And he overlaid it with pure gold, both the top of it, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns of it: also he made unto it a crown of gold round about.

EXODUS 37:26KJV
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Exodus 37:26 (KJV)

What does Exodus 37:26 mean?

Exodus 37:26 describes how Bezalel, the craftsman, covered the altar of incense with pure gold on the top, all around its sides, and on its horns, and also made a decorative gold molding (called a "crown") to encircle it. This verse highlights the careful and lavish use of gold in constructing a sacred object for the tabernacle.

In this part of Exodus, Moses is recording how the skilled workers followed God's instructions for building the tabernacle's furnishings. The verse focuses on the altar of incense, which was a key item used in worship. The detailed description shows the importance placed on beauty, purity, and obedience in the tabernacle’s design.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 37:26

  • "overlaid" (צָפָה, tsaphah) means to cover or plate something, often with a precious metal; here, it emphasizes that the altar was completely covered with gold, not just decorated.
  • "pure" (טָהוֹר, tahor) describes the gold as being of the highest quality, suitable for holy use.
  • "crown" (זֵר, zer) refers to a decorative band or molding that went around the altar, giving it a regal and set-apart appearance.

Why Exodus 37:26 matters

  • This verse clears up that the altar of incense was not just functional but also richly decorated, showing the value placed on worship and the presence of God.
  • The emphasis on "pure gold" and the "crown" highlights the separation between ordinary and holy objects in the tabernacle.
  • The detailed craftsmanship connects to the broader theme in Exodus of following God's instructions exactly, underlining obedience and reverence 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 37:11 And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made thereunto a crown of gold round about.

“top” Hebrew H1406 · used in 27 verses

  • 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.
  • 2 Samuel 11:2 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.
  • Proverbs 25:24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

“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.

“sides” Hebrew H7023 · used in 64 verses

  • 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.
  • 1 Kings 14:10 Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone.
  • Ezekiel 8:10 So I went in and saw; and behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, pourtrayed upon the wall round about.