Exodus 38:14 — Word Study
WLCקְלָעִ֛ים חֲמֵשׁ־ עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה אַמָּ֖ה אֶל־ הַכָּתֵ֑ף עַמּוּדֵיהֶ֣ם שְׁלֹשָׁ֔ה וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֖ם שְׁלֹשָֽׁה׃
BSAThe curtainsqelaʻ [hangings, screens] onʼêl one sidekâthêph [of the entrance were] fifteenchâmêsh [about 22.5 feet] cubits [long]ʼammâh with threeshâlôwsh [exactly three] postsʻammûwd [pillars, columns] and threeshâlôwsh basesʼeden [sockets, foundations]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| קְלָעִ֛ים | curtains | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| חֲמֵשׁ־ | fif- | Adj |
| עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה | teen | |
| אַמָּ֖ה | cubit[s] | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| אֶל־ | to | Preposition |
| הַכָּתֵ֑ף | the side | Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| עַמּוּדֵיהֶ֣ם | pillars their | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| שְׁלֹשָׁ֔ה | three | Adj |
| וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֖ם | and bases their | Conjunction, noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| שְׁלֹשָֽׁה׃ | three | Adj |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The curtains on one side of the entrance were fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases. |
| KJV | The hangings of the one side of the gate were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three. |
| ASV | The hangings for the one side of the gate were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three; |
| YLT | The hangings on the side [are] fifteen cubits, their pillars three, and their sockets three, |
| WEB | the hangings for the one side were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three; |
| BBE | The hangings on one side of the doorway were fifteen cubits long, on three pillars with their three bases; |
Where they part company is with the rendering of שְׁלֹשָׁ֔ה — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence is structured around a main clause with additional details provided in subordinate phrases.
4 commentators on this verse
Jamieson, Ellicott, Cambridge, Whedon & more — read them ›
clause
subjectקֶלַע
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 38:14
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 Tabernaclegenerated
Exodus 38:14 describes the specific details of the tabernacle's entrance, emphasizing the importance of measurements and materials used in its construction. This verse is part of a larger section detailing the design and specifications of the tabernacle, which served as a sacred space for worship and sacrifice among the Israelites.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 27:14 | Make the curtains on one side fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases, |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 1 reference, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — קְלָעִ֛ים, ke.la.'Imgenerated
The word קְלָעִ֛ים (ke.la.'Im) is a masculine plural noun derived from the root קֶלַע (qela`), which means 'sling' but also refers to curtains or hangings. In this context, it describes the curtains used to create a barrier or separation in the tabernacle.
The parsing indicates that it is a noun in the masculine plural form, suggesting multiple curtains. This aligns with the description of the tabernacle, where various curtains were used to delineate sacred spaces.
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 is governed by the noun phrase קְלָעִ֛ים, the curtains, which serves as the subject. The structure includes a numeral phrase indicating the length of the curtains and a prepositional phrase specifying the location of the curtains.
The finite verb is implicit in the description of the curtains and their attributes, with the details of the posts and bases forming additional noun phrases that elaborate on the structure.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates קְלָעִ֛ים as ἱστία, which means 'sails' or 'sheets.' This choice may suggest a broader interpretation of the curtains as not just functional dividers but also as elements that could be seen as part of a larger, more dynamic structure.
This rendering demonstrates a shift from the specific use of curtains in the Hebrew text to a more general term in Greek, indicating the translators' understanding of the function and appearance of these items.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Exodus 38:14 describes the curtains at the entrance of the tabernacle, stating they were fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases. This verse highlights the importance of precise measurements in the construction of sacred spaces.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The number fifteen indicates the specific length of the curtains, which is important for the design and dimensions of the tabernacle.
The three posts provide structural support for the curtains, ensuring they hang properly and create a defined entrance.
While this verse does not specify materials, other passages indicate that the curtains were made of finely spun linen.
This verse contributes to the detailed description of the tabernacle's construction, emphasizing the importance of measurements and materials in creating a sacred space.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What do the precise measurements in this verse tell us about the importance of order in worship?
- How can understanding the structure of the tabernacle enhance our appreciation for its significance?
- In what ways do we see the concept of separation in our own lives, similar to the curtains in the tabernacle?
- How does this verse encourage us to think about the spaces we create for worship and community?
Commentators on this verse — 4 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Exodus 38:14 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 →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
The curtains on one side of the entrance were fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases.
the hangings for the one side were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three;
The curtains on one side of the entrance were fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases.
with hangings on one side of the gate that were twenty-two and a half feet long, with their three posts and their three bases,
Tyndale line
The hangings of the one side of the gate were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.
The hangings for the one side of the gate were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three;
The hangings for the one side of the gate were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three;
The hangings of the one side of the gate were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.
The hangings of the one side were fifteene cubites, their three pillars, and their three sockets:
Strictly literal
the hangings on the one wing of fifteen cubits, their pillars three, and their bases three;
The hangings on the side [are] fifteen cubits, their pillars three, and their sockets three,
The hangings on the side [are] fifteen cubits, their pillars three, and their sockets three,
Hangings of fifteen cubits, were on the one wing: their pillars were three, and their sockets three.
The hangings for one side of the entrance were fifteen cubits long. They had three posts with three bases.
From the Latin
Fifteen cubits of which were on one side with three pillars, and their sockets:
Simplified
He made the curtains on one side fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three stands,
The hangings on one side of the doorway were fifteen cubits long, on three pillars with their three bases;
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 is supported by the Samaritan Pentateuch, which agrees word for word with the Hebrew text. The Septuagint aligns closely with the Masoretic Text, differing only in word order and the specific Greek terms used.
קְלָעִ֛ים חֲמֵשׁ־ עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה אַמָּ֖ה אֶל־ הַכָּתֵ֑ף עַמּוּדֵיהֶ֣ם שְׁלֹשָׁ֔ה וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֖ם שְׁלֹשָֽׁה׃
9 of the 10 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.
קלעים חמשׁ עשׂרה אמה אל הכתף עמודיהם שׁלשׁה ואדניהם שׁלשׁה
Agrees with the Masoretic Text here, word for word.
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 38:14
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.
קֶ֫לַע (qela`) refers to both a 'sling' and a 'curtain' or 'hanging.' It is derived from the root word for 'to be thrown' and encompasses items that can be slung or hung, such as a door screen or valve. The entries consistently highlight these two primary meanings without significant disagreement.
קֶ֫לַע n.[m.] sling
base
[קֶ֫לַע] 15 n.[m.] curtain, hanging (P)
base
H7050a קֶ֫לַע sling H7050b קֶ֫לַע curtain, hanging
7050 qela` keh'-lah
from 7049; a sling; also a (door) screen (as if slung
across), or the valve (of the door) itself:--hanging, leaf,
sling.
see HEBREW for 07049
קֶ֫לַע (qe.la) — sling.
sling, slingstones
קֶ֫לַע (qe.la) — curtain.
curtain, drape, hanging
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
חָמֵשׁ (chamesh) means 'five' in Hebrew. It serves as both a cardinal number and can indicate a multiple of five when combined with another number. The word also has an ordinal form, 'fifth.' The entries consistently define this numeral without any noted disagreement.
חָמֵשׁ, חֲמִשָּׁה 342 n.m. and f. five
base
H2568 חָמֵשׁ, חֲמִשָּׁה five
2568 chamesh khaw-maysh'
masculine chamishshah {kham-ish-shaw}; a primitive numeral;
five:--fif(-teen), fifth, five (X apiece).
חָמֵשׁ (cha.mesh) — five.
1) five
1a) five (cardinal number)
1b) a multiple of five (with another number)
1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Adj — AdjHAcbsc
עָשָׂר (asar) means 'ten' and is used exclusively in combination with other numbers to form the teen numbers (11-19), both as cardinal and ordinal forms. The entries indicate that it is derived from another Hebrew root, but do not elaborate on its etymology.
עָשָׂר, עֶשְׂרֵה ten, only after units to make num. 11-19, both cardinal and ordinal
base
H6240 עָשָׂר, עֶשְׂרֵה ten, only after units to make num. 11-19, both cardinal and ordinal
6240 `asar aw-sawr'
for 6235; ten (only in combination), i.e. -teen; also
(ordinal) -teenth:--(eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-,
six-, thir-)teen(-th), + eleven(-th), + sixscore thousand, +
twelve(-th).
see HEBREW for 06235
עָשָׂר (a.sar) — ten.
1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers)
1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
HAcbsa — HAcbsa
אַמָּה (ammah) primarily means 'cubit,' a unit of measure roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 0.5 meters, derived from the word for 'mother' or 'forearm.' It can also refer to a foundation or base, as noted in Isaiah 6:4. The lexicons mention different types of cubits used in the Old Testament, including the common cubit and the legal cubit.
אַמָּה 246 n.f. ell, cubit
cubit
† measure, full measure, limit
base
[אַמָּה] n.f. (etym. & mng. dub.; Thes foundation) only Is 6:4.
ref
H520a אַמָּה ell, cubit H520b אַמָּה
520 'ammah am-maw'
prolonged from 517; properly, a mother (i.e. unit of measure,
or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e. a cubit; also a
door-base (as a bond of the entrance):--cubit, + hundred (by
exchange for 3967), measure, post.
see HEBREW for 0517
see HEBREW for 03967
אַמָּה (am.mah) — cubit.
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)
אַמָּה (am.mah) — foundation.
foundation
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),
prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place
Where the limit is actually entered, into
Of direction towards anything
Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
Of rule or standard according to (rare)
Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
base
H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place
. Where the limit is actually entered, into
. Of direction towards anything
. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
. Of rule or standard according to (rare)
. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
413 'el ale
(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});
a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but
occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or
among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,
against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,
by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,
over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,
with(-in).
אֶל (el) — to(wards).
