Exodus 26:23 — Word Study
WLCוּשְׁנֵ֤י קְרָשִׁים֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה לִמְקֻצְעֹ֖ת הַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן בַּיַּרְכָתָֽיִם׃
BSA[and]ʻâsâh▸ twoshᵉnayim [a pair, dual] framesqeresh [boards, flat pieces of wood] for the two backyᵉrêkâh [a pair, hinder, rear] cornersmᵉqutsʻâh [angles, specific parts] of the tabernaclemishkân [a special tent, portable place of worship]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וּשְׁנֵ֤י | and two | Conjunction |
| קְרָשִׁים֙ | frames | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה | you will make | Verb, Qal, imperfect second person masculine singular |
| לִמְקֻצְעֹ֖ת | for [the] corners of | Preposition, verb pual participle (passive) feminine plural common |
| הַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן | the tabernacle | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| בַּיַּרְכָתָֽיִם׃ | in the innermost parts | Preposition, noun common feminine dual absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | and two frames for the two back corners of the tabernacle, |
| KJV | And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides. |
| ASV | And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the hinder part. |
| YLT | And two boards thou dost make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides. |
| WEB | You shall make two boards for the corners of the tabernacle in the far side. |
| BBE | With two boards for the angles of the House at the back. |
Where they part company is in the rendering of קְרָשִׁים — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence has a main clause with a clear subject and object, followed by subordinate phrases that provide additional detail about the purpose and location.
6 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Ellicott & more — read them ›
clause
verbעָשָׂה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Exodus 26:23
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Instructions for the Tabernaclegenerated
Exodus 26:23 is part of a larger section where God provides detailed instructions to Moses on how to construct the tabernacle, a portable dwelling place for God among the Israelites. This specific verse mentions the need for two frames at the back corners, emphasizing the importance of structure in the tabernacle's design, which reflects God's desire for order and beauty in worship.
Cross References
The Key Word — שְׁנַיִם, u.she.Neigenerated
The word שְׁנַיִם (shnayim) means 'two' and serves as a cardinal number. It indicates a pair or duality, often used in contexts where items are grouped in twos, such as two witnesses or two tablets.
This word's dual form highlights the significance of pairs in biblical contexts, suggesting completeness or balance. The parsing as a conjunction emphasizes its role in connecting elements within the sentence.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה, you will make, which governs the noun phrases that follow. The structure indicates a clear command, with the object of the verb being the frames.
The sentence structure emphasizes the specifics of the construction, with the prepositional phrase לִמְקֻצְעֹ֖ת indicating the purpose of the frames, namely for the corners of the tabernacle.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, שְׁנַיִם is rendered as δύο, which maintains the meaning of 'two' while aligning with the Greek language's structure.
The word קְרָשִׁים is translated as στύλους, indicating a focus on the structural aspect of the frames, which may suggest a broader interpretation of their function in the tabernacle.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Exodus 26:23 describes God's instructions to Moses regarding the construction of the tabernacle. It specifies that two frames are to be made for the back corners, highlighting the importance of careful design in this sacred space.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The two frames are essential for the structural integrity of the tabernacle, ensuring that it is stable and can serve as a dwelling place for God's presence.
The tabernacle is significant as it represents God's desire to dwell among His people, serving as a physical space for worship and sacrifice.
This verse is part of a detailed set of instructions that emphasize the importance of following God's design for worship, reflecting His holiness and order.
The tabernacle was constructed using various materials, including wood, gold, silver, and fabrics, all specified in the instructions given to Moses.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What does the construction of the tabernacle teach us about God's desire for order in worship?
- How can we apply the principles of careful planning and execution seen in the tabernacle's design to our own lives?
- In what ways can we recognize God's presence in our own 'tabernacles' or places of worship?
- What significance do the materials and structure of the tabernacle hold for our understanding of God's holiness?
Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Exodus 26:23 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides. For the northwest and southwest corners, in the north and south sides; concerning which Dr.
Read John Gill on Exodus 26 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up. Boards ... of shittim wood standing up.
Read Robert Jamieson on Exodus 26 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleWhich were of another fashion than the former, as may be gathered both from the distinct nomination and use of them, and from the laws of building. And whereas the rest were but single boards, these were double, for greater strength and conveniency of joining them together.
