Exodus 37:12
Also he made thereunto a border of an handbreadth round about; and made a crown of gold for the border thereof round about.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֧עַשׂ
Also he made
H6213
וַיַּ֧עַשׂ
Also he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְמִסְגַּרְתּ֖וֹ
for the border
H4526
לְמִסְגַּרְתּ֖וֹ
for the border
Strong's:
H4526
Word #:
3 of 10
something enclosing, i.e., a margin (of a region, of a panel); concretely, a stronghold
טֹ֖פַח
of an handbreadth
H2948
טֹ֖פַח
of an handbreadth
Strong's:
H2948
Word #:
4 of 10
a spread of the hand, i.e., a palm-breadth (not 'span' of the fingers); architecturally, a corbel (as a supporting palm)
סָבִֽיב׃
round about
H5439
סָבִֽיב׃
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
5 of 10
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
וַיַּ֧עַשׂ
Also he made
H6213
וַיַּ֧עַשׂ
Also he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
זֵר
a crown
H2213
זֵר
a crown
Strong's:
H2213
Word #:
7 of 10
a chaplet (as spread around the top), i.e., (specifically) a border moulding
זָהָ֛ב
of gold
H2091
זָהָ֛ב
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
8 of 10
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
Historical Context
The handbreadth border (approximately 3-4 inches wide) served as both decorative trim and structural reinforcement, running around the table's perimeter below the top surface. This shelf-like structure may have held cups and flagons used in connection with the showbread.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the combination of practical border and decorative crown teach about balancing function and beauty in God's house?
- How does this principle (strength and beauty together) apply to doctrine and practice in Christian living?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A handbreadth border (מִסְגֶּרֶת טֹפַח, misgeret tophach) with a golden crown demonstrates detailed attention to both beauty and function—the border provided structural support while the crown added glory. This combination teaches that God's house requires both practical wisdom and aesthetic excellence, both engineering and artistry. Sacred spaces should reflect both God's strength (structural integrity) and His beauty (golden crowns). The Christian life similarly demands both solid doctrine (strength) and gracious expression (beauty).