And he overlaid it with pure gold within and without, and made a crown of gold to it round about.

EXODUS 37:2KJV
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Exodus 37:2 (KJV)

What does Exodus 37:2 mean?

Exodus 37:2 describes how Bezalel, the craftsman, covered the ark with pure gold both inside and outside, and made a decorative molding or "crown" of gold around it. This verse highlights the careful and thorough craftsmanship used in constructing the ark, following the instructions given to Moses.

In the context of Exodus, Moses is overseeing the building of the tabernacle, and Bezalel is the skilled artisan carrying out the work. The ark is the central and most sacred object in the tabernacle, and covering it with pure gold inside and out shows its special importance. The "crown" of gold refers to a raised border or molding around the top edge, adding both beauty and distinction to the ark.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 37:2

  • "overlaid" (צָפָה, tsaphah): This word means to cover or plate, often with a precious metal. Here, it emphasizes that the ark was not just decorated but completely covered with gold.
  • "pure" (טָהוֹר, tahor): This word means clean or pure, indicating that only the finest, unalloyed gold was used, which underscores the ark’s holiness.
  • "crown" (זֵר, zer): This refers to a decorative molding or border, like a small ridge or rim, which was made of gold and went around the ark, marking it as a royal and sacred object.

Why Exodus 37:2 matters

  • Exodus 37:2 clarifies that the ark was covered with gold both inside and outside, not just on the visible surfaces, showing the thoroughness and reverence in its construction.
  • The use of "pure" gold and the addition of a "crown" highlight the ark’s unique status among the tabernacle furnishings, setting it apart as the most holy object.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of Exodus, where every detail of the tabernacle is carefully crafted according to God’s instructions, reflecting the importance of obedience and attention to detail in worship.

Where else these words appear

“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 37:12 Also he made thereunto a border of an handbreadth round about; and made a crown of gold for the border thereof round about.

“overlaid” Hebrew H6823 · used in 39 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 36:36 And he made thereunto four pillars of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold: their hooks were of gold; and he cast for them four sockets of silver.
  • 1 Kings 6:22 And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that was by the oracle he overlaid with gold.

“pure” Hebrew H2889 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 7:2 Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female.
  • Exodus 39:30 And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like to the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
  • Deuteronomy 12:15 Notwithstanding thou mayest kill and eat flesh in all thy gates, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee: the unclean and the clean may eat thereof, as of the roebuck, and as of the hart.