And he cast for it four rings of gold, and put the rings upon the four corners that were in the four feet thereof.

EXODUS 37:13KJV
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Exodus 37:13 (KJV)

What does Exodus 37:13 mean?

Exodus 37:13 describes how four gold rings were made and attached to the four corners at the feet of a sacred object, most likely the Ark of the Covenant, as part of its construction. These rings were practical features, meant to hold carrying poles so the Ark could be transported without being touched directly.

In this verse, the craftsman Bezalel is following God’s instructions for building the Ark, as given to Moses. The focus is on careful, detailed craftsmanship and obedience to a specific design. The mention of "four corners" and "four feet" shows the Ark was designed to be portable, emphasizing its role as a movable symbol of God’s presence with the Israelites.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 37:13

  • "cast" (יָצַק, yatsaq): This word means to pour out or mold, usually with metal. Here, it shows that the rings were not hammered from sheets but formed by pouring molten gold, highlighting the skill and resources involved.
  • "rings" (טַבַּעַת, tabba'at): This term refers to circular objects, like signet rings or, in this context, fittings for poles. The use of rings instead of fixed handles allowed the Ark to be carried securely and respectfully.
  • "corners" (פֵּאָה, pe'ah): This word means "corner" or "side." Placing rings on the corners at the feet of the Ark ensured stability and balance when it was lifted and carried.
  • "feet" (רֶגֶל, regel): This word means "foot" or "leg." Mentioning the feet clarifies that the rings were positioned low on the Ark, making it easier to insert the carrying poles and lift the Ark safely.

Why Exodus 37:13 matters

  • This verse highlights the importance of following God’s instructions exactly, even in small details, which is a recurring theme in Exodus.
  • The design details, like the rings and their placement, show how the Ark was meant to be portable, reflecting the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness.
  • Understanding the construction helps readers appreciate the reverence and care given to objects associated with worship and God’s presence.

Where else these words appear

“rings” Hebrew H2885 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 41:42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
  • Exodus 28:26 And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof, which is in the side of the ephod inward.
  • Exodus 38:7 And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made the altar hollow with boards.

“cast” Hebrew H3332 · used in 51 verses

  • Genesis 28:18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.
  • Leviticus 21:10 And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;
  • 2 Kings 4:40 So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O thou man of God, there is death in the pot. And they could not eat thereof.

“corners” Hebrew H6285 · used in 59 verses

  • Exodus 25:26 And thou shalt make for it four rings of gold, and put the rings in the four corners that are on the four feet thereof.
  • Numbers 34:3 Then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the coast of Edom, and your south border shall be the outmost coast of the salt sea eastward:
  • Ezekiel 48:1 Now these are the names of the tribes. From the north end to the coast of the way of Hethlon, as one goeth to Hamath, Hazarenan, the border of Damascus northward, to the coast of Hamath; for these are his sides east and west; a portion for Dan.