And for the other side of the court gate, on this hand and that hand, were hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.

EXODUS 38:15KJV
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Exodus 38:15 (KJV)

What does Exodus 38:15 mean?

Exodus 38:15 describes part of the construction of the courtyard around the tabernacle, specifically mentioning that on the other side of the entrance gate, there were curtains (hangings) measuring fifteen cubits in length, supported by three pillars with three bases (sockets). This verse gives precise details about the layout and measurements of the tabernacle’s courtyard enclosure.

This description is part of a larger section where Moses, recording the instructions given by God, details how the Israelites were to build the tabernacle and its surrounding courtyard. The verse focuses on the symmetry and careful planning involved in the tabernacle’s design, showing that both sides of the entrance were constructed with matching curtains and supports, contributing to the overall order and beauty of the sacred space.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 38:15

  • The word for "side" is כָּתֵף (kateph), which often means "shoulder" or "side." Here, it emphasizes the specific sides of the courtyard entrance, highlighting the symmetry in the design.
  • "Court" is חָצֵר (chatser), meaning an enclosed yard or courtyard. This term clarifies that the setting is the outer area surrounding the tabernacle itself, not the inner sanctuary.
  • "Gate" is שַׁעַר (sha'ar), meaning an entrance or gateway. This word marks the specific location being described—the main entrance to the courtyard.
  • "Hangings" is קְלָעִים (qela'im), referring to the fabric curtains used as walls for the courtyard. This detail shows that the enclosure was made of woven material, not solid walls.
  • "Fifteen" is חֲמֵשׁ (chamesh) and עֶשֶׂר (eser), together meaning "fifteen." The use of two words shows the Hebrew way of forming numbers.
  • "Cubits" is אַמָּה (ammah), a unit of measurement roughly equal to 18 inches or 45 centimeters, helping modern readers visualize the actual size.
  • "Pillars" is עַמּוּד (ammud), meaning upright supports, and "sockets" is אֶדֶן (eden), meaning bases or foundations for the pillars. These terms show the structure was both sturdy and portable.

Why Exodus 38:15 matters

  • This verse helps clear up how the tabernacle courtyard was arranged, showing that both sides of the entrance were made to match, which reflects the careful attention to order and symmetry in the tabernacle’s construction.
  • The specific measurements and materials emphasize that every part of the tabernacle, even the outer courtyard, was built according to detailed instructions, highlighting the importance of obedience and precision in sacred matters.
  • Understanding these details helps readers see how the tabernacle was not just a tent, but a carefully designed space with meaning in every part, setting the stage for later descriptions of worship and ritual in Israel’s history.

Where else these words appear

“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 38:12 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.
  • 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.

“side” Hebrew H3802 · used in 58 verses

  • Exodus 27:14 The hangings of one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three.
  • Joshua 18:16 And the border came down to the end of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel,
  • Isaiah 49:22 Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.

“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.