Read Matthew Poole on Exodus 26 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English ReadersXXVI. THE .(1-37) The sacred tent which was to form the “House of God,” or temple, for Israel during the continuance of the people in the wilderness, and which in point of fact served them for a national sanctuary until the construction of the first temple by Solomon, is described in this chapter with a minuteness which leaves little to be desired. It is called ham-mishkân, “the dwelling,” and ha-’ohel, “the tent” (Exodus 26:36)—the former from its purpose, as being the place where God “dwelt” in a peculiar manner (Exodus 25:22); the latter from its shape and general construction, which resembled those of other tents of the period. The necessary foundation was a framework of wood. This…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Exodus 26 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges18–25. The number of frames for each side of the Dwelling, and the arrangements for holding them firmly in their place.
Read Cambridge on Exodus 26 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible23-25. Two boards… for the corners — The exact form and purpose of these boards it seems impossible to determine with absolute certainty. They were to be somehow coupled together at base and top unto one ring.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Exodus 26 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
and two frames for the two back corners of the tabernacle,
You shall make two boards for the corners of the tabernacle in the far side.
and two frames for the two back corners of the tabernacle,
You are to make two frames for the corners of the tabernacle on the back.
Tyndale line
And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.
And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the hinder part.
And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the hinder part.
And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.
Also two boardes shalt thou make in the corners of the Tabernacle in the two sides.
Strictly literal
And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle at the rear;
And two boards thou dost make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.
And you make two boards for the corners of the Dwelling Place in the two sides.
And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the back wall.
You must make two frames for the back corners of the tabernacle.
From the Latin
And again other two which shall be erected in the corners at the back of the tabernacle.
Simplified
along with two frames for its two back corners.
With two boards for the angles of the House at the back.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text states, "וּשְׁנֵ֤י קְרָשִׁים֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה לִמְקֻצְעֹ֖ת הַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן בַּיַּרְכָתָֽיִם," which translates to "and two frames you shall make for the two back corners of the tabernacle." The Septuagint agrees with the Masoretic Text in its word-by-word correspondence, maintaining the same meaning and structure, although the specific wording may differ due to translation choices. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs slightly, using the term "מקצעות" (cut off) instead of the Masoretic Text's "מְקֻצְעֹת" (corners). The Dead Sea Scrolls (4Q22) include a partially restored text that aligns closely with the Masoretic Text, but also has one word that is supplied by an editor, indicating some textual variation. Overall, the primary agreement is between the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint, while the Samaritan Pentateuch presents a notable difference in terminology.
וּשְׁנֵ֤י קְרָשִׁים֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה לִמְקֻצְעֹ֖ת הַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן בַּיַּרְכָתָֽיִם׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
ושׁני קרשׁים תעשׂה למקצעות המשׁכן בירכתים
1 word differs from the Masoretic Text: מקצעות (cut off)
ושני [קרשים] [תעשה] [למקצעת] [המשכן] בירכתים
1 word on the leather — 1 partly restored, 4 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Exodus 26:23
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
שְׁנַ֫יִם (shnayim) means 'two' and serves as both a cardinal and ordinal number. It can denote 'both,' 'double,' or 'twice,' and is used in various combinations with other numbers. The word is derived as a dual form of שָׁנָה (shanah), which relates to the concept of pairs.
שְׁנַ֫יִם, שְׁתַּיִם 768 n.m. et f. du. two
base
H8147 שְׁנַ֫יִם, שְׁתַּיִם two
8147 shnayim shen-ah'-yim
dual of 8145; feminine shttayim {shet-tah'-yim}; two; also
(as ordinal) twofold:--both, couple, double, second, twain, +
twelfth, + twelve, + twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two.
see HEBREW for 08145
שְׁנַ֫יִם (she.na.yim) — two.
1) two
1a) two (the cardinal number)
1a1) two, both, double, twice
1b) second (the ordinal number)
1c) in combination with other numbers
1d) both (a dual number)
Conj | Adj — ConjunctionHC/Acbdc
too.
See NUMBER.
