King James Version

What Does Exodus 39:36 Mean?

Exodus 39:36 in the King James Version says “The table, and all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread , — study this verse from Exodus chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The table, and all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread ,

Exodus 39:36 · KJV


Context

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,

36

The table, and all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread ,

37

The pure candlestick, with the lamps thereof, even with the lamps to be set in order, and all the vessels thereof, and the oil for light,

38

And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door, the sweet: Heb. the incense of sweet spices


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The table (שֻׁלְחָן, shulchan) with its vessels and showbread (לֶחֶם הַפָּנִים, lechem haPanim, bread of the Presence) provided perpetual offering before God. The twelve loaves, replaced weekly, represented the twelve tribes constantly before YHWH. The bread's presence taught that God's people live by His provision, not independent sustenance. Christ, the true Bread of Life (John 6:35, 48), fulfills this typology—believers feed on Him continually. The table's golden construction signifies divine provision; the bread, human dependence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The showbread ritual (Leviticus 24:5-9) required fresh bread every Sabbath, with old bread consumed by priests. This perpetual offering demonstrated that Israel constantly needed and received divine provision. The twelve loaves represented sustained covenant relationship, not momentary interaction.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the showbread's perpetual presence teach that believers need constant, not occasional, spiritual nourishment?
  2. What does Christ as the Bread of Life reveal about believers' complete dependence on Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אֶת1 of 8
H853

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

הַשֻּׁלְחָן֙2 of 8

The table

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

אֶת3 of 8
H853

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

כָּל4 of 8
H3605

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

כֵּלָ֔יו5 of 8

and all the vessels

H3627

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

וְאֵ֖ת6 of 8
H853

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

לֶ֥חֶם7 of 8
H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

הַפָּנִֽים׃8 of 8

thereof and the shewbread

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi


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 39:36 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 39:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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