 'as it was counted, according to the commandment of Moses' (אֲשֶׁר פֻּקַּד עַל־פִּי מֹשֶׁה, asher pukkad al-pi Mosheh) by Levites under Ithamar the priest demonstrates ordained accountability structure. Moses commanded the accounting; Levites (service tribe) executed it; Ithamar (priestly authority) supervised—establishing multiple layers of oversight. This system prevents both misuse and false accusation, teaching that ministry finances require checks and balances. The specific mention of Ithamar (Aaron's son) demonstrates that accountability extends even to priestly families—no one is above stewardship requirements.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ithamar, Aaron's youngest son, supervised the Gershonite and Merarite Levitical divisions (Numbers 4:28, 33), responsible for tabernacle transport. His oversight of the accounting demonstrated priestly responsibility for administrative accuracy alongside ritual duties. This early establishment of financial accountability became pattern for Israel's religious institutions.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does multi-layered accountability (Moses commands, Levites execute, Ithamar supervises) teach about oversight in ministry?
  2. How does including even priestly families in stewardship requirements demonstrate that accountability applies universally?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אֵ֣לֶּה1 of 17

“This”

H428

these or those

פֻּקַּ֖ד2 of 17

“as it was counted”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

מִשְׁכַּ֣ן3 of 17

“even of the tabernacle”

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

מִשְׁכַּ֣ן4 of 17

“even of the tabernacle”

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

הָֽעֵדֻ֔ת5 of 17

“of testimony”

H5715

testimony

אֲשֶׁ֥ר6 of 17
H834

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

פֻּקַּ֖ד7 of 17

“as it was counted”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

עַל8 of 17
H5921

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

פִּ֣י9 of 17

“according to the commandment”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

מֹשֶׁ֑ה10 of 17

“of Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

עֲבֹדַת֙11 of 17

“for the service”

H5656

work of any kind

הַלְוִיִּ֔ם12 of 17

“of the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

בְּיַד֙13 of 17

“by the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אִֽיתָמָ֔ר14 of 17

“of Ithamar”

H385

ithamar, a son of aaron

בֶּֽן15 of 17

“son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אַהֲרֹ֖ן16 of 17

“to Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

הַכֹּהֵֽן׃17 of 17

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

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 38:21 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 38:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 7:44Numbers 9:15Numbers 1:53Numbers 10:112 Chronicles 24:6Numbers 1:50

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 38 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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