And for the sides of the tabernacle westward thou shalt make six boards.

EXODUS 26:22KJV
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Exodus 26:22 (KJV)

What does Exodus 26:22 mean?

Exodus 26:22 gives a specific instruction for building the tabernacle, saying that six boards should be made for the west side of the structure. This verse is part of a detailed set of directions for how the portable sanctuary was to be constructed.

In this passage, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving him exact guidelines for assembling the tabernacle (a special tent for worship). The west side, sometimes called the "back" of the tabernacle, is singled out here, and the number of boards—six—is specified to ensure the structure’s stability and shape according to the divine pattern.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 26:22

  • "sides" (צֵלָע, tselaʿ): This word often means "side" or "rib" and here refers to the panels or sides of the tabernacle. It helps clarify that the instruction is about the physical sides of the structure, not just a direction.
  • "tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan): This term means "dwelling place" and is used throughout Exodus for the sanctuary where God’s presence would dwell among the Israelites. It emphasizes the sacred purpose of the structure.
  • "westward" (יָם, yam): While this word literally means "sea," it is often used in Hebrew to mean "west," since the Mediterranean Sea was west of Israel. Here, it marks the orientation of the tabernacle.
  • "boards" (קֶרֶשׁ, qeresh): This refers to the upright wooden planks that formed the walls of the tabernacle. Knowing the specific word highlights the construction method—using solid boards rather than fabric or other materials.

Why Exodus 26:22 matters

  • This verse shows the careful attention to detail in the tabernacle’s construction, reflecting the importance of following God’s instructions exactly.
  • The mention of the west side and the number of boards helps readers understand the layout and symmetry of the tabernacle, which becomes important for later descriptions of its use and symbolism.
  • By specifying the materials and arrangement, the verse connects to the broader theme in Exodus of God providing not just spiritual guidance, but also practical, physical instructions for worship.

Where else these words appear

“sides” Hebrew H3411 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 49:13 Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon.
  • 1 Kings 6:16 And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls with boards of cedar: he even built them for it within, even for the oracle, even for the most holy place.
  • Jeremiah 31:8 Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither.

“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.

“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?