Exodus 37:12

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Also he made thereunto a border of an handbreadth round about; and made a crown of gold for the border thereof round about.

Complete Jewish Bible:

He made around it a rim a handbreadth wide and put a molding of gold around the rim.

Berean Standard Bible:

And he made a rim around it a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim.

American Standard Version:

And he made unto it a border of a handbreadth round about, and made a golden crown to the border thereof round about.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Also he made{H6213} thereunto a border{H4526} of an handbreadth{H2948} round about{H5439}; and made{H6213} a crown{H2213} of gold{H2091} for the border{H4526} thereof round about{H5439}.

Cross-References (KJV):


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Commentary for Exodus 37:12

**Exodus 37:12 Themes:**
- **Skillful Craftsmanship:** The verse highlights the detailed workmanship involved in creating the sacred objects for the Tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of beauty and excellence in divine worship.
- **Divine Directives:** This meticulous attention to detail reflects the precise instructions given by God to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as previously outlined in Exodus 25-31.
- **Holiness and Separation:** The border and crown of gold around the Ark of the Covenant (implied in the context) symbolize the sanctity and separation of the holy from the profane, a recurring theme in the construction of the Tabernacle.

**Historical Context:**
- **The Exodus Era:** Exodus 37:12 is set during the time of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, under the leadership of Moses. After receiving the Ten Commandments and other laws at Mount Sinai, God instructs Moses on the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary for the worship of Yahweh.
- **The Tabernacle's Purpose:** The Tabernacle served as a dwelling place for God's presence among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. It was the center of religious life and the place where God communicated with His people.
- **Bezalel's Role:** The craftsman Bezalel, filled with the Spirit of God and equipped with skill, ability, and knowledge, is tasked with making the Ark of the Covenant and other sanctuary furnishings. This verse is part of the detailed account of his work, showing that the Israelites followed God's instructions in every aspect of the Tabernacle's construction.
- **Cultic Worship:** The Ark, with its ornate border and crown of gold, was a central element in the Tabernacle's Holy of Holies. It held the tablets of the covenant and symbolized God's throne and presence, playing a crucial role in the rituals and worship of ancient Israel.

In summary, Exodus 37:12 reflects the themes of divine instruction, sacred craftsmanship, and the delineation of the holy, set against the backdrop of the Israelites' journey towards the Promised Land and the establishment of their religious practices and identity.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H6213
    There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: עָשָׂה
    Transliteration: ʻâsâh
    Pronunciation: aw-saw'
    Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use.
  2. Strong's Number: H4526
    There are 14 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מִסְגֶּרֶת
    Transliteration: miçgereth
    Pronunciation: mis-gheh'-reth
    Description: from סָגַר; something enclosing, i.e. a margin (of a region, of a panel); concretely, a stronghold; border, close place, hole.
  3. Strong's Number: H2948
    There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: טֹפַח
    Transliteration: ṭôphach
    Pronunciation: to'-fakh
    Description: from טָפַח (the same as טֵפַח); {a spread of the hand, i.e. a palm-breadth (not 'span' of the fingers); architecturally, a corbel (as a supporting palm)}; hand-breadth (broad).
  4. Strong's Number: H5439
    There are 282 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: סָבִיב
    Transliteration: çâbîyb
    Pronunciation: saw-beeb'
    Description: or (feminine) סְבִיבָה; from סָבַב; (as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around; (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side.
  5. Strong's Number: H2213
    There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: זֵר
    Transliteration: zêr
    Pronunciation: zare
    Description: from זָרַר (in the sense of scattering); a chaplet (as spread around the top), i.e. (specifically) a border moulding; crown.
  6. Strong's Number: H2091
    There are 336 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: זָהָב
    Transliteration: zâhâb
    Pronunciation: zaw-hawb'
    Description: from an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e. yellow), as oil, a clear sky; gold(-en), fair weather.

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