And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver.

EXODUS 26:32KJV
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Exodus 26:32 (KJV)

What does Exodus 26:32 mean?

Exodus 26:32 gives instructions for hanging a curtain (the veil) inside the tabernacle, specifying that it should be hung on four pillars made of acacia wood covered with gold, with gold hooks and silver bases. This verse describes in detail how the veil was to be supported and displayed, highlighting the materials and craftsmanship involved.

God is speaking to Moses, giving him precise directions for building the tabernacle, the sacred tent where Israel would worship during their journey in the wilderness. The verse emphasizes the importance of using specific materials—acacia wood (called "shittim wood"), gold, and silver—and the careful arrangement of the pillars and hooks, showing the care and reverence expected in constructing a holy place.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 26:32

  • "Pillars" (עַמּוּדִים, ammudim): This word refers to the upright supports for the veil. Their number (four) and their material (acacia wood) are both specified, showing the structure was both sturdy and symbolic.
  • "Shittim" (שִׁטִּים, shittim): This is the Hebrew word for acacia wood, a durable and valued wood in the region, chosen for its strength and availability.
  • "Overlaid" (צָפָה, tsaphah): This word means to cover or plate, here referring to the gold covering the wooden pillars, which would give them a rich, shining appearance.
  • "Hooks" (וָוִים, vavim): These are the gold hooks from which the veil would hang, ensuring both function and beauty in the design.

Why Exodus 26:32 matters

  • Exodus 26:32 clears up that the tabernacle was not just a tent but a carefully designed sacred space, with every material and measurement chosen for a reason.
  • The verse highlights the use of precious materials—gold and silver—showing the value placed on worship and the presence of God among the people.
  • This instruction connects to the wider passage by setting apart the innermost part of the tabernacle (the Most Holy Place), making clear boundaries between ordinary and sacred space.

Where else these words appear

“hooks” Hebrew H2053 · used in 13 verses

  • Exodus 26:37 And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, and their hooks shall be of gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.
  • Exodus 36:36 And he made thereunto four pillars of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold: their hooks were of gold; and he cast for them four sockets of silver.
  • Exodus 38:12 And for the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.

“shittim” Hebrew H7848 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 25:5 And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,
  • Exodus 27:6 And thou shalt make staves for the altar, staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with brass.
  • Exodus 37:4 And he made staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.

“overlaid” 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.

“sockets” Hebrew H134 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 26:19 And thou shalt make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.
  • Exodus 35:11 The tabernacle, his tent, and his covering, his taches, and his boards, his bars, his pillars, and his sockets,
  • Exodus 38:19 And their pillars were four, and their sockets of brass four; their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their chapiters and their fillets of silver.