And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward.

EXODUS 26:27KJV
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Exodus 26:27 (KJV)

What does Exodus 26:27 mean?

Exodus 26:27 describes how five bars were to be made for each of the boards on the sides of the tabernacle, specifically mentioning the two sides that faced westward. This verse is part of the detailed instructions God gave Moses for building the portable sanctuary, focusing here on the structural support for the tabernacle's sides.

In this passage, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving precise directions for assembling the tabernacle’s framework. The verse highlights the need for stability and order in the construction, with the five bars (long wooden poles) running across the boards (upright planks) on each side, especially the western end. These details show the care and precision involved in creating a sacred space for worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 26:27

  • The word for "bars" is דֶּ֫בֶר (dever), which refers to long poles used to hold the boards together. This shows the practical method of connecting and stabilizing the tabernacle walls.
  • "Boards" is קֶרֶשׁ (qeresh), meaning upright wooden planks. These formed the main structure of the tabernacle’s sides.
  • "Side" is צֵלָע (tsela‘), which can mean a side or a panel, emphasizing that the instructions cover both sides of the tabernacle, not just one.
  • "Westward" is יָם (yam), which literally means "sea" but is often used to indicate the west, since the Mediterranean Sea was west of Israel. This clarifies that the instructions specifically include the western end of the tabernacle.

Why Exodus 26:27 matters

  • This verse shows the level of detail and care in the tabernacle’s design, emphasizing that every part had a purpose and was to be made according to God’s instructions.
  • It clears up any confusion about how the boards were held together, showing that the bars were not just decorative but essential for the structure’s stability.
  • By specifying the westward sides, the verse connects to the overall layout of the tabernacle, which had symbolic meaning in its orientation and design.

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.

“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.

“bars” Hebrew H1280 · used in 37 verses

  • Exodus 26:26 And thou shalt make bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
  • Deuteronomy 3:5 All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many.
  • Psalms 107:16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.