And for the other side of the tabernacle, which is toward the north corner, he made twenty boards,

EXODUS 36:25KJV
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Exodus 36:25 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:25 mean?

Exodus 36:25 describes how twenty boards were made for the north side of the tabernacle, specifically mentioning the area toward the north corner. This verse is part of the instructions and actions taken to construct the tabernacle’s framework in the wilderness, ensuring both sides matched in structure.

In this passage, the narrative explains the building process led by the skilled workers under Moses’ direction. The focus is on the physical construction of the tabernacle, which was a portable sanctuary for the Israelites. The verse gives a concrete detail about the north side, mirroring the earlier description of the south side, highlighting the symmetry and careful planning involved in the tabernacle’s design.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:25

  • צָפוֹן (tsafon, "north"): This word specifies the direction, making it clear which side of the tabernacle is being described. The use of this term shows the attention to orientation in the tabernacle’s layout.
  • קֶרֶשׁ (qeresh, "boards"): These were the upright wooden frames forming the walls. Knowing that "boards" refers to structural pieces helps the reader picture the actual building process and the sturdiness of the tabernacle.
  • פֵּאָה (pe'ah, "side"): This term often means "side" or "edge," clarifying that the boards are for the side wall, not the front or back.
  • עָשָׂה (asah, "made"): This verb emphasizes the craftsmanship and deliberate action taken to construct each part according to the instructions.

Why Exodus 36:25 matters

  • This verse helps clear up that the tabernacle’s north and south sides were built the same way, showing the importance of symmetry and order in its construction.
  • By specifying the number of boards and their placement, Exodus 36:25 highlights the detailed planning and care that went into making the tabernacle, reflecting its significance as a sacred space.
  • The verse connects to the larger narrative by showing the Israelites’ obedience to God’s instructions, as every detail given earlier is being faithfully carried out.

Where else these words appear

“side” Hebrew H6763 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 2:21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
  • Exodus 36:31 And he made bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
  • 1 Kings 6:34 And the two doors were of fir tree: the two leaves of the one door were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding.

“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.

“corner” 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.

“tabernacle” Hebrew H4908 · used in 129 verses

  • Exodus 25:9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
  • Exodus 40:18 And Moses reared up the tabernacle, and fastened his sockets, and set up the boards thereof, and put in the bars thereof, and reared up his pillars.
  • Numbers 16:9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?