And thou shalt make staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold.

EXODUS 25:13KJV
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Exodus 25:13 (KJV)

What does Exodus 25:13 mean?

Exodus 25:13 instructs that poles made from acacia wood are to be crafted and then covered with gold. These poles are part of the detailed directions God gives Moses for building the tabernacle and its furnishings.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving specific instructions for constructing the Ark of the Covenant. The poles (or "staves") are meant to be used for carrying the Ark, showing both the care and reverence required in handling sacred objects, and the importance of following God's instructions exactly.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 25:13

  • שֵׁטִים (shittim): This word refers to acacia wood, a durable and common wood in the Sinai region. Its use here highlights the practical and symbolic value of using strong, lasting materials for holy purposes.
  • צֵפָה (tsaphah, "overlay"): This word means to cover or plate something, often with a precious metal. Overlaying the wood with gold emphasizes the Ark's sacredness and the value placed on what is set apart for God.
  • זָהָב (zahav, "gold"): Gold is a symbol of purity and value throughout the Bible. Its use here signals the Ark’s importance and the honor due to God.

Why Exodus 25:13 matters

  • Exodus 25:13 clarifies that even the tools used to carry the Ark were to be made with care and reverence, not just the Ark itself.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing how every detail of the tabernacle’s construction was specified, underlining the seriousness of worship and obedience.
  • Understanding the materials and methods specified helps modern readers see the blend of practicality and symbolism in Israel’s worship practices.

Where else these words appear

“shittim” Hebrew H7848 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 25:5 And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,
  • Exodus 27:6 And thou shalt make staves for the altar, staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with brass.
  • Exodus 37:4 And he made staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.

“overlay” Hebrew H6823 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 25:11 And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about.
  • Exodus 36:38 And the five pillars of it with their hooks: and he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets with gold: but their five sockets were of brass.
  • 1 Kings 6:22 And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that was by the oracle he overlaid with gold.

“staves” Hebrew H905 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 26:1 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
  • Exodus 37:5 And he put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.
  • Numbers 11:14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.