And thou shalt overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for places for the bars: and thou shalt overlay the bars with gold.

EXODUS 26:29KJV
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Exodus 26:29 (KJV)

What does Exodus 26:29 mean?

Exodus 26:29 describes how the boards and bars used in the construction of the tabernacle were to be covered with gold, and how gold rings were to be made to hold the bars in place. This verse gives specific instructions for making the tabernacle’s framework both beautiful and functional.

In this passage, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving detailed directions for building the tabernacle—a special tent where God would dwell among the Israelites. The focus here is on the use of gold to cover the wooden boards and bars, and to make rings that would hold the bars, highlighting both the sacredness and the craftsmanship expected in the tabernacle’s construction.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 26:29

  • The word for "overlay" is צָפָה (tsaphah), which means to cover or plate something, often with a precious metal. Here, it emphasizes that the wood was not left plain but was completely covered in gold, showing honor and value.
  • The word for "boards" is קֶרֶשׁ (qeresh), referring to the upright wooden planks forming the walls of the tabernacle. These were substantial pieces, not small slats.
  • The word for "gold" is זָהָב (zahav), which is the standard Hebrew word for gold. Its repeated use in this verse underlines the richness and importance of the materials.
  • The word for "rings" is טַבַּעַת (tabba‘at), meaning a ring or band. These rings were functional, serving as holders for the bars, but made of gold to match the rest of the structure.

Why Exodus 26:29 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the tabernacle was not just a simple tent but a carefully crafted and richly adorned structure, reflecting its importance as a dwelling place for God.
  • The instructions for overlaying everything with gold show the emphasis on both beauty and durability in worship, not just practicality.
  • Understanding these details helps make sense of the larger section in Exodus 25–27, where every part of the tabernacle is described with similar care, highlighting the seriousness with which the Israelites were to approach God’s presence.

Where else these words appear

“boards” Hebrew H7175 · used in 34 verses

  • Exodus 26:15 And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up.
  • Exodus 26:27 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 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.

“rings” Hebrew H2885 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 41:42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
  • Exodus 28:27 And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart thereof, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.
  • Exodus 38:7 And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made the altar hollow with boards.

“overlay” Hebrew H6823 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 25:11 And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about.
  • Exodus 36:38 And the five pillars of it with their hooks: and he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets with gold: but their five sockets were of brass.
  • 1 Kings 6:22 And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that was by the oracle he overlaid with gold.