Exodus 38:10 — Word Study
WLCעַמּוּדֵיהֶ֣ם עֶשְׂרִ֔ים וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֥ם עֶשְׂרִ֖ים נְחֹ֑שֶׁת וָוֵ֧י הָעַמֻּדִ֛ים וַחֲשֻׁקֵיהֶ֖ם כָּֽסֶף׃
BSAwith twentyʻesrîym postsʻammûwd [pillars, columns] and twentyʻesrîym bronzenᵉchôsheth [copper, a base metal] basesʼeden [sockets, foundations] and with silverkeçeph [precious, valuable] hooksvâv [pegs, nails] and bandschâshuq [rings, rods] on the postsʻammûwd [pillars, upright supports]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| עַמּוּדֵיהֶ֣ם | pillars their | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| עֶשְׂרִ֔ים | twenty | Adj |
| וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֥ם | and bases their | Conjunction, noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| עֶשְׂרִ֖ים | twenty | Adj |
| נְחֹ֑שֶׁת | [were] bronze | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| וָוֵ֧י | [the] hooks of | Noun common, masculine plural construct |
| הָעַמֻּדִ֛ים | the pillars | Particle, noun common masculine plural absolute |
| וַחֲשֻׁקֵיהֶ֖ם | and bands their | Conjunction, noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| כָּֽסֶף׃ | [were] silver | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. |
| KJV | Their pillars were twenty, and their brasen sockets twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. |
| ASV | their pillars were twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. |
| YLT | their pillars [are] twenty, and their brazen sockets twenty, the pegs of the pillars and their fillets [are] silver; |
| WEB | their pillars were twenty, and their sockets twenty, of bronze; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. |
| BBE | Their twenty pillars and their twenty bases were brass; and the hooks of the pillars and their bands were of silver. |
Where they part company is נְחֹשֶׁת — see How Translations Differ.
The structure of the sentence lists components of the courtyard, emphasizing the materials and their arrangement.
5 commentators on this verse
Jamieson, Poole, Ellicott, Cambridge & more — read them ›
clause
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 38:10
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 — The Construction of the Courtyardgenerated
Exodus 38:10 details the specific construction elements of the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle. The courtyard was designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with precise measurements and materials that reflect the importance of the tabernacle in Israelite worship. This verse highlights the systematic approach taken in the construction process, emphasizing the significance of each component in the overall structure.
Cross References
The Key Word — עַמּוּד, 'a.mu.dei.Hemgenerated
The word עַמּוּד (ammuwd) means 'pillar' or 'column,' referring to a vertical support structure. It can denote both a physical pillar and a platform, derived from a root meaning 'to stand.' This word appears frequently in contexts related to architecture, symbolizing strength and support.
In this verse, עַמּוּדֵיהֶם (ammudeyhem) specifically refers to the pillars that support the courtyard, emphasizing their role in providing stability to the structure.
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 clause of the verse describes the construction with the finite verb implied in the context. The structure is built around a series of noun phrases detailing the components: the number of posts, their material, and the bases.
The order of the Hebrew words emphasizes the materials first, followed by their function, illustrating the importance of both in the construction of the tabernacle courtyard.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates עַמּוּד as στῦλοι (stūloi), meaning 'columns.' This choice indicates a focus on the architectural aspect of the pillars, aligning with the physical support they provide.
The word נְחֹשֶׁת is absent from the Septuagint's translation, which may reflect a different emphasis or interpretation of the materials used in the construction.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Exodus 38:10 describes the construction of the courtyard for the tabernacle, detailing that there were twenty pillars and twenty bronze bases, with silver hooks and bands on the pillars. This shows the careful planning and materials used in the tabernacle's design.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The pillars symbolize strength and support, crucial for the stability of the tabernacle structure.
Bronze is a durable metal, suitable for supporting the weight of the pillars and providing a strong foundation.
The silver hooks and bands connect the structure, ensuring that the pillars remain stable and secure.
This verse illustrates the meticulous attention to detail in the tabernacle's construction, reflecting its importance in Israelite worship.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What do the materials used in the tabernacle tell us about its significance?
- How can we apply the concept of strength and support in our own lives?
- What does the number twenty symbolize in the context of this construction?
- In what ways can we ensure stability in our own 'structures' or foundations?
Commentators on this verse — 5 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Exodus 38:10 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd he made the court: on the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, an hundred cubits: The court.
Read Robert Jamieson on Exodus 38 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleUpon the hooks they hanged the beasts to be sacrificed, as the Jews affirm.
