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.