And he made bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,

EXODUS 36:31KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 36:31 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:31 mean?

Exodus 36:31 describes how Bezalel, the craftsman, made five bars out of shittim (acacia) wood to support the boards on one side of the tabernacle. This verse details a specific step in the construction of the tabernacle, focusing on the framework that held the structure together.

In this part of Exodus, Moses is overseeing the building of the tabernacle, and skilled workers are following God’s instructions for its design. The verse highlights the use of shittim wood, a durable and valued material, and the careful organization of the tabernacle’s framework, showing the attention to detail in creating a portable sanctuary for Israel’s worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:31

  • שִׁטִּים (shittim): This word refers to acacia wood, known for its strength and resistance to decay. Its use here emphasizes the durability and quality of the materials chosen for the tabernacle.
  • בְּרִיחִים (beriachim): Translated as "bars," these were horizontal supports that helped stabilize the vertical boards, showing the practical engineering behind the tabernacle’s construction.
  • קְרָשִׁים (kerashim): Meaning "boards," these were the main structural panels of the tabernacle’s walls. The bars connected these boards, making the structure sturdy and portable.
  • מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan): This is the Hebrew word for "tabernacle," meaning "dwelling place." It underscores that this structure was intended as a special place where God’s presence would dwell among the Israelites.

Why Exodus 36:31 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the tabernacle was not just a tent but a carefully engineered structure, using specific materials and methods for stability and portability.
  • The mention of shittim wood and the precise number of bars shows the importance of following God’s instructions exactly, reflecting the reverence and care given to sacred spaces.
  • By describing the construction in detail, Exodus 36:31 connects to the broader narrative of God dwelling with His people and the Israelites’ obedience in creating a place for worship according to divine design.

Where else these words appear

“shittim” Hebrew H7848 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 25:5 And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,
  • Exodus 27:1 And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits.
  • Exodus 37:4 And he made staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.

“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 36:25 And for the other side of the tabernacle, which is toward the north corner, he made twenty boards,
  • 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 36:27 And for the sides of the tabernacle westward he made six boards.

“bars” Hebrew H1280 · used in 37 verses

  • Exodus 26:26 And thou shalt make bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
  • Deuteronomy 3:5 All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many.
  • Psalms 107:16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.