King James Version

What Does Exodus 38:29 Mean?

Exodus 38:29 in the King James Version says “And the brass of the offering was seventy talents, and two thousand and four hundred shekels.” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the brass of the offering was seventy talents, and two thousand and four hundred shekels.”

Exodus 38:29 · KJV

Context

27

And of the hundred talents of silver were cast the sockets of the sanctuary, and the sockets of the vail; an hundred sockets of the hundred talents, a talent for a socket.

28

And of the thousand seven hundred seventy and five shekels he made hooks for the pillars, and overlaid their chapiters, and filleted them.

29

And the brass of the offering was seventy talents, and two thousand and four hundred shekels.

30

And therewith he made the sockets to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the brasen altar, and the brasen grate for it, and all the vessels of the altar,

31

And the sockets of the court round about, and the sockets of the court gate, and all the pins of the tabernacle, and all the pins of the court round about.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bronze total—'seventy talents, and two thousand and four hundred shekels' (approximately 4,800-5,400 pounds)—came from voluntary offerings (unlike mandatory silver). This bronze made the bronze altar, laver, court sockets, pins, and vessels—all items associated with judgment, service, and boundaries. The voluntary nature of bronze offerings (versus mandatory atonement silver) teaches that while redemption is non-negotiable, service and endurance (bronze qualities) should flow from willing hearts. Those who've experienced mandatory redemption should respond with voluntary service.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Bronze came from Egyptian plunder and voluntary offerings (35:24). The seventy talents plus 2,400 shekels provided sufficient bronze for the massive altar (approximately 1,500 pounds), laver, sixty courtyard sockets, and numerous pins and vessels. This quantity demonstrates the people's generous response to God's redemption.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does voluntary bronze offerings (versus mandatory silver) teach about service flowing from gratitude for redemption?
  2. How does bronze's use for judgment-items (altar), service-items (laver), and boundary-items (sockets, pins) illustrate the multifaceted nature of Christian response to salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וּנְחֹ֥שֶׁת1 of 8

“And the brass”

H5178

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

הַתְּנוּפָ֖ה2 of 8

“of the offering”

H8573

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

שִׁבְעִ֣ים3 of 8

“was seventy”

H7657

seventy

כִּכָּ֑ר4 of 8

“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

וְאַלְפַּ֥יִם5 of 8

“and two thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְאַרְבַּע6 of 8

“and four”

H702

four

מֵא֖וֹת7 of 8

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שָֽׁקֶל׃8 of 8

“shekels”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

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 38:29 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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