And likewise for the north side in length there shall be hangings of an hundred cubits long, and his twenty pillars and their twenty sockets of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.

EXODUS 27:11KJV
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Exodus 27:11 (KJV)

What does Exodus 27:11 mean?

Exodus 27:11 describes how the north side of the tabernacle courtyard should be constructed, specifying that it must have hangings one hundred cubits long, supported by twenty pillars with twenty bronze bases, and that the pillars should have silver hooks and bands. This verse gives detailed instructions for building part of the sacred enclosure around the tabernacle, focusing on the materials and measurements for the northern boundary.

In this passage, God is giving Moses precise directions for constructing the tabernacle’s courtyard while the Israelites are in the wilderness. The details about the length, number of pillars, and use of materials like bronze and silver show the care and order expected in creating a space set apart for worship. These instructions mirror those for the south side, emphasizing symmetry and consistency in the tabernacle’s design.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 27:11

  • The word for "hangings" (קְלָעִים, qela'im) refers to the woven curtains or screens that formed the walls of the courtyard, not solid walls but fabric panels.
  • "Pillars" (עַמּוּדִים, ammudim) are the vertical supports for the hangings, showing the structure was both sturdy and portable.
  • "Sockets" (אֲדָנִים, adanim) means the bases or foundations, made of bronze (נְחֹשֶׁת, nechoshet), which provided stability for the pillars.
  • "Fillets" (חֲשֻׁקִּים, chashuqim) are decorative or functional bands, often understood as rods or connecting bars, made of silver (כֶּסֶף, kesef), which added both beauty and cohesion to the structure.

Why Exodus 27:11 matters

  • This verse highlights the importance of order and precision in the construction of sacred spaces, reflecting the seriousness with which worship was approached.
  • The matching instructions for the north and south sides underline the symmetry and balance in the tabernacle’s design, which was significant for the Israelites’ understanding of God’s holiness and order.
  • The use of different metals—bronze for the bases and silver for the hooks and bands—shows a thoughtful use of materials, each chosen for its purpose, which points to the care and intentionality in every aspect of the tabernacle.

Where else these words appear

“fillets” Hebrew H2838 · used in 8 verses

  • Exodus 27:10 And the twenty pillars thereof and their twenty sockets shall be of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets shall be of silver.
  • Exodus 38:10 Their pillars were twenty, and their brasen sockets twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were 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.

“hooks” Hebrew H2053 · used in 13 verses

  • Exodus 26:32 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 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.

“hangings” Hebrew H7050 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 27:9 And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side:
  • Exodus 38:14 The hangings of the one side of the gate were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.
  • 1 Samuel 17:40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

“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.