Read Matthew Poole on Exodus 38 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(9-20) The construction of the court follows upon that of the furniture which it contained. The passage runs parallel with Exodus 27:9-19.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Exodus 38 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges9–20 (Exodus 27:9-19). The Court of the Tent of Meeting. In vv. 16–19 the text (Exodus 27:16-18) is reproduced with greater freedom than usual.
Read Cambridge on Exodus 38 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the BibleTHE ALTAR OF BURNT , Exodus 38:1-7. See notes on Exodus 27:1-7. THE LAVER, Exodus 38:8. See notes on Exodus 30:17-21. THE COURT OF THE , Exodus 38:9-20. See notes on Exodus 27:9-19.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Exodus 38 →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
with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and with silver hooks and bands on the posts.
their pillars were twenty, and their sockets twenty, of bronze; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver.
with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and with silver hooks and bands on the posts.
with their twenty posts and their twenty bronze bases, with the hooks of the posts and their bands of silver.
Tyndale line
Their pillars were twenty, and their brasen sockets twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver.
their pillars were twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver.
their pillars were twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver.
Their pillars were twenty, and their brazen sockets twenty; the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, were of silver.
Their pillars were twentie, and their brasen sockets twentie: the hookes of the pillars, and their filets were of siluer.
Strictly literal
their pillars twenty, and their bases twenty, of copper; the hooks of the pillars and their connecting-rods of silver.
their pillars [are] twenty, and their brazen sockets twenty, the pegs of the pillars and their fillets [are] silver;
their pillars [are] twenty, and their bronze sockets twenty, the pegs of the pillars and their fillets [are] silver;
Their pillars were twenty, with their twenty sockets of copper; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver.
The hangings had twenty posts, with twenty bronze bases. There were hooks attached to the posts, as well as silver rods.
From the Latin
Twenty pillars of brass with their sockets, the heads of the pillars, and the whole graving of the work, of silver.
Simplified
with twenty posts and twenty bronze stands, with silver hooks and bands on the posts.
Their twenty pillars and their twenty bases were brass; and the hooks of the pillars and their bands were of silver.
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 and the Samaritan Pentateuch differ in two words: the Samaritan uses עמודיו (pillar) and עמודים (pillars), while the Masoretic Text uses עַמּוּדֵיהֶם (their pillars) and הָעַמֻּדִ֛ים (the pillars). The Septuagint largely agrees with the Masoretic Text.
עַמּוּדֵיהֶ֣ם עֶשְׂרִ֔ים וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֥ם עֶשְׂרִ֖ים נְחֹ֑שֶׁת וָוֵ֧י הָעַמֻּדִ֛ים וַחֲשֻׁקֵיהֶ֖ם כָּֽסֶף׃
8 of the 9 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.
ועמודיו עשׂרים ואדניהם עשׂרים ווי העמודים וחשׁקיהם כסף
2 words differ from the Masoretic Text: עמודיו (pillar), עמודים (pillar)
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 38:10
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.
עַמּוּד (ammuwd) means 'pillar' or 'column,' referring to a vertical support structure. It can denote both a physical pillar and a platform. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to stand.' The entries consistently emphasize its architectural connotation, with no significant disagreement noted among the lexicons.
עַמּוּד, עַמֻּד 110 n.m. pillar, column
base
H5982 עַמּוּד, עַמֻּד pillar, column
5982 `ammuwd am-mood'
or ammud {am-mood'}; from 5975; a column (as standing); also
a stand, i.e. platform:--X apiece, pillar.
see HEBREW for 05975
עַמּוּד (am.mud) — pillar.
1) pillar, column
1a) pillar
1b) column, upright
1c) column (of smoke)
עַמּוּד (am.mud) — (Hall of) Pillars.
Combined with u.lam (אוּלָם "Hall" H0197)
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp3mp
עֶשְׂרִים (esriym) means 'twenty' and can also refer to the ordinal 'twentieth.' It is derived from the root word for 'ten' and has an Aramaic equivalent, עֶשְׂרִין (es.rin). The entries consistently define the term without significant disagreement.
עֶשְׂרִים (a) twenty
base
H6242 עֶשְׂרִים (a) twenty
6242 `esriym es-reem'
from 6235; twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth:--(six-)score,
twenty(-ieth).
see HEBREW for 06235
עֶשְׂרִים (es.rim) — twenty.
twenty, twentieth
Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Adj — AdjHAcmpa
twen'-ti.
See NUMBER.
