And thou shalt make the dishes thereof, and spoons thereof, and covers thereof, and bowls thereof, to cover withal: of pure gold shalt thou make them.

EXODUS 25:29KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 25:29 (KJV)

What does Exodus 25:29 mean?

Exodus 25:29 describes God’s instructions to Moses about making special utensils for the table in the tabernacle, including dishes, spoons, covers, and bowls, all to be made of pure gold. These items were to be used for the offerings and rituals connected to the sacred bread placed before God.

God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving detailed directions for constructing the tabernacle and its furnishings. The verse emphasizes the care, value, and holiness required for objects used in worship, highlighting that every item—even the utensils—should be made from the finest materials as a sign of respect for God’s presence.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 25:29

  • "dishes" (קְעָרוֹת, qeʿarot): This word refers to shallow bowls or plates, likely used to hold the bread or other offerings, showing the practical needs of tabernacle service.
  • "spoons" (כַּפֹּת, kappot): This term means "hand" or "palm" and is often used for small ladles or scoops, probably for incense or sprinkling.
  • "covers" (קְשָׂוָה, kesawot): The meaning is less certain, but it is often understood as lids or covers for the dishes or bowls, indicating care for keeping things pure or protected.
  • "pure" (טָהוֹר, tahor): This word stresses ceremonial cleanliness and moral purity, not just physical quality, underlining the spiritual importance of the materials used.

Why Exodus 25:29 matters

  • Exodus 25:29 shows that even the smallest details of worship were important to God, not just the larger structures or rituals.
  • The use of pure gold for everyday utensils highlights the value placed on everything connected to God’s service, teaching that nothing in worship is too minor for care and honor.
  • This verse connects to the wider instructions for the tabernacle, revealing a pattern of reverence and intentionality that runs through all of God’s commands about worship in Exodus.

Where else these words appear

“covers” Hebrew H7184 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 37:16 And he made the vessels which were upon the table, his dishes, and his spoons, and his bowls, and his covers to cover withal, of pure gold.
  • Numbers 4:7 And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon:
  • 1 Chronicles 28:17 Also pure gold for the fleshhooks, and the bowls, and the cups: and for the golden basons he gave gold by weight for every bason; and likewise silver by weight for every bason of silver:

“bowls” Hebrew H4518 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 37:16 And he made the vessels which were upon the table, his dishes, and his spoons, and his bowls, and his covers to cover withal, of pure gold.
  • Numbers 4:7 And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon:
  • Jeremiah 52:19 And the basons, and the firepans, and the bowls, and the caldrons, and the candlesticks, and the spoons, and the cups; that which was of gold in gold, and that which was of silver in silver, took the captain of the guard away.

“withal” Hebrew H2004 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 19:29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.
  • Leviticus 14:40 Then the priest shall command that they take away the stones in which the plague is, and they shall cast them into an unclean place without the city:
  • Jeremiah 48:9 Give wings unto Moab, that it may flee and get away: for the cities thereof shall be desolate, without any to dwell therein.

“dishes” Hebrew H7086 · used in 17 verses

  • Exodus 37:16 And he made the vessels which were upon the table, his dishes, and his spoons, and his bowls, and his covers to cover withal, of pure gold.
  • Numbers 7:31 His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
  • Numbers 7:61 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering: