King James Version

What Does Exodus 39:33 Mean?

Exodus 39:33 in the King James Version says “And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, the tent, and all his furniture, his taches, his boards, his bars, and his p...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, the tent, and all his furniture, his taches, his boards, his bars, and his pillars, and his sockets,”

Exodus 39:33 · KJV

Context

31

And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten it on high upon the mitre; as the LORD commanded Moses.

32

Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.

33

And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, the tent, and all his furniture, his taches, his boards, his bars, and his pillars, and his sockets,

34

And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering,

35

The ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy seat,

Read Exodus 39 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Bringing the completed tabernacle 'unto Moses' for inspection teaches that spiritual work requires examination by godly leadership before implementation. The detailed listing—tent, furniture, clasps, boards, bars, pillars, sockets—demonstrates comprehensive accountability. Moses, who received the pattern on Sinai (25:9, 40), could verify exact conformity. This principle prefigures the church's need for biblical examination of ministries (1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1). The craftsmen's willingness to submit their work shows humility—true servants welcome evaluation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses alone saw the heavenly pattern during his 40 days on Sinai, qualifying him uniquely to verify the craftsmen's work. This inspection wasn't distrust but proper order—leaders accountable to God must verify that His design, not human creativity, governs worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does submitting spiritual work for biblical evaluation demonstrate humility and wisdom?
  2. What does Moses verifying exact pattern conformity teach about leadership's responsibility for doctrinal fidelity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיָּבִ֤יאוּ1 of 15

“And they brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת2 of 15
H853

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

הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙3 of 15

“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

אֶל4 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֔ה5 of 15

“unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶת6 of 15
H853

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

הָאֹ֖הֶל7 of 15

“the tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

וְאֶת8 of 15
H853

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

כָּל9 of 15
H3605

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

כֵּלָ֑יו10 of 15

“and all his furniture”

H3627

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

קְרָסָ֣יו11 of 15

“his taches”

H7165

a knob or belaying-pin (from its swelling form)

קְרָשָׁ֔יו12 of 15

“his boards”

H7175

a slab or plank; by implication, a deck of a ship

בְּרִיחָ֖ו13 of 15

“his bars”

H1280

a bolt

וְעַמֻּדָ֥יו14 of 15

“and his pillars”

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

וַֽאֲדָנָֽיו׃15 of 15

“and his sockets”

H134

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

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 39:33 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 39:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 31:7-11Exodus 36:1-38Exodus 25:1-30Exodus 35:11-19

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 39 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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