And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the tabernacle for the sides westward.

EXODUS 36:32KJV
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Exodus 36:32 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:32 mean?

Exodus 36:32 describes how five bars were made for the boards on the other side of the tabernacle, as well as five bars for the boards on the west side. This verse is about the construction details for the tabernacle, focusing on how its wooden framework was held together.

In this passage, skilled workers under Moses’ direction are building the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary for Israel’s worship during their journey in the wilderness. The verse highlights the careful planning and symmetry in the tabernacle’s design, showing that both sides and the west end had the same structural support with bars and boards.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:32

  • The word for "bars" is דֶּ֫בֶל (devel), which refers to the horizontal pieces used to hold the vertical boards together. This detail shows the practical construction methods used to make the tabernacle stable and portable.
  • The word for "boards" is קֶרֶשׁ (qeresh), meaning the upright wooden planks that formed the walls. Knowing this helps us picture the tabernacle as a sturdy structure, not just a tent.
  • The word for "side" is צֵלָע (tsela‘), which often means a side or a rib. Here, it refers to the sides of the tabernacle, clarifying the layout and how the bars were distributed.
  • The word for "westward" is יָם (yam), which literally means "sea" but is often used in Hebrew to mean "west," since the Mediterranean Sea was to Israel’s west. This shows the orientation of the tabernacle in the camp.

Why Exodus 36:32 matters

  • This verse clears up that the tabernacle was not just a simple tent but a carefully engineered structure with repeated patterns and strong supports, reflecting order and intentionality.
  • By mentioning both the other side and the west side, Exodus 36:32 emphasizes that every part of the tabernacle was given equal attention and care, not just the front or the most visible areas.
  • Understanding these details helps a reader see how the tabernacle’s design was meant for both beauty and function, fitting its role as a central place of worship and meeting for the Israelites.

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.

“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.