Exodus 37:1
Exodus 37:1 in Multiple Translations
Bezalel went on to construct the ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high.
And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it:
And Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it.
And Bezalel made the ark of hard wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide and a cubit and a half high;
Bezalel made the Ark of acacia wood measuring two and a half cubits long by a cubit and a half wide by one and a half cubits high.
After this, Bezaleel made the Arke of Shittim wood, two cubites and an halfe long and a cubite and an halfe broade, and a cubite and an halfe hie:
And Bezaleel maketh the ark of shittim wood, two cubits and a half its length, and a cubit and a half its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height;
Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood. Its length was two and a half cubits, and its width a cubit and a half, and a cubit and a half its height.
And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the hight of it:
And Beseleel made also the ark of setim wood: it was two cubits and a half in length, and a cubit and a half in breadth, and the height was of one cubit and a half: and he overlaid it with the purest gold within and without.
Then Bezalel made the sacred chest from acacia wood. It was ◄45 in./110 cm.► long, ◄27 in./66 cm.► wide, and ◄27 in./66 cm.► high.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 37:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 37:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֧עַשׂ
בְּצַלְאֵ֛ל
אֶת
הָ/אָרֹ֖ן
עֲצֵ֣י
שִׁטִּ֑ים
אַמָּתַ֨יִם
וָ/חֵ֜צִי
אָרְכּ֗/וֹ
וְ/אַמָּ֤ה
וָ/חֵ֨צִי֙
רָחְבּ֔/וֹ
וְ/אַמָּ֥ה
וָ/חֵ֖צִי
קֹמָתֽ/וֹ
וַ/יַּ֧עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּצַלְאֵ֛ל
Bᵉtsalʼêl
H1212
Bezalel
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אָרֹ֖ן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
Art | N-cs
עֲצֵ֣י
ʻêts
H6086
tree
N-mp
שִׁטִּ֑ים
shiṭṭâh
H7848
acacia
N-fp
אַמָּתַ֨יִם
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
N-fd
וָ/חֵ֜צִי
chêtsîy
H2677
half
Conj | N-ms
אָרְכּ֗/וֹ
ʼôrek
H753
length
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אַמָּ֤ה
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
Conj | N-fs
וָ/חֵ֨צִי֙
chêtsîy
H2677
half
Conj | N-ms
רָחְבּ֔/וֹ
rôchab
H7341
width
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אַמָּ֥ה
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
Conj | N-fs
וָ/חֵ֖צִי
chêtsîy
H2677
half
Conj | N-ms
קֹמָתֽ/וֹ
qôwmâh
H6967
height
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 37:1
וַ/יַּ֧עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
בְּצַלְאֵ֛ל
Bᵉtsalʼêl
H1212
"Bezalel"
N-proper
Bezalel was a skilled Israelite artisan who helped build the tabernacle, his name means in the shadow of God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.30 § Bezaleel = "in the shadow (i.e. protection) of God" 1) son of Uri and grandson of Hur; a skilled Judahite artisan in all works of metal, wood, and stone and one of the architects of the tabernacle 2) an Israelite, one of the sons of Pahath-moab, in the time of Ezra who had taken a strange wife
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Bezaleel. See also: Exodus 31:2; Exodus 37:1; Ezra 10:30.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אָרֹ֖ן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
עֲצֵ֣י
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
N-mp
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
שִׁטִּ֑ים
shiṭṭâh
H7848
"acacia"
N-fp
The acacia tree, known for its thorns, is described by this word, which is also used to describe the wood used to build the Tabernacle in Exodus.
Definition: acacia tree, acacia wood
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: shittah, shittim. See also H1029 (בֵּית הַשִּׁטָּה). See also: Exodus 25:5; Exodus 35:24; Isaiah 41:19.
אַמָּתַ֨יִם
ʼammâh
H520
"cubit"
N-fd
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Definition: cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment. Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.
וָ/חֵ֜צִי
chêtsîy
H2677
"half"
Conj | N-ms
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
אָרְכּ֗/וֹ
ʼôrek
H753
"length"
N-ms | Suff
Length can refer to physical distance or a long period of time, and also to patience and self-restraint, like waiting forever for something to happen.
