Their pillars were twenty, and their brasen sockets twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver.

EXODUS 38:10KJV
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Exodus 38:10 (KJV)

What does Exodus 38:10 mean?

Exodus 38:10 describes part of the construction of the courtyard around the tabernacle, stating that there were twenty pillars, each set in a bronze base, with silver hooks and bands connecting them. The verse gives specific details about the materials and numbers used for this section of the tabernacle's outer fence.

This verse is part of a larger passage where Moses is recording how the Israelites built the tabernacle exactly as God instructed. The focus here is on the craftsmanship and the use of valuable metals—bronze for the bases and silver for the connecting parts—showing both order and care in creating a sacred space.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 38:10

  • The word for "pillars" (עַמּוּדִים, ammudim) refers to upright posts, which served as the main supports for the courtyard fence. This highlights the structural importance of these elements.
  • "Brassen" (נְחֹשֶׁת, nechoshet) means bronze or copper, indicating that the bases were made of a strong, durable metal, suitable for supporting the weight and providing stability.
  • "Hooks" (וָוִים, vavim) refers to the metal hooks attached to the pillars, which were used to hang the curtains or screens. This detail shows how the fence was assembled and secured.
  • "Fillets" (חֲשֻׁקִים, chashuqim) means bands or rods, usually decorative or functional strips of metal that connected the pillars. In this context, they were made of silver, adding both strength and beauty.

Why Exodus 38:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the tabernacle's construction was not haphazard but followed a careful, organized plan, with specific materials and measurements.
  • The mention of both bronze and silver emphasizes the value and significance placed on the tabernacle, showing that it was meant to be both sturdy and beautiful.
  • Understanding these construction details helps readers see the seriousness with which the Israelites approached worship and the presence of God, connecting this verse to the broader theme of obedience and reverence in Exodus.

Where else these words appear

“fillets” Hebrew H2838 · used in 8 verses

  • Exodus 27:10 And the twenty pillars thereof and their twenty sockets shall be of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets shall be of silver.
  • Exodus 36:38 And the five pillars of it with their hooks: and he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets with gold: but their five sockets were of brass.
  • Exodus 38:12 And for the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.

“hooks” Hebrew H2053 · used in 13 verses

  • Exodus 26:32 And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver.
  • Exodus 27:17 All the pillars round about the court shall be filleted with silver; their hooks shall be of silver, and their sockets of brass.
  • Exodus 38:12 And for the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.

“sockets” Hebrew H134 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 26:19 And thou shalt make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.
  • Exodus 27:18 The length of the court shall be an hundred cubits, and the breadth fifty every where, and the height five cubits of fine twined linen, and their sockets of brass.
  • Exodus 38:19 And their pillars were four, and their sockets of brass four; their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their chapiters and their fillets of silver.

“pillars” Hebrew H5982 · used in 84 verses

  • Exodus 13:21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:
  • Exodus 39:40 The hangings of the court, his pillars, and his sockets, and the hanging for the court gate, his cords, and his pins, and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the congregation,
  • 2 Kings 25:13 And the pillars of brass that were in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that was in the house of the LORD, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon.