Exodus 25:11
And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about.
Original Language Analysis
תְּצַפֶּ֑נּוּ
And thou shalt overlay
H6823
תְּצַפֶּ֑נּוּ
And thou shalt overlay
Strong's:
H6823
Word #:
1 of 12
to sheet over (especially with metal)
אֹתוֹ֙
H853
אֹתוֹ֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
זָהָ֖ב
gold
H2091
זָהָ֖ב
gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
3 of 12
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
טָה֔וֹר
it with pure
H2889
טָה֔וֹר
it with pure
Strong's:
H2889
Word #:
4 of 12
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
מִבַּ֥יִת
within
H1004
מִבַּ֥יִת
within
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 12
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וּמִח֖וּץ
and without
H2351
וּמִח֖וּץ
and without
Strong's:
H2351
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
תְּצַפֶּ֑נּוּ
And thou shalt overlay
H6823
תְּצַפֶּ֑נּוּ
And thou shalt overlay
Strong's:
H6823
Word #:
7 of 12
to sheet over (especially with metal)
וְעָשִׂ֧יתָ
it and shalt make
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֧יתָ
it and shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עָלָ֛יו
H5921
עָלָ֛יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
זֵ֥ר
upon it a crown
H2213
זֵ֥ר
upon it a crown
Strong's:
H2213
Word #:
10 of 12
a chaplet (as spread around the top), i.e., (specifically) a border moulding
Historical Context
Gold overlay required skilled craftsmanship to hammer gold leaf onto the wooden structure. The 'crown' (זֵר, zer) was a decorative border that also prevented objects from sliding off during transport, combining beauty with function.
Questions for Reflection
- Why must Christ's divinity 'overlay' His humanity both 'within and without'?
- How does the gold crown relate to Christ's kingship and separation from sin?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Pure gold overlay 'within and without'—the Ark must be completely covered, hidden and visible surfaces alike. This totality represents Christ's complete divinity permeating His humanity. The gold crown (border) surrounding it signifies royalty and separation. Nothing of the wood could show through; similarly, while Christ's humanity was real, His divine glory could not be suppressed (transfiguration).