Exodus 38:11
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְלִפְאַ֤ת
side
H6285
וְלִפְאַ֤ת
side
Strong's:
H6285
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
צָפוֹן֙
And for the north
H6828
צָפוֹן֙
And for the north
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
מֵאָ֣ה
the hangings were an hundred
H3967
מֵאָ֣ה
the hangings were an hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
3 of 13
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
בָֽאַמָּ֔ה
cubits
H520
בָֽאַמָּ֔ה
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
4 of 13
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)
הָֽעַמּוּדִ֛ים
of the pillars
H5982
הָֽעַמּוּדִ֛ים
of the pillars
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
5 of 13
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֥ם
and their sockets
H134
וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֥ם
and their sockets
Strong's:
H134
Word #:
7 of 13
a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
of brass
H5178
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
of brass
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
9 of 13
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
הָֽעַמּוּדִ֛ים
of the pillars
H5982
הָֽעַמּוּדִ֛ים
of the pillars
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
11 of 13
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
Historical Context
The north side, facing toward Mount Sinai's general direction, matched the south side exactly—same length, same materials, same construction. This symmetry created visual impression of order and completeness, demonstrating that God's dwelling reflected His character: unchanging, consistent, perfectly balanced.
Questions for Reflection
- What does identical construction (north and south) teach about God's unchanging standards across all circumstances?
- How does architectural symmetry communicate theological truth about God's consistent character?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The north side (צְלַע צָפוֹן, tzela tzafon) identical to the south (hundred cubits, twenty pillars, bronze sockets, silver hooks/fillets) demonstrates that God's standards maintain consistency regardless of direction or circumstance. Holiness boundaries don't shift with orientation; righteousness requirements don't vary by context. This bilateral symmetry teaches that God's character remains unchanging—His holiness is stable, His standards are consistent, His requirements are universal. The gospel's demands and provisions apply equally in all situations.