Exodus 38:15
And for the other side of the court gate, on this hand and that hand, were hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.
Original Language Analysis
וְלַכָּתֵ֣ף
side
H3802
וְלַכָּתֵ֣ף
side
Strong's:
H3802
Word #:
1 of 14
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
הַשֵּׁנִ֗ית
And for the other
H8145
הַשֵּׁנִ֗ית
And for the other
Strong's:
H8145
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
מִזֶּ֤ה
H2088
וּמִזֶּה֙
H2088
הֶֽחָצֵ֔ר
of the court
H2691
הֶֽחָצֵ֔ר
of the court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
6 of 14
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
קְלָעִ֕ים
on this hand and that hand were hangings
H7050
קְלָעִ֕ים
on this hand and that hand were hangings
Strong's:
H7050
Word #:
7 of 14
a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself
עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה
H6240
עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
9 of 14
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
אַמָּ֑ה
cubits
H520
אַמָּ֑ה
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
10 of 14
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)
עַמֻּֽדֵיהֶ֣ם
their pillars
H5982
עַמֻּֽדֵיהֶ֣ם
their pillars
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
11 of 14
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
שְׁלֹשָֽׁה׃
three
H7969
שְׁלֹשָֽׁה׃
three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
12 of 14
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
Historical Context
The symmetrical entrance sides (fifteen cubits each) created thirty cubits of entrance pillars flanking the twenty-cubit gate, totaling the fifty-cubit east side. This balance created visual invitation—the entrance appeared welcoming and accessible while maintaining boundaries. The white linen on both sides guided worshipers to the central gate.
Questions for Reflection
- What does symmetrical entrance sides teach about God showing no partiality in access to His presence?
- How does balanced invitation (welcoming entrance) with maintained boundaries (defined access) illustrate gospel availability and exclusivity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The matching 'other side' (כָתֵף הַשֵּׁנִית, kathef ha-shenit) with identical dimensions (fifteen cubits, three pillars, three sockets) establishes symmetrical entrance, preventing any impression of favoritism or arbitrary access. Both sides equal demonstrates that God shows no partiality (Acts 10:34)—entrance available equally to all who approach according to His design. The balance teaches that divine invitation extends universally while maintaining particular requirements. Neither side gains advantage; both must enter through the designated gate.