And he made boards for the tabernacle; twenty boards for the south side southward:

EXODUS 36:23KJV
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Exodus 36:23 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:23 mean?

Exodus 36:23 describes how twenty boards were made for the south side of the tabernacle, forming part of its structure. This verse records a specific step in the construction of the tabernacle, focusing on the framework for one side.

In this part of Exodus, skilled workers are building the tabernacle according to detailed instructions given earlier. The verse highlights the careful organization and precise measurements used in creating the sacred tent where Israel would worship. The boards mentioned here are large wooden planks that made up the walls, showing the practical work involved in turning God's instructions into a real structure.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:23

  • "boards" (קֶרֶשׁ, qeresh): This word refers to the upright wooden planks used as the main structural elements of the tabernacle’s walls. Understanding that these are not just small boards but substantial planks helps picture the sturdiness and size of the structure.
  • "tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan): This term means "dwelling place" or "sanctuary," emphasizing that the structure was meant to be a special place where God’s presence would be among the people.
  • "south" (תֵּימָן, teman) and "southward" (נֶגֶב, negev): Both words point to the orientation of the boards, making clear that this verse is about the southern side of the tabernacle. The use of both terms underlines the importance of precise direction in the construction.

Why Exodus 36:23 matters

  • This verse shows the attention to detail and orderliness in the tabernacle’s construction, reflecting the care taken to follow God’s instructions exactly.
  • By specifying the number and placement of the boards, Exodus 36:23 helps readers understand the physical layout of the tabernacle, which is important for visualizing how worship was organized in ancient Israel.
  • The verse connects to a larger theme in Exodus: the idea that every part of the tabernacle had a set place and purpose, reinforcing the sense of sacred order in Israel’s worship practices.

Where else these words appear

“southward” Hebrew H8486 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 26:18 And thou shalt make the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards on the south side southward.
  • Deuteronomy 3:27 Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan.
  • Song of Solomon 4:16 Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.

“boards” Hebrew H7175 · used in 34 verses

  • Exodus 26:15 And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up.
  • Exodus 26:27 And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward.
  • Exodus 36:28 And two boards made he for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.

“side” Hebrew H6285 · used in 59 verses

  • Exodus 25:26 And thou shalt make for it four rings of gold, and put the rings in the four corners that are on the four feet thereof.
  • Numbers 34:3 Then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the coast of Edom, and your south border shall be the outmost coast of the salt sea eastward:
  • Ezekiel 48:1 Now these are the names of the tribes. From the north end to the coast of the way of Hethlon, as one goeth to Hamath, Hazarenan, the border of Damascus northward, to the coast of Hamath; for these are his sides east and west; a portion for Dan.

“south” Hebrew H5045 · used in 98 verses

  • Genesis 12:9 And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.
  • Joshua 15:21 And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,
  • Isaiah 30:6 The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people that shall not profit them.