Over against the border shall the rings be for places of the staves to bear the table.

EXODUS 25:27KJV
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Exodus 25:27 (KJV)

What does Exodus 25:27 mean?

Exodus 25:27 gives instructions for where to place the rings on the table used in the tabernacle: the rings should be set close to the border of the table, and these rings are meant to hold the poles used to carry the table. This detail is part of God’s directions to Moses about how the table for the Bread of the Presence should be made and transported.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving specific building instructions for the tabernacle’s furnishings. The focus is on practical design: the rings (which will hold the carrying poles) need to be positioned so the table can be moved safely and efficiently by the Levites as Israel travels. The verse highlights the care taken in every detail of worship and transport in Israel’s camp.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 25:27

  • "against" (עַל־צַלְעֹתָיו, transliterated as ‘al-tsal‘otav) is often understood as “close to” or “next to,” showing that the rings are to be placed right by the edge or border, not randomly anywhere on the table.
  • "border" (מִסְגֶּרֶת, misgeret) refers to the frame or rim around the table, emphasizing that the rings are attached near this structural part, which would help support the weight when the table is carried.
  • "rings" (טַבָּעָה, tabba‘ah) means circular fittings, and here they serve a practical function: they are not decorative, but are necessary for inserting the carrying poles.
  • "staves" (בַּד, bad) are the poles used for carrying, showing that the table was designed to be portable, fitting the Israelites’ journeying lifestyle.

Why Exodus 25:27 matters

  • This verse clarifies that every part of the tabernacle’s furniture was designed for both sacred use and practical transport, not just for stationary display.
  • The careful placement of the rings shows that God’s instructions included even small details, emphasizing order and intentionality in worship.
  • Understanding the function of the rings and poles connects this verse to the larger theme of the tabernacle as a movable dwelling, central to Israel’s relationship with God during their wilderness journey.

Where else these words appear

“border” Hebrew H4526 · used in 14 verses

  • Exodus 25:25 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.
  • 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.

“against” Hebrew H5980 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 28:27 And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart thereof, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:12 Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.
  • Ezekiel 10:19 And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.

“rings” Hebrew H2885 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 41:42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
  • Exodus 28:27 And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart thereof, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.
  • Exodus 38:7 And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made the altar hollow with boards.

“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.