קֶ֫רֶשׁ (qeresh) refers to a board or plank, with implications for use in constructing decks or benches. The term is derived from a root meaning to split off, indicating a connection to the process of shaping wood. It is primarily used in contexts related to building materials.
קֶ֫רֶשׁ 51 n.m. board, boards
base
H7175 קֶ֫רֶשׁ board, boards
7175 qeresh keh'-resh
from an unused root meaning to split off; a slab or plank; by
implication, a deck of a ship:--bench, board.
קֶ֫רֶשׁ (qe.resh) — board.
1) board, boards, plank
1a) board
1b) boards
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
עָשָׂה (asah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to do or make, encompassing a wide range of actions such as producing, preparing, and observing. It can refer to both concrete and abstract activities, including making offerings and attending to tasks. The verb also has forms indicating passive meanings, such as being made or offered. Notably, the Piel form refers to pressing or squeezing.
עָשָׂה 2622 vb. do, make
Qal 2524
do (1560 t.)
deal with
oft. in phr. do kindness with
abs. act, act with effect
make (670 t.)
produce, yield
prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food
make offering
attend to, put in order
observe, celebrate, religious festival
acquire property of various kinds
appoint priests
bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance
use
spend, pass, days of life
Niph.
97be done
be made, of concr. things
be produced from vine
be prepared, of food
be offered
be observed, passover
be used
Pu. I was made
base
[עָשָׂה] vb. Pi. press, squeeze
base
H6213a עָשָׂה do, make .. . do (1560 + t.)
. deal with
. oft. in phr. do kindness with
. abs. act, act with effect
. . make (670 + t.)
. produce, yield
. prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food
. make offering
. attend to, put in order
. observe, celebrate, religious festival
. acquire property of various kinds
. appoint priests
. bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance
. use
. spend, pass, days of life
. . be done
. . be made, of concr. things
. be produced from vine
. be prepared, of food
. be offered
. be observed, passover
. be used
. I was made
H6213b עָשָׂה Pi. press, squeeze
6213 `asah aw-saw'
a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and
widest application (as follows):--accomplish, advance,
appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth,
bruise, be busy, X certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal
(with), deck, + displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in)
execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, + feast, (fight-)ing man, +
finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go
about, govern, grant, great, + hinder, hold ((a feast)), X
indeed, + be industrious, + journey, keep, labour, maintain,
make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, + officer, pare,
bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure,
provide, put, requite, X sacrifice, serve, set, shew, X sin,
spend, X surely, take, X thoroughly, trim, X very, + vex, be
(warr-)ior, work(-man), yield, use.
עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make: do.
: do/perform
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
עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to press.
(Piel) to press, squeeze
עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make.
: 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
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine singularHVqi2ms
מִקְצֹעַ (miqtsá) refers to a corner or corner structure, specifically an inner corner-buttress or corner post. It is derived from a root meaning to bend, indicating its relation to angles. The term is used to describe architectural features in the Old Testament, particularly those involving corners.
מִקְצֹעַ n.m. place of corner-structure, (inner) corner-buttress (as (place of) cutting off of an inner angle if √ rightly expl.)
base
H4742 מִקְצֹעַ place of corner-structure, (inner) corner-buttress (as (place of) cutting off of an inner angle if √ rightly expl.)
4742 mquts`ah mek-oots-aw'
from 7106 in the denominative sense of bending; an
angle:--corner.
see HEBREW for 07106
מְקֻצְעָה (me.quts.ah) — corner.
1) place of corner structure, corner buttress, inner corner-buttress
1a) corner post
Prep | V-Pual-Inf-c — Preposition · verb pual participle (passive) feminine plural commonHR/VPsfpc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan) means 'dwelling-place' or 'tabernacle.' It is derived from a root meaning to dwell and can refer to various types of residences, including the Tabernacle in the Old Testament. The term encompasses both literal and figurative meanings, such as a grave or the Temple.
מִשְׁכָּן 139 n.m. dwelling-place, ‘tabernacle’
base
H4908 מִשְׁכָּן dwelling-place, ‘tabernacle’
4908 mishkan mish-kawn'
from 7931; a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair
of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the Temple);
specifically, the Tabernacle (properly, its wooden
walls):--dwelleth, dwelling (place), habitation, tabernacle,
tent.
see HEBREW for 07931
מִשְׁכָּן (mish.kan) — tabernacle.
