Exodus 37:16
And he made the vessels which were upon the table, his dishes, and his spoons, and his bowls, and his covers to cover withal, of pure gold.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֜עַשׂ
And he made
H6213
וַיַּ֜עַשׂ
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 19
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכֵּלִ֣ים׀
the vessels
H3627
הַכֵּלִ֣ים׀
the vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
3 of 19
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֗ן
which were upon the table
H7979
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֗ן
which were upon the table
Strong's:
H7979
Word #:
6 of 19
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כַּפֹּתָיו֙
and his spoons
H3709
כַּפֹּתָיו֙
and his spoons
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
10 of 19
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מְנַקִּיֹּתָ֔יו
and his bowls
H4518
מְנַקִּיֹּתָ֔יו
and his bowls
Strong's:
H4518
Word #:
12 of 19
a sacrificial basin (for holding blood)
וְאֶ֨ת
H853
וְאֶ֨ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יֻסַּ֖ךְ
to cover
H5258
יֻסַּ֖ךְ
to cover
Strong's:
H5258
Word #:
16 of 19
to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king
Historical Context
The dishes held the showbread loaves; the spoons contained frankincense (Leviticus 24:7); the bowls and covers held drink offerings. All these utensils were pure gold, matching the table itself. They traveled with the table, wrapped in blue cloth and covered with skins (Numbers 4:7-8).
Questions for Reflection
- What does making service-vessels from pure gold teach about excellence in tools and methods of ministry?
- How does God's concern for even utensils and implements challenge shortcuts in preparation and presentation in worship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Vessels, dishes, spoons, and bowls (קְּעָרֹתָיו וְכַפֹּתָיו וּקְשׂוֹתָיו וּמְנַקִּיֹּתָיו, ke'arotav vekhappotav ukesotav umenakkiyotav) made of pure gold served the table—demonstrating that even implements of service deserve excellence. These vessels held the bread and drink offerings associated with the showbread. Making service-vessels from pure gold teaches that tools of ministry, though instrumental rather than primary, still deserve God's best. Those who serve at God's table should use golden excellence in preparation and presentation.