And for the east side eastward fifty cubits.

EXODUS 38:13KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 38:13 (KJV)

What does Exodus 38:13 mean?

Exodus 38:13 states that the east side of the courtyard for the tabernacle was to measure fifty cubits in length. This verse is part of the detailed instructions about the dimensions and layout of the sacred courtyard surrounding the tabernacle.

In this passage, Moses is recording the construction details for the tabernacle as commanded by God. The focus here is on the eastern boundary of the courtyard, which was the main entrance area. The measurement, "fifty cubits," shows the specific size required, reflecting the careful planning and orderliness expected in building the tabernacle.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 38:13

  • "east" (קֶדֶם, qedem): This word often refers to the direction of the sunrise and can also imply something that is in front or before. Here, it marks the orientation of the courtyard’s entrance.
  • "side" (פֵּאָה, pe'ah): This term means an edge or boundary, emphasizing that the measurement applies to the specific side of the courtyard.
  • "eastward" (קָדִים, qadim): This word reinforces the direction, making it clear that the measurement is for the side facing east, which was significant as the entrance faced the rising sun.
  • "fifty" (חֲמִשִּׁים, chamishim): This is the Hebrew word for the number fifty, specifying the exact length required.
  • "cubits" (אַמָּה, ammah): A cubit was an ancient unit of length, roughly the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, about 18 inches (45 cm). Knowing this helps modern readers picture the actual size.

Why Exodus 38:13 matters

  • Exodus 38:13 clarifies the exact dimensions of the tabernacle courtyard, helping readers understand the scale and layout of this central place of worship for Israel.
  • The emphasis on the east side and its measurement highlights the importance of order and precision in the instructions God gave for worship.
  • This verse connects to the broader context of Exodus, where every detail of the tabernacle’s construction is carefully recorded, showing the value placed on following God’s directions exactly.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“eastward” Hebrew H4217 · used in 71 verses

  • Exodus 27:13 And the breadth of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits.
  • Joshua 16:6 And the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side; and the border went about eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed by it on the east to Janohah;
  • 2 Chronicles 4:4 It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.

“east” Hebrew H6924 · used in 83 verses

  • Genesis 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
  • Joshua 19:12 And turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising unto the border of Chislothtabor, and then goeth out to Daberath, and goeth up to Japhia,
  • Psalms 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

“cubits” Hebrew H520 · used in 132 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • 1 Kings 6:17 And the house, that is, the temple before it, was forty cubits long.
  • Ezekiel 40:11 And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits.