Exodus 31:8

KJV

And the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the table {H7979} and his furniture {H3627}, and the pure {H2889} candlestick {H4501} with all his furniture {H3627}, and the altar {H4196} of incense {H7004},

Complete Jewish Bible

the table and its utensils, the pure menorah and all its utensils, the incense altar,

Berean Standard Bible

the table with its utensils, the pure gold lampstand with all its utensils, the altar of incense,

American Standard Version

and the table and its vessels, and the pure candlestick with all its vessels, and the altar of incense,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 31:8 provides a concise yet profound enumeration of key furnishings within the Tabernacle's Holy Place: the Table of Showbread and its accessories, the pure Lampstand with all its implements, and the Altar of Incense. This verse is integral to God's meticulous instructions for the construction of His dwelling place, underscoring the divine blueprint for worship and the sacred nature of each element, all designed to facilitate the Israelites' communion with their holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 31:8 is situated within a pivotal section (Exodus 31:1-11) where God transitions from detailing the "what" of the Tabernacle's construction (chapters [Exodus 25-30](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-30 - Instructions for the Tabernacle and Priesthood")) to the "who" and "how." Here, the Lord specifically names Bezalel and Aholiab, empowering them with divine wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skill for the intricate work. This divine enablement highlights that the Tabernacle was not merely a human endeavor but a divinely inspired project requiring supernatural gifting. Verse 8, along with verses 7 and 9, serves as a concise recapitulation of the major components of the Tabernacle—the Tent of Meeting, the Ark of the Testimony, the mercy seat, and all its furnishings—emphasizing the comprehensive scope of God's instructions and the necessity of precise craftsmanship for every sacred item. This summary reinforces the divine origin and importance of each element in God's sanctuary.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle was a groundbreaking event for the newly liberated Israelite nation, establishing a portable sanctuary in the wilderness. In the ancient Near East, temples were common, but Israel's Tabernacle was unique in its mobility and its representation of a God who chose to "dwell" (from the Hebrew root _shakan_, giving rise to the term Shekinah glory) intimately among His people. Unlike pagan deities confined to stationary temples, Yahweh accompanied His people on their journey. The meticulous detail in God's instructions, including specific furnishings like those in [Exodus 31:8](/exodus/31-8 "Exodus 31:8 - Tabernacle Furnishings"), underscored His absolute holiness, His desire for ordered worship, and the proper protocol for approaching Him. Each item was not merely functional but deeply symbolic, teaching the Israelites profound truths about God's character, His provision, His illuminating presence, and the nature of acceptable worship. This divine blueprint ensured the Tabernacle was a unique sacred space, distinct from any human-conceived sanctuary, reflecting the transcendent yet immanent nature of the God of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, by listing the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Presence and Immanence**, as God designs a dwelling place to reside among His people, fulfilling His promise to be their God ([Exodus 29:45-46](/exodus/29-45-46 "Exodus 29:45-46 - God's Presence Among Israel")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasized by the "pure" Lampstand and the meticulous instructions for all items, reflecting God's own holy character and the purity required to approach Him ([Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). Thirdly, the verse points to **Divine Provision and Sustenance**, symbolized by the Table of Showbread, reminding Israel of their dependence on God for both physical and spiritual nourishment. Lastly, the Altar of Incense underscores the theme of **Worship and Intercession**, illustrating the importance of prayer and communication with God as a pleasing aroma ([Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense")). These themes are foundational to understanding Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Furniture (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy'_):** From H3627, this word means "something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)." In the context of the Tabernacle, it refers to all the necessary accessories, tools, and accompanying items required for the proper use and maintenance of the larger pieces of furniture. For the Table of Showbread, this included dishes, spoons, bowls, and covers ([Exodus 25:29](/exodus/25-29 "Exodus 25:29 - Utensils for the Table of Showbread")), while for the Lampstand, it referred to snuffers and trays ([Exodus 25:38](/exodus/25-38 "Exodus 25:38 - Tools for the Menorah")). Its repeated use emphasizes the completeness of God's divine provision for every detail of the Tabernacle service, ensuring nothing was left to human discretion.
* **Pure (Hebrew, _ṭâhôwr'_):** From H2889, this word signifies "pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense); clean, fair, pure(-ness)." When applied to the "candlestick" (Lampstand), it highlights its construction from "pure gold" ([Exodus 25:31](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25:31 - Construction of the Menorah")) and its unblemished perfection. This purity was essential not only in material but also in symbolism, reflecting the absolute holiness of God Himself and the unblemished truth and light that emanated from His presence. It underscored the absolute perfection required in all things pertaining to the worship of a holy God.
* **Candlestick (Hebrew, _mᵉnôwrâh'_):** From H4501, this word refers to "a chandelier; candlestick." While the KJV translates it as "candlestick," it was not designed for candles but for seven oil lamps. This golden Lampstand was a central feature in the Holy Place, providing the only light within the sanctuary. Its intricate design, with its branches and almond-blossom motifs, was divinely revealed and meticulously described, symbolizing life, light, and God's illuminating presence among His people.
* **Incense (Hebrew, _qᵉṭôreth'_):** From H7004, this word denotes "a fumigation; (sweet) incense, perfume." It refers to the specially formulated fragrant blend burned on the Altar of Incense. This act of burning incense symbolized the prayers of the saints ascending to God as a pleasing aroma, signifying the vital role of intercession and worship in the presence of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the table and his furniture":** This refers to the Table of Showbread (or Table of Presence Bread), positioned on the north side of the Holy Place. Upon it, twelve loaves of unleavened bread were continually displayed, representing the twelve tribes of Israel in perpetual communion with God and dependent on His faithful provision. The accompanying "furniture" encompassed the various dishes, spoons, bowls, and covers used in relation to the bread offerings, signifying the comprehensive nature of the service and the divine provision for every aspect of worship.
* **"and the pure candlestick with all his furniture":** This describes the Menorah, the golden Lampstand, situated on the south side of the Holy Place. Its construction from "pure" gold and its continuous burning lamps symbolized God's illuminating presence, the light of His truth, and divine guidance for His people. The associated "furniture" comprised the snuffers, trays, and oil vessels necessary for maintaining the lamps, highlighting the ongoing and meticulous care required for this symbol of divine light and revelation.
* **"and the altar of incense":** This altar, made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, stood directly before the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Upon it, fragrant incense was burned morning and evening, symbolizing the prayers of the saints ascending to God as a pleasing aroma. Its strategic placement and function emphasized the importance of intercession, worship, and the sweet fragrance of devotion continually rising in the presence of God.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 31:8 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning and structural emphasis. **Enumeration** is prominently featured in the precise listing of the table, lampstand, and altar, highlighting God's meticulous attention to detail and the comprehensive nature of His divine blueprint for the Tabernacle. This **precision** underscores the holiness and order inherent in God's character and His exacting requirements for worship. Each item also functions as powerful **symbolism**: the Table of Showbread representing divine provision and communion, the Lampstand embodying God's illuminating presence and truth, and the Altar of Incense signifying prayer and intercession. The recurring phrase "his furniture" for each item uses **synecdoche**, where a part (the accessories and implements) stands for the whole (the complete functional unit), emphasizing that every single component, no matter how small, was divinely ordained and essential for the Tabernacle's sacred purpose and service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 31:8, by listing these specific furnishings, profoundly underscores God's meticulousness in establishing the means by which His people could approach Him. It reveals a God who is not only transcendent but also immanently concerned with the details of worship, providing a tangible framework for fellowship and atonement. The purity of the materials and the specific functions of each item collectively teach Israel about God's absolute holiness, His desire for unblemished worship, and His commitment to dwelling among His people. These furnishings were not mere decorations but divinely appointed symbols, designed to instruct the Israelites about God's character, His provision, His illuminating presence, and the vital role of prayer in their relationship with Him. They served as tangible reminders of spiritual realities, pointing forward to a greater fulfillment in Christ.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "God Commands the Building of the Sanctuary")
* [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Prayer as Incense")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we no longer construct physical tabernacles or offer sacrifices in the same way, the spiritual principles embedded in Exodus 31:8 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. God's desire for intentional, pure, and Spirit-led worship endures. The Table of Showbread reminds us of God's continuous spiritual provision through Christ, urging us to rely on Him daily for sustenance and to cultivate deep communion with Him. The Menorah, the pure Lampstand, calls us to reflect God's illuminating truth in a dark world, reminding us that we are to be lights, shining forth the gospel through our lives and words. The Altar of Incense powerfully symbolizes the vital role of prayer in our spiritual walk, encouraging us to maintain a vibrant, consistent, and fervent prayer life, knowing that our petitions ascend as a pleasing aroma to God. This verse challenges us to consider the intentionality and purity of our own worship, both individually and corporately, recognizing that God still seeks those who worship Him in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do the symbols of the Tabernacle furnishings (provision, light, prayer) deepen your understanding of God's character and His desires for His people today?**
* **In what practical ways can you, as a believer, embody the "light" of Christ and offer the "incense" of prayer and worship in your daily life and interactions?**
* **What does the meticulous detail of God's instructions for the Tabernacle teach you about the importance of intentionality, reverence, and purity in your personal spiritual disciplines and corporate worship today?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific items listed together in Exodus 31:8?**

Answer: These three items—the Table of Showbread, the Menorah (Lampstand), and the Altar of Incense—are listed together because they constitute the primary furnishings of the Holy Place within the Tabernacle. They were central to the daily priestly ministry and represented core aspects of Israel's worship and God's interaction with His people. The Table symbolized God's provision and the covenant community's communion with Him. The Menorah represented God's illuminating presence and truth, providing the only light within the sacred space. The Altar of Incense symbolized the ascending prayers and intercession of the people, a constant fragrance before God. Together, they formed a cohesive unit of sacred space where the priests ministered before God, mediating between Him and the people. Their inclusion here emphasizes their foundational importance in the overall Tabernacle design, as detailed in [Exodus 25-30](/exodus/25-30 "Exodus 25-30 - Instructions for the Tabernacle and Priesthood").

**What does "his furniture" mean in the KJV translation of Exodus 31:8?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "his furniture" (and "all his furniture") is an archaic way of saying "its accessories," "its implements," or "its utensils." The Hebrew word (_keli_) is a general term for vessels, articles, or equipment. This phrase refers to all the accompanying smaller items necessary for the proper function and maintenance of the larger pieces of furniture. For example, the "furniture" for the Table of Showbread included dishes, spoons, bowls, and covers ([Exodus 25:29](/exodus/25-29 "Exodus 25:29 - Utensils for the Table of Showbread")), while the "furniture" for the Menorah included snuffers and trays ([Exodus 25:38](/exodus/25-38 "Exodus 25:38 - Tools for the Menorah")). The inclusion of "his furniture" emphasizes the completeness of God's instructions and that every detail, down to the smallest tool, was divinely ordained and essential for the sacred service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The furnishings listed in Exodus 31:8, while central to Old Covenant worship, find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Table of Showbread, symbolizing God's provision and communion, points directly to Jesus as the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), who offers Himself as the true spiritual sustenance for eternal life, inviting all to partake of Him. The pure Menorah, the lampstand providing light in the Holy Place, is magnificently fulfilled in Jesus, who declared, "I am the [light of the world](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"). Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." He is the embodiment of God's illuminating presence and truth, guiding humanity out of spiritual darkness. The Altar of Incense, with its ascending smoke symbolizing the prayers of the saints, powerfully foreshadows Christ's perfect intercessory work as our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who continually intercedes for us before the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). Furthermore, Christ's sacrifice on the cross is described as a [fragrant offering and sacrifice to God](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice, a Fragrant Offering"), the ultimate pleasing aroma that perfectly atones for sin. In essence, the Tabernacle and its furnishings were but a [shadow of the good things to come](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow"), with Christ being the very [substance](/colossians/2-17 "Colossians 2:17 - Shadows of Things to Come") and the true dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the reality to which all these Old Testament symbols pointed.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 37:10

¶ And he made the table [of] shittim wood: two cubits [was] the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof:

Exodus 37:28

And he made the staves [of] shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.

Exodus 30:1

¶ And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: [of] shittim wood shalt thou make it.

Exodus 30:10

And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it [is] most holy unto the LORD.

Exodus 25:23

¶ Thou shalt also make a table [of] shittim wood: two cubits [shall be] the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.

Exodus 25:40

And look that thou make [them] after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.