Exodus 37:12

Authorized King James Version

Also he made thereunto a border of an handbreadth round about; and made a crown of gold for the border thereof round about.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֧עַשׂ
Also he made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
ל֥וֹ
H0
#3
לְמִסְגַּרְתּ֖וֹ
for the border
something enclosing, i.e., a margin (of a region, of a panel); concretely, a stronghold
#4
טֹ֖פַח
of an handbreadth
a spread of the hand, i.e., a palm-breadth (not 'span' of the fingers); architecturally, a corbel (as a supporting palm)
#5
סָבִֽיב׃
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#6
וַיַּ֧עַשׂ
Also he made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#7
זֵר
a crown
a chaplet (as spread around the top), i.e., (specifically) a border moulding
#8
זָהָ֛ב
of gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#9
לְמִסְגַּרְתּ֖וֹ
for the border
something enclosing, i.e., a margin (of a region, of a panel); concretely, a stronghold
#10
סָבִֽיב׃
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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