Exodus 26:23 (KJV)

What does Exodus 26:23 mean?

Exodus 26:23 gives instructions for making two special boards for the corners of the tabernacle, one for each side. This verse is part of the detailed directions God gave Moses for building the portable sanctuary where the Israelites would worship during their journey through the wilderness.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, explaining how to construct the tabernacle’s framework. The focus here is on the corners, which needed extra boards to make the structure stable and secure. This detail shows the care and precision involved in building the tabernacle, emphasizing that every part—even the corners—had a specific design and purpose.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 26:23

• "Corners" (פִּנָּה, pinnāh): This word refers to the corner or angle of a structure. Its use here highlights that the tabernacle’s corners required special attention, likely for added strength and stability.
• "Boards" (קֶרֶשׁ, qeresh): This term describes the upright wooden planks that formed the walls of the tabernacle. The mention of two boards for the corners suggests a unique construction method at these points, different from the rest of the wall sections.
• "Tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan): This word means "dwelling place" and refers to the whole sanctuary structure. The instructions for the corners are part of making the mishkan a secure and fitting place for worship.

Why Exodus 26:23 matters

• This verse shows that even the smallest details in the tabernacle’s construction were given careful instructions, reflecting the importance of the sanctuary in Israel’s worship.
• By specifying how to make the corners, Exodus 26:23 helps explain how the tabernacle was both portable and sturdy, able to withstand movement and use during the Israelites’ travels.
• The focus on corners connects to the wider passage, which describes every part of the tabernacle’s design, showing that each element had a role in creating a sacred space according to God’s plan.