And for the north side the hangings were an hundred cubits, their pillars were twenty, and their sockets of brass twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.

EXODUS 38:11KJV
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Exodus 38:11 (KJV)

What does Exodus 38:11 mean?

Exodus 38:11 describes the north side of the courtyard around the tabernacle, stating that its hangings were 100 cubits long, supported by 20 pillars with 20 bronze bases, and that the pillars had silver hooks and bands. This verse gives specific measurements and materials used for constructing the northern boundary of the sacred enclosure.

In context, Exodus 38 is a record of how the Israelites, under Moses’ leadership, built the tabernacle in the wilderness. This verse is part of a detailed inventory, showing the care and precision given to every part of the tabernacle’s construction. The details about the hangings, pillars, and metals used reflect the importance of order and craftsmanship in creating a space set apart for worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 38:11

  • The word for "north" is צָפוֹן (tsafon), which simply means the direction north, helping to specify the exact side of the courtyard being described.
  • "Pillars" is עַמּוּד (ʿamud), meaning upright supports, emphasizing the structural elements that held up the hangings.
  • "Sockets" is אֶדֶן (eden), referring to the bases or foundations, here made of bronze (נְחשֶׁת, nechoshet), which provided stability and durability.
  • "Hooks" is וָו (vav), which were used to hang the curtains, and "fillets" is חָשׁוּק (chashuq), meaning connecting rods or bands, here made of silver (כֶּסֶף, kesef), highlighting the use of precious materials for even the small connecting parts.

Why Exodus 38:11 matters

  • This verse helps clear up how the tabernacle courtyard was not just a vague enclosure but was built to exact specifications, reflecting order and intentionality.
  • The mention of both bronze and silver materials shows a careful distinction in the use of metals, hinting at different levels of value and purpose within the tabernacle’s construction.
  • By listing these details, the verse connects to the overall theme of Exodus 35–40, where obedience to God’s instructions is shown through precise craftsmanship and attention to detail.

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.

“side” 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.