Exodus 38:14

Authorized King James Version

The hangings of the one side of the gate were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
קְלָעִ֛ים
The hangings
a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself
#2
חֲמֵשׁ
of the gate were fifteen
five
#3
עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#4
אַמָּ֖ה
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
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
הַכָּתֵ֑ף
of the one side
the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi
#7
עַמּֽוּדֵיהֶ֣ם
their pillars
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
#8
שְׁלֹשָֽׁה׃
three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#9
וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֖ם
and their sockets
a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)
#10
שְׁלֹשָֽׁה׃
three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

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

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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