And he cast for it four rings of gold, to be set by the four corners of it; even two rings upon the one side of it, and two rings upon the other side of it.

EXODUS 37:3KJV
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Exodus 37:3 (KJV)

What does Exodus 37:3 mean?

Exodus 37:3 describes how Bezalel, the craftsman, made four gold rings and attached them to the four corners of the ark, with two rings on each side. These rings were meant to hold the poles used to carry the ark, ensuring it could be transported without being touched directly.

In this passage, the focus is on the detailed construction of the ark of the covenant, following the instructions God gave to Moses. Bezalel is carrying out these commands exactly as described earlier in Exodus. The verse highlights the care and precision involved in making the ark, which was central to Israel’s worship and represented God’s presence among the people.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 37:3

  • "Rings" (טַבַּעַת, tabba'at): This word refers to circular fittings or bands. In this context, it emphasizes the practical design for carrying the ark, showing attention to both function and sacredness.
  • "Corners" (פֵּאָה, pe'ah): This word can mean "side" or "edge," but here it points to the specific locations where the rings were placed, likely at the feet or corners of the ark to distribute weight evenly.
  • "Side" (צֵלָע, tsela): This word means "side" or "panel," clarifying that the rings were not just randomly placed but were set on the long sides of the ark, two on each side, for balance during transport.

Why Exodus 37:3 matters

  • This verse shows the importance of following God’s instructions exactly, especially for objects used in worship, highlighting obedience and reverence.
  • The detail about the rings and their placement helps explain how the ark was meant to be carried, protecting both the sacred object and the people handling it.
  • Exodus 37:3 connects to the larger theme of God’s holiness and the careful boundaries set between the divine and human, which is a recurring idea throughout the construction of the tabernacle.

Where else these words appear

“side” Hebrew H6763 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 2:21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
  • Exodus 36:25 And for the other side of the tabernacle, which is toward the north corner, he made twenty boards,
  • 1 Kings 6:34 And the two doors were of fir tree: the two leaves of the one door were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding.

“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 H6471 · used in 108 verses

  • Genesis 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
  • Deuteronomy 10:10 And I stayed in the mount, according to the first time, forty days and forty nights; and the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also, and the LORD would not destroy thee.
  • 2 Kings 5:14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.