אֶ֫דֶן (eden) refers to a base or pedestal, indicating a strong foundation for structures like buildings or columns. It encompasses meanings such as sockets for tabernacle pillars and pedestals of gold. The word is linked to strength, as seen in its connection to another Hebrew term. It appears in contexts like Exodus 26:19.
[אֶ֫דֶן] 57 n.m. Ex 26:19 base, pedestal
pedestals of fine gold
pedestals of the earth on wh. its pillars were placed
(metal) pedestals, bases, or sockets in wh. tenons of planks & pillars of tabernacle were set up; two for each plank & one for each pillar
base
H134 [אֶ֫דֶן] base, pedestal
134 'eden eh'-den
from the same as 113 (in the sense of strength); a basis (of
a building, a column, etc.):--foundation, socket.
see HEBREW for 0113
אֶ֫דֶן (e.den) — socket.
1) base, pedestal, socket (strong, firm)
1a) pedestals of gold on which marble pillars were set
1b) pedestals of the earth, foundation of the earth
1c) pedestals, bases, or sockets on which tabernacle stood
Conj | N-mp | Suff — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHC/Ncmpc/Sp3mp
עֶשְׂרִים (esriym) means 'twenty' and can also refer to the ordinal 'twentieth.' It is derived from the root word for 'ten' and has an Aramaic equivalent, עֶשְׂרִין (es.rin). The entries consistently define the term without significant disagreement.
עֶשְׂרִים (a) twenty
base
H6242 עֶשְׂרִים (a) twenty
6242 `esriym es-reem'
from 6235; twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth:--(six-)score,
twenty(-ieth).
see HEBREW for 06235
עֶשְׂרִים (es.rim) — twenty.
twenty, twentieth
Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Adj — AdjHAcmpa
twen'-ti.
See NUMBER.
נְחֹ֫שֶׁת (nechosheth) refers to copper or bronze, often indicating items made from these metals, such as fetters. It is noted for being less valuable than gold but more than wood. Additionally, it can figuratively represent a harsh sky or, in specific contexts, suggest meanings related to lust or harlotry, as seen in Ezekiel 16:36.
נְחֹ֫שֶׁת 137 n.m. copper, bronze
copper
fetters of copper or bronze
as less in value than gold but more than wood
fig. of pitiless sky
base
[נְחֹ֫שֶׁת] n.[f.] Ez 16:36 where context favours mng. lust, harlotry, or specif. sens. obscoen.
ref
H5178a נְחֹ֫שֶׁת copper, bronze . copper
. fetters of copper or bronze
. as less in value than gold but more than wood
. fig. of pitiless sky
H5178b נְחֹ֫שֶׁת where context favours mng. lust, harlotry, or specif. sens. obscoen.
5178 nchosheth nekh-o'-sheth
for 5154; copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e.
coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or
silver):--brasen, brass, chain, copper, fetter (of brass),
filthiness, steel.
see HEBREW for 05154
נְחֹ֫שֶׁת (ne.cho.shet) — bronze.
1) copper, bronze
1a) copper (ore), bronze (as copper alloy)
1b) fetters (of copper or bronze)
1c) copper (as value)
נְחֹ֫שֶׁת (ne.cho.shet) — lust.
lust, harlotry
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
The Hebrew word וָו (*vav*) refers to a hook, pin, or peg. It is also the name of the sixth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The entries consistently emphasize its meaning related to fastening or connecting.
[וָו] n.[m.] hook, pin or peg
base
H2053 [וָו] hook, pin or peg
2053 vav vaw
probably a hook (the name of the sixth Heb. letter):--hook.
וָו (vav) — hook.
hook, peg, nail, pin
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural constructHNcmpc
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…
עַמּוּד (ammuwd) means 'pillar' or 'column,' referring to a vertical support structure. It can denote both a physical pillar and a platform. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to stand.' The entries consistently emphasize its architectural connotation, with no significant disagreement noted among the lexicons.
עַמּוּד, עַמֻּד 110 n.m. pillar, column
base
H5982 עַמּוּד, עַמֻּד pillar, column
5982 `ammuwd am-mood'
or ammud {am-mood'}; from 5975; a column (as standing); also
a stand, i.e. platform:--X apiece, pillar.
see HEBREW for 05975
עַמּוּד (am.mud) — pillar.
1) pillar, column
1a) pillar
1b) column, upright
1c) column (of smoke)
עַמּוּד (am.mud) — (Hall of) Pillars.
