Exodus Chapter 26 · Verse 25
And they shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיוּ֙
H1961
וְהָיוּ֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שְׁמֹנָ֣ה
And they shall be eight
H8083
שְׁמֹנָ֣ה
And they shall be eight
Strong's:
H8083
Word #:
2 of 18
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
כֶּ֔סֶף
of silver
H3701
כֶּ֔סֶף
of silver
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
5 of 18
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
שִׁשָּׁ֥ה
sixteen
H8337
שִׁשָּׁ֥ה
sixteen
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
6 of 18
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
עָשָׂ֖ר
H6240
עָשָׂ֖ר
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
7 of 18
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
תַּ֚חַת
H8478
תַּ֚חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
11 of 18
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
הָֽאֶחָֽד׃
under another
H259
הָֽאֶחָֽד׃
under another
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
תַּ֖חַת
H8478
תַּ֖חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
16 of 18
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
Historical Context
The eight boards (six standard plus two corners) at 1.5 cubits each created a 10-12 cubit width, matching the tabernacle's dimensions. The sixteen silver sockets continued the pattern of abundant redemptive foundation under every part of the structure.
Questions for Reflection
- How does resurrection (eight) serve as foundation for entering God's presence?
- What 'new beginning' has redemption provided in your relationship with God?
Analysis & Commentary
Eight boards total for the west end with sixteen silver sockets (two per board). Eight often represents new beginning/resurrection; the west wall (enclosing the Most Holy Place where God's glory dwells) stands on new-beginning foundation. Access to God's presence requires resurrection—we who were dead are made alive (Ephesians 2:5). The sixteen sockets (8 × 2) emphasize the complete redemptive foundation for this resurrection reality.