King James Version

What Does Exodus 38:31 Mean?

Exodus 38:31 in the King James Version says “And the sockets of the court round about, and the sockets of the court gate, and all the pins of the tabernacle, and all...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 38:31 · KJV

Context

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.

Read Exodus 38 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The detailed accounting's conclusion demonstrates faithful stewardship and transparent reporting. Every talent, every shekel, every piece of gold, silver, and bronze is accounted for—teaching that those entrusted with sacred resources owe complete transparency to both God and community. This standard challenges contemporary ministry to maintain careful records, clear reporting, and faithful stewardship. The specific designation of materials to specific purposes (gold for interior glory, silver for foundations, bronze for exterior service) teaches intentional allocation according to divine design rather than human preference.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This comprehensive accounting (vv. 21-31) provided public record of material usage, preventing both misuse and false accusation. The transparency demonstrated respect for givers' trust and God's provision. This model of financial accountability became pattern for Israel's religious institutions and should inform Christian stewardship today.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does comprehensive accounting and transparent reporting teach about stewardship requirements for those handling sacred resources?
  2. How does intentional material allocation (gold/glory, silver/foundation, bronze/service) challenge random or preference-based resource distribution in ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְאֶת1 of 17
H853

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

אַדְנֵ֖י2 of 17

“And the sockets”

H134

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

הֶֽחָצֵ֖ר3 of 17

“of the court”

H2691

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

סָבִֽיב׃4 of 17

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

וְאֶת5 of 17
H853

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

אַדְנֵ֖י6 of 17

“And the sockets”

H134

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

שַׁ֣עַר7 of 17

“gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הֶֽחָצֵ֖ר8 of 17

“of the court”

H2691

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

וְאֵ֨ת9 of 17
H853

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

כָּל10 of 17
H3605

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

יִתְדֹ֥ת11 of 17

“and all the pins”

H3489

a peg

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן12 of 17

“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

וְאֶת13 of 17
H853

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

כָּל14 of 17
H3605

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

יִתְדֹ֥ת15 of 17

“and all the pins”

H3489

a peg

הֶֽחָצֵ֖ר16 of 17

“of the court”

H2691

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

סָבִֽיב׃17 of 17

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

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 38:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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