And the sockets of the court round about, and the sockets of the court gate, and all the pins of the tabernacle, and all the pins of the court round about.

EXODUS 38:31KJV
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Exodus 38:31 (KJV)

What does Exodus 38:31 mean?

Exodus 38:31 lists the parts of the tabernacle courtyard that were made using bronze: the sockets (bases) for the courtyard and its gate, and all the pins (stakes) used for the tabernacle and the surrounding courtyard. This verse summarizes the completion of these specific structural elements.

In context, Exodus 38 describes the construction of the tabernacle under Moses’ direction, with the people of Israel carrying out God’s instructions. This verse highlights the practical details—like sockets (bases) and pins (stakes)—that held the tabernacle and its courtyard securely in place, showing the care and thoroughness in following God’s design.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 38:31

  • "Sockets" (אֵדֶן, ’eden, H134) refers to the heavy bases or foundations, often made of bronze here, that supported the posts of the courtyard and its gate. These were essential for stability.
  • "Court" (חָצֵר, chatser, H2691) means the open area surrounding the tabernacle, set apart as a sacred space. Mentioning it repeatedly emphasizes the boundary and separation of holy space.
  • "Pins" (יָתֵד, yathed, H3489) are stakes or pegs driven into the ground to secure the tent and curtains. Their inclusion shows attention to every detail, not just the most visible or ornate parts.
  • "Tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan, H4908) is the main sanctuary tent, the central place of worship.

Why Exodus 38:31 matters

  • Exodus 38:31 shows that even the smallest, most functional parts of the tabernacle—like pins and sockets—were carefully made and recorded, highlighting the value of every detail in God’s instructions.
  • This verse connects to the larger narrative of Exodus 35–40, where the faithfulness of the people in building the tabernacle exactly as commanded is a major theme.
  • By listing these items, the text emphasizes the completeness and orderliness of the construction, reassuring the reader that nothing was overlooked in creating a place for God’s presence among the people.

Where else these words appear

“pins” Hebrew H3489 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 27:19 All the vessels of the tabernacle in all the service thereof, and all the pins thereof, and all the pins of the court, shall be of brass.
  • Deuteronomy 23:13 And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee:
  • Isaiah 22:23 And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house.

“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 38:17 And the sockets for the pillars were of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver; and the overlaying of their chapiters of silver; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver.

“tabernacle” Hebrew H4908 · used in 129 verses

  • Exodus 25:9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
  • Exodus 40:18 And Moses reared up the tabernacle, and fastened his sockets, and set up the boards thereof, and put in the bars thereof, and reared up his pillars.
  • Numbers 16:9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?