Exodus 36:20 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:20 mean?

Exodus 36:20 describes how boards were made from shittim wood to form the structure of the tabernacle, and these boards were set upright. This verse is part of the instructions and actual work for building the portable sanctuary that the Israelites used during their journey in the wilderness.

In this passage, skilled workers under Moses’ direction are constructing the tabernacle as God commanded. The boards made from shittim wood (a type of acacia) would become the main framework for the sacred tent. The verse highlights the careful and specific craftsmanship involved in creating a holy place for worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:20

• שִׁטִּים (shittim): This word refers to acacia wood, which is known for its durability and resistance to decay. Using this wood shows the builders were choosing materials meant to last, even in harsh desert conditions.
• קְרָשִׁים (kerashim): This word means "boards" or "planks," indicating that the tabernacle’s walls were not made from fabric alone but had a solid, upright wooden frame.
• מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan): This is the Hebrew word for "tabernacle," meaning "dwelling place." It emphasizes that this structure was meant to be where God’s presence would dwell among the people.
• עֵץ (etz): This is the general Hebrew word for "wood," used here to specify the material of the boards.

Why Exodus 36:20 matters

• This verse clarifies that the tabernacle was a sturdy, structured building, not just a tent of cloth, which helps readers picture its construction more accurately.
• The use of shittim wood shows attention to quality and longevity, reflecting the importance of the tabernacle as a lasting center of worship.
• By describing the boards as "standing up," the verse connects to the detailed instructions earlier in Exodus, showing that the builders followed God’s commands exactly.