The hangings of the court, his pillars, and their sockets, and the hanging for the door of the court,

EXODUS 35:17KJV
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Exodus 35:17 (KJV)

What does Exodus 35:17 mean?

Exodus 35:17 lists specific parts of the tabernacle’s outer courtyard: the fabric hangings, the supporting pillars, the bases (sockets) for those pillars, and the curtain that served as the entrance to the courtyard. This verse is part of a detailed inventory of the materials and items needed for constructing the tabernacle’s enclosure.

In this passage, Moses is speaking to the Israelites, relaying God’s instructions for building the tabernacle, which was a portable sanctuary for worship during their journey in the wilderness. The verse highlights the importance of each structural element, showing that every part, even those that might seem less significant, had a defined purpose in the overall design.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 35:17

  • The word for "hangings" is קְלָעִים (qela‘im), which refers to the woven curtains forming the walls of the courtyard. This term emphasizes that the courtyard was enclosed not by solid walls, but by fabric panels.
  • "Court" is חָצֵר (ḥatser), meaning an enclosed space or yard. Here, it refers specifically to the outer area surrounding the tabernacle itself.
  • "Pillars" is עַמּוּדִים (‘ammudim), meaning upright supports. These were the vertical posts that held up the hangings, showing the practical construction of the enclosure.
  • "Sockets" is אֲדָנִים (‘adanim), meaning bases or foundation blocks. These provided stability for the pillars, indicating attention to both function and durability.
  • The "hanging for the door" uses מָסָךְ (masakh), meaning a screen or curtain. This was the special entrance curtain, marking the only way into the courtyard and setting it apart from the rest of the enclosure.
  • "Door" is שַׁעַר (sha‘ar), meaning gate or entrance, underlining that the courtyard had a designated entry point.

Why Exodus 35:17 matters

  • This verse shows that every part of the tabernacle, even the outer structures, was carefully planned and described, reflecting the attention to detail in Israel’s worship practices.
  • By listing these items, the passage emphasizes that the tabernacle was a communal project, with every component—large or small—contributing to the whole.
  • Understanding these details helps readers see the tabernacle as a real, physical place, not just a symbolic or spiritual idea, grounding the story in concrete historical practices.

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.

“hanging” Hebrew H4539 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 26:36 And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.
  • Exodus 39:38 And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,
  • Numbers 3:26 And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.

“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 27:18 The length of the court shall be an hundred cubits, and the breadth fifty every where, and the height five cubits of fine twined linen, and their sockets of brass.
  • 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.

“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.