King James Version

What Does Exodus 38:24 Mean?

Exodus 38:24 in the King James Version says “All the gold that was occupied for the work in all the work of the holy place, even the gold of the offering, was twenty...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“All the gold that was occupied for the work in all the work of the holy place, even the gold of the offering, was twenty and nine talents, and seven hundred and thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary.”

Exodus 38:24 · KJV

Context

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.

24

All the gold that was occupied for the work in all the work of the holy place, even the gold of the offering, was twenty and nine talents, and seven hundred and thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary.

25

And the silver of them that were numbered of the congregation was an hundred talents, and a thousand seven hundred and threescore and fifteen shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

26

A bekah for every man, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty men. every man: Heb. a poll

Read Exodus 38 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The gold total—'twenty and nine talents, and seven hundred and thirty shekels' (approximately 1,900-2,200 pounds) 'after the shekel of the sanctuary'—represents enormous wealth consecrated to God's dwelling. The specific standard ('shekel of the sanctuary') ensured accuracy and prevented fraud through variable weights. This massive gold quantity (worth millions in today's terms) demonstrates that building God's house justifies substantial investment, teaching that nothing is too valuable for His glory. The willingness to dedicate such wealth shows genuine valuation of God's presence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The sanctuary shekel was standardized weight (approximately 0.4 ounces) ensuring consistent measurement. The gold came from Egypt's plunder (12:35-36), voluntary offerings (35:22), and possibly trade. This enormous quantity overlaid the ark, mercy seat, table, incense altar, and cherubim—making the Most Holy Place and Holy Place radiant with reflected lamplight.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the enormous gold quantity dedicated to God's dwelling teach about appropriate valuation of His presence?
  2. How does using standardized sanctuary weights illustrate the importance of honest dealing even in sacred work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כָּל1 of 19
H3605

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

זְהַ֣ב2 of 19

“All the gold”

H2091

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

הֶֽעָשׂוּי֙3 of 19

“that was occupied”

H6213

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

מְלֶ֣אכֶת4 of 19

“for the work”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

בְּכֹ֖ל5 of 19
H3605

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

מְלֶ֣אכֶת6 of 19

“for the work”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃7 of 19

“of the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וַיְהִ֣י׀8 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

זְהַ֣ב9 of 19

“All the gold”

H2091

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

הַתְּנוּפָ֗ה10 of 19

“of the offering”

H8573

a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial offerings

תֵּ֤שַׁע11 of 19

“and nine”

H8672

nine or (ordinal) ninth

וְעֶשְׂרִים֙12 of 19

“was twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

כִּכָּ֔ר13 of 19

“talents”

H3603

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

וּשְׁבַ֨ע14 of 19

“and seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

מֵא֧וֹת15 of 19

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֛ים16 of 19

“and thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

בְּשֶׁ֥קֶל17 of 19

“after the shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

בְּשֶׁ֥קֶל18 of 19

“after the shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃19 of 19

“of the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

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 38:24 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 38:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 27:25Numbers 3:47Numbers 18:16Exodus 29:24Exodus 35:22Haggai 2:8

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