1) to, toward, unto (of motion)
2) into (limit is actually entered)
2a) in among
3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)
4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)
5) in addition to, to
6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of
7) according to (rule or standard)
8) at, by, against (of one's presence)
9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Prep — PrepositionHR
כָּתֵף (katheph) means 'shoulder' and can refer to the shoulder-blade, side, or slope of a mountain. It is derived from a root meaning to clothe, indicating the shoulder as the place where garments hang. The term can also describe shoulder-pieces of animals and supports, as well as lateral projections.
כָּתֵף n.f. shoulder, shoulder-blade, side
base
H3802 כָּתֵף shoulder, shoulder-blade, side
3802 katheph kaw-thafe'
from an unused root meaning to clothe; the shoulder (proper,
i.e. upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the
garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection
of anything:--arm, corner, shoulder(-piece), side,
undersetter.
כָּתֵף (ka.teph) — shoulder.
1) shoulder, shoulder-blade, side, slope
1a) shoulder, shoulder-blade (of man)
1b) shoulder, shoulder-pieces (of animals)
1c) side, slope (of mountain)
1d) supports (of laver)
Art | N-fs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHTd/Ncfsa
si'-de (Side): An ancient town of Pamphylia, occupying a triangular promontory on the coast. It was one of the towns to which a letter favorable to the Jews was sent by the Roman consul Lucius (1 Macc 15:23). The town seems to have been of considerable antiquity, for it had existed long before it fell into the possession of Alexander the Great, and for a time it was the metropolis of Pamphylia. Off the coast the fleet of Antiochus was defeated by the Rhodians. During the 1st century, Side was noted as one of the chief ports of pirates who disposed of much of their booty there. The ruins of the city, which are now very extensive, bear the name Eski Adalia, but among them there are no occupied houses. The two harbors protected by a sea wall may still be traced, but they are now filled with sand. The wall on the land side of the city was provided with a gate which was protected with round…
a city on the coast of Pamphylia, 10 or 12 miles to the east of the river Eurymedon. It is mentioned in 1 Macc. 15:23, and was a colony of Cumaeans.
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
The Hebrew word שָׁלֹשׁ (*shalosh*) means 'three' or 'triad.' It can also refer to the ordinal 'third' and is used in various contexts, including multiplication as 'thrice.' The entries consistently define it as a primitive number without significant disagreement.
שָׁלֹשׁ, שָׁלוֹשׁ, שְׁלֹשָׁה 430 n.m. et f. a three, triad
base
H7969 שָׁלֹשׁ, שָׁלוֹשׁ, שְׁלֹשָׁה a three, triad
7969 shalowsh shaw-loshe'
or shalosh {shaw-loshe'}; masculine shlowshah {shel-o-shaw'};
or shloshah {shel-o-shaw'}; a primitive number; three;
occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multipl.) thrice:--+ fork,
+ often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, + thrice.
Compare 7991.
see HEBREW for 07991
שָׁלֹשׁ (sha.losh) — three.
1) three, triad
1a) 3, 300, third
Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Adj — AdjHAcbsa
(shalosh; treis).
See NUMBER.
The phrase "three days and three nights," Mt 12:40, was equivalent in Hebrew to the English "three days;" the Jews employing the expression "a day and a night" to denote our "day" of twentyfour hours. Nor did "three days," 1Sa 30:13, literally "this third day," according to their usage, necessarily include the whole of three days, but a part of three days, a continuous period including one whole day of twenty-four hours, and a portion of the day preceding it and the day following it. Compare Ge 7:12,17 1Sa 30:12-13.
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
The Hebrew word שָׁלֹשׁ (*shalosh*) means 'three' or 'triad.' It can also refer to the ordinal 'third' and is used in various contexts, including multiplication as 'thrice.' The entries consistently define it as a primitive number without significant disagreement.
שָׁלֹשׁ, שָׁלוֹשׁ, שְׁלֹשָׁה 430 n.m. et f. a three, triad
base
H7969 שָׁלֹשׁ, שָׁלוֹשׁ, שְׁלֹשָׁה a three, triad
7969 shalowsh shaw-loshe'
or shalosh {shaw-loshe'}; masculine shlowshah {shel-o-shaw'};
or shloshah {shel-o-shaw'}; a primitive number; three;
occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multipl.) thrice:--+ fork,
+ often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, + thrice.
Compare 7991.
see HEBREW for 07991
שָׁלֹשׁ (sha.losh) — three.
1) three, triad
1a) 3, 300, third
Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Adj — AdjHAcbsa
(shalosh; treis).
See NUMBER.
The phrase "three days and three nights," Mt 12:40, was equivalent in Hebrew to the English "three days;" the Jews employing the expression "a day and a night" to denote our "day" of twentyfour hours. Nor did "three days," 1Sa 30:13, literally "this third day," according to their usage, necessarily include the whole of three days, but a part of three days, a continuous period including one whole day of twenty-four hours, and a portion of the day preceding it and the day following it. Compare Ge 7:12,17 1Sa 30:12-13.