Combined with u.lam (אוּלָם "Hall" H0197)
Art | N-mp — Particle · noun common masculine plural absoluteHTd/Ncmpa
- The supports of a building
- Things raised up as memorials
- MADE OF
. Marble
. Wood
. Iron
. Brass
. Silver
- The vail and hangings of the tabernacle supported by
Ex 26:32,37; 36:36,38
- Two, placed in the temple porch
- OF MEMORIAL
. Sometimes of a single stone
חָשׁוּק (chashuq) refers to a fillet or ring that binds or clasps a pillar, particularly in the context of the tabernacle. It is derived from the past participle of another root, indicating something that is attached or connected, such as a fence-rail or rod. The term is specifically associated with the structural elements of the tabernacle.
[חָשׁוּק] n.[m.] fillet or ring clasping (binding) a pillar of the tabernacle
base
H2838 [חָשׁוּק] fillet or ring clasping (binding) a pillar of the tabernacle
2838 chashuq khaw-shook'
or chashuwq {khaw-shook'}; past participle of 2836; attached,
i.e. a fence-rail or rod connecting the posts or
pillars:--fillet.
see HEBREW for 02836
חָשׁוּק (cha.shuq) — ring.
1) fillets, binders
1a) rings clasping a pillar of the tabernacle or silver rods between the pillars
Conj | N-mp | Suff — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHC/Ncmpc/Sp3mp
כֶּ֫סֶף (ke.seph) refers to silver and money, derived from a root meaning 'to be pale.' It encompasses various aspects of silver, including its use as a metal, ornament, and a measure of wealth or value. The term appears in contexts related to payment and price, indicating its significance in transactions.
כֶּ֫סֶף 402 n.m. silver, money
= silver ore, raw silver
silver as bright, shining
silver, as wealth
silver as spoil of war
silver as merchandise
silver as costly gift
silver as material
silver as measure of weight and value
among vbs. and phr.
base
H3701 כֶּ֫סֶף silver, money
3701 keceph keh'-sef
from 3700; silver (from its pale color); by implication,
money:--money, price, silver(-ling).
see HEBREW for 03700
כֶּ֫סֶף (ke.seph) — silver: money.
: money/payment/silver
1) silver, money
1a) silver
1a1) as metal
1a2) as ornament
1a3) as colour
1b) money, shekels, talents
כֶּ֫סֶף (ke.seph) — silver: price.
: price
1) silver, money
1a) silver
1a1) as metal
1a2) as ornament
1a3) as colour
1b) money, shekels, talents
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
sil'-ver (keceph; argurion, arguros): Silver was known in the earliest historic times. Specimens of early Egyptian and Babylonian silver work testify to the skill of the ancient silversmiths. In Palestine, silver objects have been found antedating the occupation of the land by the Hebrews. This metal was used for making all kinds of ornamental objects. In the mound of Gezer were found bowls, vases, ladles, hairpins, rings and bracelets of silver. The rings and settings for scarabs or seals were commonly of this metal. The first mention of silver in the Bible is in Ge 13:2, where it says that Abraham was rich in cattle, in silver and gold. At that time it was commonly used in exchange in the form of bars or other shapes. Coins of that metal were of a much later date (Ge 20:16…
Silver
Used for a great variety of purposes, as may be judged from the frequent references to it in Scripture. It first appears in commerce in Gen. 13:2; 23:15, 16. It was largely employed for making vessels for the sanctuary in the wilderness (Ex. 26:19; 27:17; Num. 7:13, 19; 10:2). There is no record of its having been found in Syria or Palestine. It was brought in large quantities by foreign merchants from abroad, from Spain and India and other countries probably.
In very early times silver was used for ornaments, (Genesis 24:53) and for vessels of various kinds. Images for idolatrous worship were made of silver or overlaid with it, (Exodus 20:23; Hosea 13:2); Habb 2:19 Bar. 6:39, and the manufacture of silver shrines for Diana was a trade in Ephesus. (Acts 19:24) But its chief use was as a medium of exchange, and throughout the Old Testament we find "silver" used for money, like the French argent . Silver was brought to Solomon from Arabia, (2 Chronicles 9:14) and from Tarshish, (2 Chronicles 9:21) which supplied the markets…
One of the precious metals and the one most commonly used as coin among all nations. It is first mentioned in Scripture in the history of Abraham, Ge 13:2 20:16 23:16, and was used in constricting the tabernacle, Ex 26:19,32, and afterwards the temple, 1Ch 29:4. In employing it as a medium of trade, the ancient Hebrews weighed it out, instead of having coins. In the times of the New Testament there were coins. See SHEKEL, and MONEY.