And for the sides of the tabernacle westward he made six boards.

EXODUS 36:27KJV
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Exodus 36:27 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:27 mean?

Exodus 36:27 describes how six boards were made to form the western side of the tabernacle. This verse is part of the instructions and actions taken to construct the sacred tent where the Israelites would worship during their journey in the wilderness.

In context, the book of Exodus records the building of the tabernacle, with Moses overseeing the work as God commanded. The “sides” here refer specifically to the west end of the tabernacle structure. Each board was a large wooden plank, and the number and placement were carefully specified to create the framework for the tent’s western wall.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:27

  • "sides" (צֵלָע, tselaʿ): This word often means "side" or "rib," and here it refers to the side panels or sections of the tabernacle’s structure. It shows the tabernacle was a three-sided enclosure, with the west side being distinct from the longer north and south sides.
  • "tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan): This term means "dwelling place" or "sanctuary," highlighting that the structure was meant as a place where God’s presence would dwell among the Israelites.
  • "westward" (יָם, yam): Literally meaning "sea," this word is often used in Hebrew to mean "west," since the Mediterranean Sea was to the west of Israel. It clarifies the orientation of the tabernacle.
  • "boards" (קֶרֶשׁ, qeresh): This word refers to the upright wooden planks used as the frame of the tabernacle, showing the construction was sturdy and intentional.

Why Exodus 36:27 matters

  • Exodus 36:27 clarifies that the west side of the tabernacle was shorter than the north and south sides, which had twenty boards each, emphasizing the rectangular shape of the structure.
  • The verse shows the careful attention to detail and obedience to God’s instructions in building the tabernacle, which was central to Israel’s worship life.
  • Understanding the construction details helps readers picture the tabernacle’s layout, which is important for following later passages about its use and symbolism.

Where else these words appear

“sides” Hebrew H3411 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 49:13 Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon.
  • 1 Kings 6:16 And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls with boards of cedar: he even built them for it within, even for the oracle, even for the most holy place.
  • Jeremiah 31:8 Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither.

“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.

“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?