And on the other side shall be hangings fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three.

EXODUS 27:15KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 27:15 (KJV)

What does Exodus 27:15 mean?

Exodus 27:15 gives instructions for making one side of the courtyard around the tabernacle, specifying that there should be hangings (curtains) measuring fifteen cubits in length, supported by three pillars with three bases. This verse is part of a detailed description of how the sacred space was to be constructed.

God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving him precise directions for building the tabernacle and its courtyard. The verse focuses on the measurements and structure for one side of the courtyard entrance, showing the importance of order and symmetry in the design. These details reflect the care and intention behind every part of Israel’s worship space.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 27:15

  • The word for "hangings" is קְלָעִים (qela‘im), which refers to woven curtains or screens. This highlights that the enclosure was made of fabric, not solid walls.
  • "Pillars" uses עַמּוּדִים (‘ammudim), meaning upright supports. The number and placement of these pillars were important for the stability and appearance of the courtyard.
  • The measurement "fifteen" is expressed with two words: חֲמֵשׁ (chamesh, five) and עֶשֶׂר (‘eser, ten), combined to make fifteen. This shows the Hebrew way of expressing numbers, which sometimes combines smaller numbers.
  • "Sockets" is אֲדָנִים (‘adaním), meaning bases or foundations, indicating that each pillar had a solid base for support.

Why Exodus 27:15 matters

  • This verse shows the level of detail and care in God’s instructions for worship, emphasizing that every part of the tabernacle had a purpose and a place.
  • The careful measurements and repeated symmetry connect this verse to the rest of the chapter, showing that the tabernacle was designed to be orderly and balanced.
  • Understanding these construction details helps readers picture the physical setting of Israel’s worship and the seriousness with which the people were to approach God’s presence.

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 27:14 The hangings of one side of the gate shall be 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.