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.

EXODUS 38:12KJV
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Exodus 38:12 (KJV)

What does Exodus 38:12 mean?

Exodus 38:12 describes part of the construction of the tabernacle’s courtyard, specifically the west side, which had curtains (hangings) fifty cubits long, supported by ten pillars and ten bases, with silver hooks and bands. This verse gives precise details about the materials and measurements used for this section of the sacred enclosure.

In context, Exodus 38 records how the Israelites, under Moses’ leadership, built the tabernacle as God instructed. This verse is part of a detailed inventory, showing the care and orderliness in setting up the courtyard’s boundaries. The mention of silver fittings and exact measurements highlights the importance of both beauty and precision in the tabernacle’s design.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 38:12

  • The word for "hangings" is קְלָעִים (qela'im), referring to the fabric panels or curtains that formed the fence of the courtyard. This term emphasizes that the enclosure was made of woven material, not solid walls.
  • "Pillars" is עַמּוּדִים (ʿammudim), meaning upright supports. These pillars held up the curtains and defined the structure’s shape.
  • "Fillets" is חֲשֻׁקִים (ḥashuqim), which means connecting rods or bands, often made of silver. These were decorative and functional, joining the tops of the pillars and adding stability and a finished look.
  • "Sockets" is אֲדָנִים (ʾadanim), meaning bases or pedestals, usually made of metal, which anchored the pillars securely to the ground.

Why Exodus 38:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the tabernacle courtyard was carefully measured and constructed, not improvised, reflecting a sense of order and reverence.
  • The specific mention of silver fittings and the number of pillars and bases shows that even the outer parts of the tabernacle were made with attention to detail and value, not just the inner sanctuary.
  • Understanding these construction details helps readers picture the tabernacle’s layout and appreciate the craftsmanship and resources dedicated to Israel’s central place of worship.

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 38:11 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.

“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 38:11 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.

“hangings” Hebrew H7050 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 27:9 And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side:
  • Exodus 38:14 The hangings of the one side of the gate were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.
  • 1 Samuel 17:40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

“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.