Exodus 36:38

Authorized King James Version

And the five pillars of it with their hooks: and he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets with gold: but their five sockets were of brass.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
עַמּוּדָ֤יו
pillars
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
#3
חֲמִשָּׁ֖ה
And the five
five
#4
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
וָ֣וֵיהֶ֔ם
of it with their hooks
a hook (the name of the sixth hebrew letter)
#6
וְצִפָּ֧ה
and he overlaid
to sheet over (especially with metal)
#7
רָֽאשֵׁיהֶ֛ם
their chapiters
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#8
וַחֲשֻֽׁקֵיהֶ֖ם
and their fillets
attached, i.e., a fence-rail or rod connecting the posts or pillars
#9
זָהָ֑ב
with gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#10
וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֥ם
sockets
a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)
#11
חֲמִשָּׁ֖ה
And the five
five
#12
נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃
were 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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