Also he made thereunto a border of an handbreadth round about; and made a crown of gold for the border thereof round about.

EXODUS 37:12KJV
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Exodus 37:12 (KJV)

What does Exodus 37:12 mean?

Exodus 37:12 describes how a craftsman made a border around the table, measuring a handbreadth wide, and then made a decorative gold molding (called a "crown") to go around the border. This verse is part of the instructions for building the table for the tabernacle, showing careful attention to detail and ornamentation.

In context, Exodus 37 is about Bezalel and other skilled workers building the tabernacle’s furnishings as God directed Moses. The “border” and “crown of gold” refer to specific design features that made the table both functional and beautiful, highlighting the importance placed on the tabernacle’s craftsmanship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 37:12

  • "Border" (מִסְגֶּרֶת, misgeret): This word means a frame or rim, emphasizing that the table was given a defined edge, likely for both structural support and visual appeal.
  • "Handbreadth" (טֹפַח, tophach): This is an ancient measurement about the width of a hand, showing the border was a noticeable, practical size.
  • "Crown" (זֵר, zer): This word refers to a decorative molding or ridge, often used for ornamentation, suggesting the table was meant to look special and set apart.
  • "Gold" (זָהָב, zahav): The use of gold for the crown underlines the value and sacredness of the tabernacle furnishings.

Why Exodus 37:12 matters

  • Exodus 37:12 shows that even small details in the tabernacle’s construction were carefully planned and executed, reflecting the reverence for God’s instructions.
  • The verse highlights the combination of beauty and function in the tabernacle, with the border and gold crown serving both practical and symbolic purposes.
  • Understanding these details helps clarify how the Israelites viewed worship and sacred space, emphasizing that every part of the tabernacle was significant.

Where else these words appear

“handbreadth” Hebrew H2948 · used in 5 verses

  • Exodus 25:25 And thou shalt make unto it a border of an hand breadth round about, and thou shalt make a golden crown to the border thereof round about.
  • Ezekiel 40:5 And behold a wall on the outside of the house round about, and in the man's hand a measuring reed of six cubits long by the cubit and an hand breadth: so he measured the breadth of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed.
  • Ezekiel 40:43 And within were hooks, an hand broad, fastened round about: and upon the tables was the flesh of the offering.

“crown” Hebrew H2213 · used in 10 verses

  • Exodus 25:11 And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about.
  • Exodus 30:3 And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.
  • Exodus 37:11 And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made thereunto a crown of gold round about.

“border” Hebrew H4526 · used in 14 verses

  • Exodus 25:25 And thou shalt make unto it a border of an hand breadth round about, and thou shalt make a golden crown to the border thereof round about.
  • 1 Kings 7:28 And the work of the bases was on this manner: they had borders, and the borders were between the ledges:
  • 1 Kings 7:35 And in the top of the base was there a round compass of half a cubit high: and on the top of the base the ledges thereof and the borders thereof were of the same.