Exodus 25:12
And thou shalt cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in the four corners thereof; and two rings shall be in the one side of it, and two rings in the other side of it.
Original Language Analysis
וְיָצַ֣קְתָּ
And thou shalt cast
H3332
וְיָצַ֣קְתָּ
And thou shalt cast
Strong's:
H3332
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard
טַבָּעֹ֔ת
rings
H2885
טַבָּעֹ֔ת
rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
זָהָ֔ב
of gold
H2091
זָהָ֔ב
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
5 of 19
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
וְנָ֣תַתָּ֔ה
for it and put
H5414
וְנָ֣תַתָּ֔ה
for it and put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 19
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
עַ֖ל
H5921
עַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פַּֽעֲמֹתָ֑יו
corners
H6471
פַּֽעֲמֹתָ֑יו
corners
Strong's:
H6471
Word #:
9 of 19
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
טַבָּעֹ֔ת
rings
H2885
טַבָּעֹ֔ת
rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
צַלְע֖וֹ
side
H6763
צַלְע֖וֹ
side
Strong's:
H6763
Word #:
13 of 19
a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje
הָֽאֶחָ֔ת
shall be in the one
H259
הָֽאֶחָ֔ת
shall be in the one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
טַבָּעֹ֔ת
rings
H2885
טַבָּעֹ֔ת
rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
17 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
The rings were likely cast or soldered into the gold overlay, creating permanent attachment points. This design enabled the Levites to transport the Ark during wilderness journeys and later into the Promised Land (Joshua 3).
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'carry' Christ to others without manipulating or controlling Him?
- How do the permanent rings represent God's unchanging provision for how He is to be approached?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Four golden rings enable the Ark to be carried on poles (never by human hands touching it). The number four often represents universality—the Ark's message extends to earth's four corners. The rings' placement at the feet ensures the Ark is borne respectfully, prefiguring how Christ is 'carried' to all nations by His people, never manipulated or controlled but honored and proclaimed.