And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords.

NUMBERS 3:37KJV
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Numbers 3:37 (KJV)

What does Numbers 3:37 mean?

Numbers 3:37 lists specific parts of the tabernacle’s outer courtyard: the pillars, their bases (sockets), the pegs (pins), and the ropes (cords) that held everything in place. This verse highlights the detailed responsibilities assigned for caring for these items during Israel’s time in the wilderness.

In context, God is speaking to Moses, giving instructions about which Levite families are to be responsible for different parts of the tabernacle. Numbers 3:37 focuses on the Gershonite clan, who were tasked with handling the structural supports and fastenings for the courtyard. This level of detail shows how every part of the tabernacle, even the hardware and ropes, was important and needed careful attention.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 3:37

  • The word for "pillars" (עַמּוּדִים, ‘ammudim) refers to the upright posts that supported the curtains of the courtyard. These were essential for the structure’s stability.
  • "Sockets" (אַדְנֵיהֶם, adnehem) means the bases or foundations into which the pillars were set, anchoring them securely.
  • "Pins" (יְתֵדֹתָם, yetedotam) are the pegs or stakes used to fasten the ropes and keep the structure taut and upright.
  • "Cords" (מֵיתְרֵיהֶם, meitreihem) refers to the ropes or lines that tied the structure together, helping maintain its shape and security.

Why Numbers 3:37 matters

  • Numbers 3:37 shows that even the smallest parts of the tabernacle had assigned caretakers, emphasizing the value of every detail in worship and community life.
  • The verse helps clarify the practical organization of Israel’s camp, showing how responsibilities were divided so that the tabernacle could be set up and moved efficiently.
  • By listing these specific items, Numbers 3:37 connects to the broader theme of order and holiness in Israel’s relationship with God, where every person and object had a purpose.

Where else these words appear

“cords” Hebrew H4340 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 35:18 The pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords,
  • Numbers 3:26 And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.
  • Psalms 21:12 Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them.

“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.

“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 39:33 And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, the tent, and all his furniture, his taches, his boards, his bars, and his pillars, and his sockets,
  • 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.