And for the second side of the tabernacle on the north side there shall be twenty boards:

EXODUS 26:20KJV
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Exodus 26:20 (KJV)

What does Exodus 26:20 mean?

Exodus 26:20 describes how the north side of the tabernacle should be constructed, specifying that it is to have twenty boards. This instruction is part of the detailed directions God gave to Moses for building the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving him precise architectural details for the tabernacle’s structure. The focus here is on the north side, matching the earlier instructions for the south side, and the mention of “twenty boards” sets the framework for one entire wall. These boards formed the skeleton of the tabernacle, supporting the coverings and defining its shape.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 26:20

  • "side" (צֵלָע, tselaʿ): This word refers to a side or panel, often used in construction contexts. Here, it emphasizes that the instructions are for one full wall of the tabernacle, not just a section.
  • "north" (צָפוֹן, tsafon): This word means "north," indicating the specific orientation of the wall. The mention of direction shows the careful planning and symmetry in the tabernacle’s design.
  • "boards" (קֶרֶשׁ, qeresh): This term refers to the upright wooden planks or frames that made up the walls. Understanding that these were structural boards helps visualize the tabernacle as a sturdy, transportable building, not just a tent.

Why Exodus 26:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the tabernacle was a carefully engineered structure, not a random or makeshift tent, highlighting the importance of order and precision in Israel’s worship space.
  • The matching number of boards on both the north and south sides shows the symmetry and balance in the tabernacle’s design, reflecting a sense of completeness and intentionality.
  • By specifying the north side, Exodus 26:20 connects to the broader passage where each side of the tabernacle is described in detail, helping readers understand the full layout and construction process.

Where else these words appear

“side” Hebrew H6763 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 2:21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
  • Exodus 36:31 And he made bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
  • 1 Kings 6:34 And the two doors were of fir tree: the two leaves of the one door were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding.

“boards” 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.

“side” Hebrew H6285 · used in 59 verses

  • Exodus 25:26 And thou shalt make for it four rings of gold, and put the rings in the four corners that are on the four feet thereof.
  • Numbers 34:3 Then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the coast of Edom, and your south border shall be the outmost coast of the salt sea eastward:
  • Ezekiel 48:1 Now these are the names of the tribes. From the north end to the coast of the way of Hethlon, as one goeth to Hamath, Hazarenan, the border of Damascus northward, to the coast of Hamath; for these are his sides east and west; a portion for Dan.

“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?