Definition: 1) length 1a) physical length 1b) of time 2) forbearance, self-restraint (of patience)
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] forever, length, long. See also: Genesis 6:15; Psalms 93:5; Psalms 21:5.
וְ/אַמָּ֤ה
ʼammâh
H520
"cubit"
Conj | N-fs
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Definition: cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment. Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.
וָ/חֵ֨צִי֙
chêtsîy
H2677
"half"
Conj | N-ms
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
רָחְבּ֔/וֹ
rôchab
H7341
"width"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means width or breadth, used to describe physical size or space. It appears in the Bible to describe the width of the earth or a room. In the KJV, it is translated as breadth or broad.
Definition: breadth, width, expanse
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: breadth, broad, largeness, thickness, wideness. See also: Genesis 6:15; Ezekiel 40:13; Isaiah 8:8.
וְ/אַמָּ֥ה
ʼammâh
H520
"cubit"
Conj | N-fs
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Definition: cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment. Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.
וָ/חֵ֖צִי
chêtsîy
H2677
"half"
Conj | N-ms
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
קֹמָתֽ/וֹ
qôwmâh
H6967
"height"
N-fs | Suff
Qomah refers to height or stature, describing how tall someone or something is, like the height of a person or a building in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: 1) height 1a) height, stature 1b) height
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] along, height, high, stature, tall. See also: Genesis 6:15; 1 Kings 7:23; Isaiah 10:33.
Study Notes — Exodus 37:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 37:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 37:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 37:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 37:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 37:1
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 37:1
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 37:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 37:1
- Sermons on Exodus 37:1
Context — Constructing the Ark
1Bezalel went on to construct the ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high.
2He overlaid it with pure gold, both inside and out, and made a gold molding around it. 3And he cast four gold rings for its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 25:10–20 | And they are to construct an ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it. Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. And make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, in order to carry it. The poles are to remain in the rings of the ark; they must not be removed. And place inside the ark the Testimony, which I will give you. And you are to construct a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat, one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold. And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat. |
| 2 | Exodus 26:33 | And hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. |
| 3 | Numbers 10:33–36 | So they set out on a three-day journey from the mountain of the LORD, with the ark of the covenant of the LORD traveling ahead of them for those three days to seek a resting place for them. And the cloud of the LORD was over them by day when they set out from the camp. Whenever the ark set out, Moses would say, “Rise up, O LORD! May Your enemies be scattered; may those who hate You flee before You.” And when it came to rest, he would say: “Return, O LORD, to the countless thousands of Israel.” |
| 4 | Exodus 40:3 | Put the ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil. |
| 5 | Exodus 31:7 | the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the Testimony and the mercy seat upon it, and all the other furnishings of the tent— |
| 6 | Exodus 40:20–21 | Moses took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attaching the poles to the ark; and he set the mercy seat atop the ark. Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle, put up the veil for the screen, and shielded off the ark of the Testimony, just as the LORD had commanded him. |
Exodus 37:1 Summary
[The ark was a special box made of acacia wood, and it was very important for the Israelites' worship. God gave Moses very specific instructions on how to build it, including its dimensions, as seen in Exodus 37:1. The ark was a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites, and it was used to store the tablets of the covenant, which represented God's promise to them, as mentioned in Exodus 25:16 and Deuteronomy 10:1-5. By following God's instructions carefully, the Israelites showed their obedience and reverence for Him, as emphasized in Exodus 35:30-35 and Matthew 5:18.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the ark made of in Exodus 37:1?
The ark was made of acacia wood, as stated in Exodus 37:1, and later overlaid with pure gold, as mentioned in Exodus 37:2. This was in accordance with God's instructions to Moses, as seen in Exodus 25:10-22.
What are the dimensions of the ark in Exodus 37:1?
The dimensions of the ark were two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high, as specified in Exodus 37:1. These precise measurements were given by God to ensure the ark was built exactly as He desired.
Why was the ark so important in the biblical narrative?
