Exodus 37:11

Authorized King James Version

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And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made thereunto a crown of gold round about.

Original Language Analysis

וַיְצַ֥ף And he overlaid H6823
וַיְצַ֥ף And he overlaid
Strong's: H6823
Word #: 1 of 9
to sheet over (especially with metal)
אֹת֖וֹ H853
אֹת֖וֹ
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
זָהָ֖ב gold H2091
זָהָ֖ב gold
Strong's: H2091
Word #: 3 of 9
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
טָה֑וֹר it with pure H2889
טָה֑וֹר it with pure
Strong's: H2889
Word #: 4 of 9
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ and made H6213
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ and made
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 5 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
ל֛וֹ H0
ל֛וֹ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 6 of 9
זֵ֥ר thereunto a crown H2213
זֵ֥ר thereunto a crown
Strong's: H2213
Word #: 7 of 9
a chaplet (as spread around the top), i.e., (specifically) a border moulding
זָהָ֖ב gold H2091
זָהָ֖ב gold
Strong's: H2091
Word #: 8 of 9
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
סָבִֽיב׃ round about H5439
סָבִֽיב׃ round about
Strong's: H5439
Word #: 9 of 9
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

Analysis & Commentary

Overlaying the table with pure gold (זָהָב טָהוֹר, zahav tahor) and making a crown of gold (זֵר זָהָב, zer zahav) round about emphasizes royalty and purity in God's provision. The crown border prevented sacred items from falling off—demonstrating God's protective care of what He provides. The table's golden purity teaches that fellowship with God requires holiness; the crown teaches that God's provision is royal, abundant, and secure. Christ's table offers not poverty-rations but royal feast.

Historical Context

The table measured approximately 3' × 1.5' × 2.25' (2 × 1 × 1.5 cubits), overlaid with pure gold. The crown border around the edge prevented the bread, dishes, and utensils from sliding off. The gold overlay made the table a fitting object for God's holy presence.

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