Two tenons shall there be in one board, set in order one against another: thus shalt thou make for all the boards of the tabernacle.

EXODUS 26:17KJV
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Exodus 26:17 (KJV)

What does Exodus 26:17 mean?

Exodus 26:17 gives instructions for making the boards of the tabernacle, saying that each board should have two tenons (projections or pegs) set opposite each other. This detail is part of the careful design for how the boards would fit together to form the tabernacle’s structure.

God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving him detailed directions for building the tabernacle—a portable sanctuary for the Israelites. This verse focuses on the craftsmanship needed for the boards, ensuring stability and uniformity in how the boards connect. The instructions show the importance of precision and order in constructing a place meant for worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 26:17

  • The word "tenons" comes from יָד (yad, transliterated "yad"), which usually means "hand." Here, it refers to the projecting parts of the board, like hands reaching out to connect with something else. This gives a sense of the boards "grasping" or joining securely.
  • The word "board" is קֶרֶשׁ (qeresh, transliterated "qeresh"), which means a plank or board, specifically used here for the upright pieces forming the tabernacle’s walls.
  • The word "tabernacle" is מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan, transliterated "mishkan"), meaning "dwelling place" or "sanctuary," emphasizing that this structure was meant to be where God’s presence would dwell among the people.

Why Exodus 26:17 matters

  • This verse highlights the level of detail and care that went into building the tabernacle, showing that every part—even how boards fit together—was important for the whole structure.
  • The use of "tenons" (hands) gives a vivid picture of the boards being made to connect firmly, which helps explain how the tabernacle could be both portable and sturdy.
  • These instructions connect to the wider passage by showing that the tabernacle was not just a tent, but a carefully engineered and symbolic place, reflecting order and purpose in worship.

Where else these words appear

“order” Hebrew H7947 · used in 2 verses

  • Exodus 36:22 One board had two tenons, equally distant one from another: thus did he make for all the boards of the tabernacle.

“board” Hebrew H7175 · used in 34 verses

  • Exodus 26:15 And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up.
  • Exodus 26:28 And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall reach from end to end.
  • Exodus 36:28 And two boards made he for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.

“another” Hebrew H269 · used in 104 verses

  • Genesis 4:22 And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.
  • Leviticus 18:18 Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time.
  • Job 1:4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.

“tabernacle” Hebrew H4908 · used in 129 verses

  • Exodus 25:9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
  • Exodus 40:18 And Moses reared up the tabernacle, and fastened his sockets, and set up the boards thereof, and put in the bars thereof, and reared up his pillars.
  • Numbers 16:9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?