The ark was a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 25:22, and was used to store the tablets of the covenant, as mentioned in Exodus 25:16. It played a central role in the Israelites' worship and was a reminder of God's covenant with them, as referenced in Deuteronomy 10:1-5.
How does the construction of the ark relate to other biblical themes?
The construction of the ark is an example of the attention to detail and obedience required of the Israelites in their worship, as seen in Exodus 35:30-35. This theme is echoed in other biblical passages, such as Matthew 5:18, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of fulfilling even the smallest details of God's law.
Reflection Questions
- What does the precise construction of the ark reveal about God's character and attention to detail?
- How can I apply the principle of obedience to detail in my own spiritual life, as seen in the construction of the ark?
- What does the use of acacia wood and gold in the ark's construction symbolize, and how can I reflect on the significance of these materials in my own worship?
- In what ways can I, like Bezalel, use my talents and skills to create something that honors God and reflects His glory?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 37:1
Ver. 1-29. And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood,.... Jarchi says, because he gave his mind to this work more than the rest of the wise men, it is called by his name.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 37:1
And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it: Bezaleel made the ark.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 37:1
XXXVII.(1-24) This passage corresponds with Exodus 37:10-29 of Exodus 25, and contains an account of the construction of the holy furniture: (1) That of the Holy of Holies: viz., the ark (Exodus 37:1-5), the mercyseat (Exodus 37:6-9); (2) that of the Holy Place, viz., the table of shewbread (Exodus 37:10-16) and the golden candlestick (Exodus 37:17-24). Exodus 37:1-5 correspond to Exodus 25:10-14 of Exodus 25 Exodus 37:6-9 correspond to Exodus 25:17-20 of Exodus 25 Exodus 37:10-16 correspond to Exodus 25:23-29 of Exodus 25 Exodus 37:17-24 correspond to Exodus 25:31-39 of Exodus 25
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 37:1
CHAPTER XXXVII Bezaleel and Aholiab make the ark, 1-5. The mercy-seat, 6. The two cherubim, 7-9. The table of the shew-bread, and its vessels, 10-16. The candlestick, 17-24. The golden altar of incense, 25-28. The holy anointing oil and perfume, 29. NOTES ON CHAP. XXXVII Verse 1. And Bezaleel made the ark, &c.] For a description of the ark, see Exodus 25:10, &c.
See Clarke on Exodus 25:10.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 37:1
1–9. (Exodus 25:10-20). The Ark. Exodus 25:15 f., 21 f. not repeated.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 37:1
See the notes to Exo. 25.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 37:1
THE ARK OF THE , Exodus 39:1-9. See notes on Exodus 25:10-22. THE TABLE OF , Exodus 39:10-16. See notes on Exodus 25:23-30. THE GOLDEN , Exodus 39:17-24. See notes on Exodus 25:31-40. THE ALTAR OF INCENSE, Exodus 39:25-28.
Sermons on Exodus 37:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Tabernacle 09 Mercy Seat-Cheribum by J. Henry Brown | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the uncertainty and questions that arise in life. They ponder why certain things happen and why they cannot fully understand them. The sermo |
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(Exodus) Exodus 25:10-19 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the construction of the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat in the tabernacle. He explains that the Ark was made of chitim wood and overla |
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Hebrews 1, 2 & 3 - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of looking again at Jesus and understanding the greatness of Christ. The speaker encourages the audience to recognize that the |
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Bringing Back the Ark by J.C. Hibbard | In this sermon, the preacher discusses various instances in the Bible where God intervened in the affairs of humanity. He starts with the story of Adam and Eve being expelled from |
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Soaring 2 - Burdens & Gifts by Gareth Evans | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a story from the book of Kings in the Old Testament. The story is about a little bundle that learns to fly and soar without moving its |
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The Ark of the Covenant by George Warnock | George Warnock emphasizes the significance of the Ark of the Covenant and the mercy seat as God's dwelling place, illustrating how God initiates a relationship with humanity from H |
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The Ark of the Covenant by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in the Tabernacle, highlighting how it represents Christ as the Ark of redemption, the embodiment of the Law, a |