And thou shalt make unto it a border of an hand breadth round about, and thou shalt make a golden crown to the border thereof round about.

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

What does Exodus 25:25 mean?

Exodus 25:25 describes how the table for the tabernacle should be made with a border around it, about as wide as a hand, and then a decorative gold molding or "crown" attached to that border. This instruction is part of the detailed directions God gives Moses for building sacred furniture for worship.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving step-by-step instructions for constructing the table that will hold the "bread of the Presence" in the tabernacle. The border and the golden crown are meant to add both protection and beauty to the table, emphasizing the importance and holiness of everything used in the worship space.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 25:25

  • The word for "border" is מִסְגֶּרֶת (misgeret), which refers to a frame or rim. This detail shows that the table was not just functional but also carefully designed to be sturdy and set apart.
  • The word for "crown" is זֵר (zer), meaning a decorative band or molding. This golden crown was likely an ornamental edge, highlighting the table’s special purpose and setting it apart as sacred.
  • The phrase "hand breadth" uses טֹפַח (tofach), meaning the width of a hand. This gives a concrete measurement, showing the care and precision involved in following God's instructions.

Why Exodus 25:25 matters

  • This verse highlights the attention to detail and craftsmanship expected in things dedicated to God, showing that beauty and care were valued in worship.
  • The golden crown and border set the table apart, signaling its sacred use and the reverence due to objects in the tabernacle.
  • Understanding these details helps readers see how the tabernacle’s design was meant to reflect God’s holiness and the seriousness of approaching Him in worship.

Where else these words appear

“breadth” Hebrew H2948 · used in 5 verses

  • Exodus 37:12 Also he made thereunto a border of an handbreadth round about; and made a crown of gold for the border thereof round about.
  • Ezekiel 40:5 And behold a wall on the outside of the house round about, and in the man's hand a measuring reed of six cubits long by the cubit and an hand breadth: so he measured the breadth of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed.
  • Ezekiel 40:43 And within were hooks, an hand broad, fastened round about: and upon the tables was the flesh of the offering.

“crown” Hebrew H2213 · used in 10 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 30:4 And two golden rings shalt thou make to it under the crown of it, by the two corners thereof, upon the two sides of it shalt thou make it; and they shall be for places for the staves to bear it withal.
  • Exodus 37:12 Also he made thereunto a border of an handbreadth round about; and made a crown of gold for the border thereof round about.

“border” Hebrew H4526 · used in 14 verses

  • Exodus 25:27 Over against the border shall the rings be for places of the staves to bear the table.
  • 1 Kings 7:28 And the work of the bases was on this manner: they had borders, and the borders were between the ledges:
  • 1 Kings 7:35 And in the top of the base was there a round compass of half a cubit high: and on the top of the base the ledges thereof and the borders thereof were of the same.