Exodus 38:11

Authorized King James Version

And for the north side the hangings were an hundred cubits, their pillars were twenty, and their sockets of brass twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלִפְאַ֤ת
side
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
#2
צָפוֹן֙
And for the north
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
#3
מֵאָ֣ה
the hangings were an hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#4
בָֽאַמָּ֔ה
cubits
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
#5
הָֽעַמּוּדִ֛ים
of the pillars
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
#6
עֶשְׂרִ֖ים
twenty
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
#7
וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֥ם
and their sockets
a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)
#8
עֶשְׂרִ֖ים
twenty
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
#9
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
of brass
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
#10
וָוֵ֧י
the hooks
a hook (the name of the sixth hebrew letter)
#11
הָֽעַמּוּדִ֛ים
of the pillars
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
#12
וַחֲשֻֽׁקֵיהֶ֖ם
and their fillets
attached, i.e., a fence-rail or rod connecting the posts or pillars
#13
כָּֽסֶף׃
of silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

Historical Context

The historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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