The hangings of one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three.

EXODUS 27:14KJV
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Exodus 27:14 (KJV)

What does Exodus 27:14 mean?

Exodus 27:14 describes part of the instructions for building the tabernacle’s courtyard, specifically saying that one side of the entrance gate should have hangings measuring fifteen cubits, supported by three pillars set in three bases. This verse gives precise measurements and details for constructing the entrance area of the tabernacle’s outer court.

God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving him detailed directions for how the Israelites should build the tabernacle—a portable sanctuary for worship during their journey in the wilderness. This verse is part of a longer section where every part of the courtyard is described with exact dimensions and materials, showing the care and order involved in Israel’s worship space.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 27:14

  • The word for "hangings" is קְלָעִים (qelaʿim), which refers to woven curtains or screens. This highlights that the sides of the gate were not solid walls but fabric panels.
  • "Pillars" is עַמּוּדִים (ʿammudim), meaning upright posts or columns. These provided the structure and support for the hangings.
  • "Sockets" is אֲדָנִים (ʾadanim), which means bases or pedestals. Each pillar stood in a separate base, ensuring stability.
  • The measurement "cubits" is אַמָּה (ammah), an ancient unit roughly equal to 18 inches or 45 centimeters, helping modern readers visualize the size.

Why Exodus 27:14 matters

  • This verse shows the importance of order and precision in the instructions for worship, emphasizing that every detail mattered in the tabernacle’s construction.
  • Understanding the specific measurements and materials helps readers picture the tabernacle as a real, physical place, not just a symbolic or spiritual idea.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in Exodus of God’s desire to dwell among His people, with the tabernacle serving as the visible center of Israel’s community and worship.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“side” Hebrew H3802 · used in 58 verses

  • Exodus 27:15 And on the other side shall be hangings fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three.
  • Joshua 18:16 And the border came down to the end of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel,
  • Isaiah 49:22 Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.

“pillars” Hebrew H5982 · used in 84 verses

  • Exodus 13:21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:
  • Exodus 39:40 The hangings of the court, his pillars, and his sockets, and the hanging for the court gate, his cords, and his pins, and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the congregation,
  • 2 Kings 25:13 And the pillars of brass that were in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that was in the house of the LORD, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon.