Exodus 38:17

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And the sockets for the pillars [were of] brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets [of] silver; and the overlaying of their chapiters [of] silver; and all the pillars of the court [were] filleted with silver.

Complete Jewish Bible:

the sockets for the posts were of bronze; the hooks on the posts and their rings were of silver; the capitals of the posts were overlaid with silver; and all the posts of the courtyard were banded with silver.

Berean Standard Bible:

The bases for the posts were bronze, the hooks and bands were silver, and the plating for the tops of the posts was silver. So all the posts of the courtyard were banded with silver.

American Standard Version:

And the sockets for the pillars were of brass; the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver; and the overlaying of their capitals, of silver; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And the sockets{H134} for the pillars{H5982} were of brass{H5178}; the hooks{H2053} of the pillars{H5982} and their fillets{H2838} of silver{H3701}; and the overlaying{H6826} of their chapiters{H7218} of silver{H3701}; and all the pillars{H5982} of the court{H2691} were filleted{H2836} with silver{H3701}.

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Commentary for Exodus 38:17

1. Themes:
- **Divine Precision and Craftsmanship**: The detailed description of the materials and construction of the tabernacle's components reflects God's instructions being followed meticulously, emphasizing the sanctity and excellence required in the worship space.
- **Material Symbolism**: The use of brass, silver, and gold in the tabernacle construction often symbolizes strength, redemption, and divinity, respectively. Brass sockets would provide stability, while silver and gold overlays signify purity and holiness.
- **Cultic Purity and Order**: The specificity of the materials for each part of the pillars indicates the importance of maintaining ritual purity and order within the sacred space.

2. Historical Context:
- **Exodus from Egypt**: The Israelites, having been freed from slavery in Egypt, are in the process of constructing the Tabernacle as directed by God through Moses. This portable sanctuary would serve as the center of worship for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings.
- **The Tabernacle's Construction**: Exodus 38:17 is part of the narrative detailing the construction of the Tabernacle, which includes precise instructions for its materials and assembly. This verse specifically refers to the court's pillars, which were part of the Tabernacle's outer structure, supporting curtains that enclosed the sacred area.
- **Cultural and Religious Practices**: The use of precious metals in religious artifacts was common in the ancient Near East. The silver and brass used in the construction would have been among the valuable materials that the Israelites brought with them out of Egypt, reflecting both their wealth and their dedication to the worship of God.

In summary, Exodus 38:17 reflects the themes of divine instruction, material symbolism, and cultic purity within the historical context of the Israelites' post-Exodus tabernacle construction, showcasing their commitment to creating a sanctified space for worship according to God's commands.

*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: H134
    There are 124 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אֶדֶן
    Transliteration: ʼeden
    Pronunciation: eh'-den
    Description: from the same as אָדוֹן (in the sense of strength); a basis (of a building, a column, etc.); foundation, socket.
  2. Strong's Number: H5982
    There are 84 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: עַמּוּד
    Transliteration: ʻammûwd
    Pronunciation: am-mood'
    Description: or עַמֻּד; from עָמַד; a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e. platform; [idiom] apiece, pillar.
  3. Strong's Number: H5178
    There are 119 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: נְחֹשֶׁת
    Transliteration: nᵉchôsheth
    Pronunciation: nekh-o'-sheth
    Description: for נְחוּשָׁה; copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e. coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver); brasen, brass, chain, copper, fetter (of brass), filthiness, steel.
  4. Strong's Number: H2053
    There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: וָו
    Transliteration: vâv
    Pronunciation: vaw
    Description: probably; a hook (the name of the sixth Hebrew letter); hook.
  5. Strong's Number: H2838
    There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: חָשֻׁק
    Transliteration: châshuq
    Pronunciation: khaw-shook'
    Description: or חָשׁוּק; past participle of חָשַׁק; attached, i.e. a fence-rail or rod connecting the posts or pillars; fillet.
  6. Strong's Number: H3701
    There are 343 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: כֶּסֶף
    Transliteration: keçeph
    Pronunciation: keh'-sef
    Description: from כָּסַף; silver (from its pale color); by implication, money; money, price, silver(-ling).
  7. Strong's Number: H6826
    There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: צִפּוּי
    Transliteration: tsippûwy
    Pronunciation: tsip-poo'-ee
    Description: from צָפָה; encasement (with metal); covering, overlaying.
  8. Strong's Number: H7218
    There are 548 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: רֹאשׁ
    Transliteration: rôʼsh
    Pronunciation: roshe
    Description: from an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.); band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top.
  9. Strong's Number: H2691
    There are 163 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: חָצֵר
    Transliteration: châtsêr
    Pronunciation: khaw-tsare'
    Description: (masculine and feminine); from חָצַר in its original sense; a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls); court, tower, village.
  10. Strong's Number: H2836
    There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: חָשַׁק
    Transliteration: châshaq
    Pronunciation: khaw-shak'
    Description: a primitive root; also interchangeable for חָשַׂךְ; to cling, i.e. join, (figuratively) to love, delight in; elliptically; to deliver; have a delight, (have a) desire, fillet, long, set (in) love.