And the breadth of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits.

EXODUS 27:13KJV
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Exodus 27:13 (KJV)

What does Exodus 27:13 mean?

Exodus 27:13 states that the width of the courtyard for the tabernacle, specifically on its east side, should be fifty cubits. This verse gives a specific measurement for one side of the sacred enclosure described in the instructions for building the tabernacle.

In this passage, God is giving Moses detailed directions for constructing the tabernacle’s outer court while the Israelites are in the wilderness. The east side is highlighted here, which is significant because it was the main entrance to the courtyard. The measurement—fifty cubits—shows the careful planning and order in the tabernacle’s design, emphasizing the importance of every detail in Israel’s worship space.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 27:13

  • "breadth" (רֹחַב, rochav): This word means "width" or "broadness." Its use here points to the horizontal measurement of the courtyard, clarifying that the verse is about the side-to-side span, not the length.
  • "east" (קֶדֶם, qedem) and "eastward" (מִזְרָח, mizrach): Both words relate to direction, but "mizrach" often refers to the rising of the sun, emphasizing orientation. The double mention underscores the importance of the east as the entrance and a symbolically significant direction in biblical thought.
  • "cubit" (אַמָּה, ammah): A cubit is an ancient unit of length, roughly the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger (about 18 inches or 45 centimeters). Knowing this helps modern readers picture the actual size being described.

Why Exodus 27:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies the exact dimensions of the tabernacle’s courtyard, which helps readers understand the scale and layout of Israel’s central place of worship.
  • The focus on the east side highlights the importance of orientation and entrance in biblical worship spaces, a detail that recurs throughout the Bible.
  • By specifying measurements, the verse shows the care and precision expected in following God’s instructions, reflecting a broader theme of obedience and reverence in the construction of sacred spaces.