1) dwelling place, tabernacle
1a) dwelling-place
1b) dwellings
Aramaic equivalent: mish.kan (מִשְׁכַּן "habitation" H4907)
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
tab'-er-na-k'l ('ohel mo`edh "tent of meeting," mishkan, "dwelling"; skene):
A. STRUCTURE AND HISTORY
I. INTRODUCTORY
1. Earlier "Tent of Meeting"
2. A Stage in Revelation
3. The Tabernacle Proper
II. STRUCTURE
1. The Enclosure or Court
2. Structure, Divisions and Furniture of the Tabernacle
(1) Coverings of the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:1-14; 36:8-19)
(a) Tabernacle Covering Proper
(b) Tent Covering
(c) Protective Covering
(2) Framework and Divisions of the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:15-37; 36:20-38)
Arrangement of Coverings
(3) Furniture of the Sanctuary
(a) The Table of Shewbread
(b) The Candlestick (Lampstand)
(c) The Altar of Incense
III. HISTORY
1. Removal from Sinai
2. Sojourn at Kadesh
3. Settlement in Canaan
4. Destruction of Shiloh
5. Delocalization of Worship
6. Nob and Gibeon
7. Restoration of the Ark
Tabernacle
(1.) A house or dwelling-place (Job 5:24; 18:6, etc.).
(2.) A portable shrine (comp. Acts 19:24) containing the image of Moloch (Amos 5:26; marg. and R.V., “Siccuth”).
(3.) The human body (2 Cor. 5:1, 4); a tent, as opposed to a permanent dwelling.
(4.) The sacred tent (Heb. mishkan, “the dwelling-place”); the movable tent-temple which Moses erected for the service of God, according to the “pattern” which God himself showed to him on the mount (Ex. 25:9; Heb. 8:5). It is called “the tabernacle of the congregation,” rather “of meeting”, i.e., where God…
The tabernacle was the tent of Jehovah, called by the same name as the tents of the people in the midst of which it stood. It was also called the sanctuary and the tabernacle of the congregation. The first ordinance given to Moses, after the proclamation of the outline of the law from Sinai, related to the ordering of the tabernacle, its furniture and its service as the type which was to be followed when the people came to their own home and "found a place" for the abode of God. During the forty days of Moses’ first retirement with God in Sinai, an exact pattern of the whole was shown him, and all was made according to it. (Exodus 25:9,40; 26:30; 39:32,42,43; Numbers 8:4; Acts 7:44;
A tent, booth, pavilion, or temporary dwelling. For its general meaning and uses, see TENT. In the Scriptures it is employed more particularly of the tent made by Moses at the command of God, for the place of religious worship of the Hebrews, before the building of the temple. The directions of God, and the account of the execution of them, are contained in Ex 25:1-40, and the following chapters. This is usually called the tabernacle of the congregation, or tent of assembly, and sometimes the tabernacle of the testimony.
The tabernacle was of an oblong rectangular form, thirty cubits long, ten broad, and ten in height, Ex 26.15-30; 36.20-30; that is, about fifty-five feet long, eighteen broad, and eighteen high. The two sides and the western end were formed of boards of shittim wood, overlaid with thin plates of gold, and fixed in…
יַרְכָה (yrekah) refers to the flank or side, often indicating extreme parts or recesses. It is a feminine form of a related word and is used figuratively to denote borders or sides. The entries consistently emphasize its meanings related to physical sides and recesses, without significant disagreement among lexicons.
[יַרְכָה, or יְרֵכָה] flank, side, du. extreme parts, recesses
base
H3411 [יַרְכָה, or יְרֵכָה] flank, side, du. extreme parts, recesses
3411 yrekah yer-ay-kaw'
feminine of 3409; properly, the flank; but used only
figuratively, the rear or recess:--border, coast, part,
quarter, side.
see HEBREW for 03409
יַרְכָה (ye.re.khah) — flank.
1) flank, side, extreme parts, recesses
1a) side
1b) sides, recesses (dual)
Aramaic equivalent: yar.kah (יַרְכָא "thigh" H3410)
Prep | N-fd — Preposition · noun common feminine dual absoluteHRd/Ncfda