King James Version

What Does Exodus 38:30 Mean?

Exodus 38:30 in the King James Version says “And therewith he made the sockets to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the brasen altar, and the brase... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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,

Exodus 38:30 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bronze application—'the sockets for the door of the tabernacle,' altar and grate, altar vessels, court sockets, court gate sockets, tabernacle pins, and court pins—demonstrates comprehensive use. Bronze marked every threshold (tabernacle door, court gate), foundation (sockets), and anchor (pins), teaching that judgment and endurance characterize transitions, foundations, and security in God's dwelling. Moving from common to holy space requires crossing bronze (acknowledged judgment); standing in holy space requires bronze foundations (sustained judgment-awareness); remaining secure requires bronze anchors (established endurance).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The bronze distribution demonstrated strategic allocation: heaviest concentration at the altar (bearing continuous fire), substantial use in courtyard foundations (bearing traffic and weather), and distributed use in pins (securing against wind). Each application suited bronze's properties: durability, heat-resistance, weight, and strength.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does bronze at every threshold teach about necessarily acknowledging judgment when transitioning to holy space?
  2. How does comprehensive bronze use (foundations, anchors, vessels) illustrate that judgment-awareness and endurance pervade all aspects of approaching and serving God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ1 of 19

And therewith he made

H6213

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

בָּ֗הּ2 of 19
H0
אֶת3 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַדְנֵי֙4 of 19

the sockets

H134

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

פֶּ֚תַח5 of 19

to the door

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

אֹ֣הֶל6 of 19

of the tabernacle

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֔ד7 of 19

of the congregation

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

וְאֵת֙8 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃9 of 19

altar

H4196

an altar

הַנְּחֹ֖שֶׁת10 of 19

and the brasen

H5178

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

וְאֶת11 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִכְבַּ֥ר12 of 19

grate

H4345

a grate

הַנְּחֹ֖שֶׁת13 of 19

and the brasen

H5178

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

אֲשֶׁר14 of 19
H834

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

ל֑וֹ15 of 19
H0
וְאֵ֖ת16 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל17 of 19
H3605

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

כְּלֵ֥י18 of 19

for it and all the vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃19 of 19

altar

H4196

an altar


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 38:30 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 38:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study