Exodus 36:29
And they were coupled beneath, and coupled together at the head thereof, to one ring: thus he did to both of them in both the corners.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָי֣וּ
H1961
וְהָי֣וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
תַמִּים֙
And they were coupled
H8382
תַמִּים֙
And they were coupled
Strong's:
H8382
Word #:
2 of 16
to be (causatively, make) twinned, i.e., (figuratively) duplicate or (architectural) jointed
מִלְּמַטָּה֒
beneath
H4295
מִלְּמַטָּה֒
beneath
Strong's:
H4295
Word #:
3 of 16
downward, below or beneath; often adverbially with or without prefixes
יִֽהְי֤וּ
H1961
יִֽהְי֤וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
תַמִּים֙
And they were coupled
H8382
תַמִּים֙
And they were coupled
Strong's:
H8382
Word #:
6 of 16
to be (causatively, make) twinned, i.e., (figuratively) duplicate or (architectural) jointed
רֹאשׁ֔וֹ
at the head
H7218
רֹאשׁ֔וֹ
at the head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
8 of 16
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הַטַּבַּ֖עַת
ring
H2885
הַטַּבַּ֖עַת
ring
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
הָֽאֶחָ֑ת
thereof to one
H259
הָֽאֶחָ֑ת
thereof to one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
כֵּ֚ן
H3651
כֵּ֚ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
עָשָׂ֣ה
thus he did
H6213
עָשָׂ֣ה
thus he did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
13 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
The precise description of corner coupling (both bottom and top, using rings) demonstrates sophisticated woodworking, likely involving interlocking joints and metal rings to hold corners firmly. This engineering ensured corners wouldn't separate under stress of repeated assembly.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the requirement for corners to be coupled both beneath and above teach about comprehensive unity in God's house?
- How does coupling 'unto one ring' illustrate diverse believers united in Christ's single purpose?
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Analysis & Commentary
Corner boards 'coupled together beneath' and 'coupled together above' (תָּמִים, tammim—'perfect, complete') ensure seamless joining from foundation to top. This complete coupling illustrates that connections in God's house must be secure throughout, not just superficially. Unity isn't merely external appearance but internal reality, from foundation (doctrine) to crown (practice). The coupling 'unto one ring' (אֶל־הַטַּבַּעַת הָאֶחָת, el-hatabba'at ha-echat) emphasizes that diverse boards unite in one purpose, one Lord, one faith (Ephesians 4:5).