Exodus 27:18

Authorized King James Version

The length of the court shall be an hundred cubits, and the breadth fifty every where, and the height five cubits of fine twined linen, and their sockets of brass.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֹ֣רֶךְ
The length
length
#2
הֶֽחָצֵר֩
of the court
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
#3
מֵאָ֨ה
shall be an hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#4
אַמּ֖וֹת
cubits
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)
#5
וְרֹ֣חַב׀
and the breadth
width (literally or figuratively)
#6
בַּֽחֲמִשִּׁ֗ים
every where
fifty
#7
בַּֽחֲמִשִּׁ֗ים
every where
fifty
#8
וְקֹמָ֛ה
and the height
height
#9
חָמֵ֥שׁ
five
five
#10
אַמּ֖וֹת
cubits
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)
#11
שֵׁ֣שׁ
linen
bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble
#12
מָשְׁזָ֑ר
of fine twined
to twist (a thread of straw)
#13
וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֖ם
and their sockets
a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)
#14
נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃
of brass
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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