What number verse is Exodus 38:24 in the Bible?

Exodus 38:24 is the 2,658th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Exodus 38:24 sits at position 2,658.

38:2338:23

Exodus 38:24

Q: What is the significance of the "shekel of the sanctuary" mentioned in this verse?

The "shekel of the sanctuary" (שֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ, sheqel haqqodesh) refers to a standardized, fixed weight used exclusively for religious purposes, distinct from common commercial weights that could vary. Its mention in Exodus 38:24 and other passages (e.g., Exodus 30:13) highlights the importance of accuracy, fairness, and integrity in all offerings and transactions related to the Tabernacle. This sacred standard ensured that every contribution was measured precisely according to God's divine requirements, preventing any deviation or fraud. It underscores the principle that God demands absolute honesty, transparency, and precision in all matters pertaining to His worship and the handling of consecrated items, reflecting His own character of order and righteousness.

38:2538:25

Translation

King James Version

All the gold that was occupied for the work in all the work of the holy place, even the gold of the offering, was twenty and nine talents, and seven hundred and thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary.

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KJV (with Strong's)

All the gold ^H2091 that was occupied ^H6213 for the work ^H4399 in all the work ^H4399 of the holy ^H6944 place, even the gold ^H2091 of the offering ^H8573, was twenty ^H6242 and nine ^H8672 talents ^H3603, and seven ^H7651 hundred ^H3967 and thirty ^H7970 shekels ^H8255, after the shekel ^H8255 of the sanctuary ^H6944.

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Complete Jewish Bible

All the gold used for the work in everything needed for the sanctuary, the gold of the offering, weighed 29 talents 730 shekels [1,930 pounds], using the sanctuary shekel.

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Berean Standard Bible

All the gold from the wave offering used for the work on the sanctuary totaled 29 talents and 730 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel.

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American Standard Version

All the gold that was used for the work in all the work of the sanctuary, even the gold of the offering, was twenty and nine talents, and seven hundred and thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary.

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World English Bible Messianic

All the gold that was used for the work in all the work of the sanctuary, even the gold of the offering, was twenty-nine talents, and seven hundred thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

All ye gold that was occupied in all ye worke wrought for the holy place (which was the gold of the offring) was nine and twentie talents, and seuen hundreth and thirtie shekels, according to the shekel of the Sanctuarie.

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Young's Literal Translation

All the gold which is prepared for the work in all the work of the sanctuary (and it is the gold of the wave-offering) is twenty and nine talents, and seven hundred and thirty shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Exodus 38:24 provides a precise accounting of the gold consecrated by the Israelite community for the construction of the Tabernacle, detailing the exact quantity—twenty-nine talents and seven hundred thirty shekels—used for the sacred work. This verse is a crucial part of the final inventory, underscoring the extraordinary generosity of the people, the meticulous stewardship of the leaders, and the divine precision required in building God's dwelling place in the wilderness.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is situated within the concluding section of the Book of Exodus (chapters 35-40), which meticulously chronicles the actual construction and erection of the Tabernacle. Following the detailed divine blueprint revealed on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25-31) and the subsequent call for freewill offerings from the people (Exodus 35:4-9), the narrative systematically records the materials collected and their specific application to various components of the holy place. Chapters 36-38 provide a granular account of the skilled craftsmanship performed by Bezalel, Oholiab, and their assistants. Exodus 38:21-31 serves as a comprehensive summary of the total materials used for the Tabernacle, emphasizing the meticulous accountability and the faithful fulfillment of God's commands down to the last shekel, culminating in the glory of God filling the completed sanctuary in Exodus 40.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Israelites, recently delivered from bondage in Egypt, were a nascent nation journeying through the wilderness. Their liberation included the acquisition of significant wealth from the Egyptians (as described in Exodus 12:35-36), which subsequently became the primary source for their contributions to the Tabernacle. In the ancient Near East, the construction of temples for deities was a common practice, typically involving immense resources and skilled labor. However, the Israelite Tabernacle was unique in its divine origin, its portability, and its purpose as a dwelling place for the one true God among His people. The detailed inventory, particularly the use of the "shekel of the sanctuary," highlights a commitment to sacred standards of measurement and accountability, distinguishing it from potentially variable commercial weights. This emphasis on precision and transparency was vital for a community learning to live under God's covenant, fostering trust and integrity in their collective worship and stewardship.
Key Themes: Exodus 38:24 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus and beyond. It highlights the theme of Divine Presence, as the Tabernacle was God's chosen dwelling place among His people, a tangible sign of His covenant faithfulness. It underscores Generous Giving and Freewill Offering, demonstrating the people's willing and abundant response to God's call for materials. The meticulous accounting emphasizes Divine Order and Accountability, showcasing God's demand for precision and integrity in matters pertaining to His worship and the handling of sacred resources. Furthermore, it speaks to Human Skill and Divine Empowerment, as the vast amount of material required skilled craftsmen, empowered by God's Spirit, to transform it into a sacred structure (as seen in Exodus 31:1-6).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Gold (Hebrew, zâhâb', H2091): From an unused root meaning "to shimmer," this term refers to the precious metal, often figuratively denoting something gold-colored. In the context of the Tabernacle, gold symbolizes purity, divinity, and glory. Its abundant use, especially in the most sacred components, underscores the immense value and reverence due to God's presence and the holiness of His dwelling.
Occupied (Hebrew, ʻâsâh', H6213): While translated as "occupied" or "used," this Hebrew verb is a broad term meaning "to do," "to make," "to perform," or "to accomplish." Here, it emphasizes the active engagement and diligent labor involved in transforming the raw gold into the intricate objects and structures of the Tabernacle. It speaks not merely of passive consumption but of purposeful, skilled craftsmanship dedicated to God's work, highlighting the diligent execution of the divine blueprint.
Talents (Hebrew, kikkâr', H3603): This term refers to a substantial unit of weight in the ancient Near East, typically equivalent to around 75 pounds (approximately 34 kilograms). The word literally means "a circle" or "a round thing," perhaps alluding to the shape of ingots or weights. The mention of 29 talents signifies an enormous quantity of gold, far exceeding what would be easily carried, underscoring the collective wealth and extraordinary generosity of the entire Israelite community in contributing to the Tabernacle's construction.

Verse Breakdown

"All the gold that was occupied for the work in all the work of the holy [place]": This opening phrase underscores the totality of the gold contribution and its exclusive dedication to the sacred purpose of the Tabernacle. The repetition of "work" (מְלָאכָה, melaʾḵāh) highlights the extensive labor and craftsmanship involved in transforming the raw material into the intricate components of God's dwelling. "Holy [place]" (הַקֹּדֶשׁ, haqqodesh) specifies that this gold was used for the most sacred elements, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the Mercy Seat, the lampstand, and the altars, all within the consecrated space of the Tabernacle.
"even the gold of the offering": This clause clarifies the source of the gold: it was not acquired through taxation or forced labor, but came from the voluntary "offering" (תְּרוּמָה, tᵉnûwphâh or tᵉrûmâ) or "contribution" of the Israelite people. This underscores the freewill nature of their giving, a response of devotion and obedience to God's call for materials for His sanctuary, as detailed in Exodus 35:5.
"was twenty and nine talents, and seven hundred and thirty shekels": This provides the precise quantitative measurement of the gold. Given that a talent was approximately 75 pounds (34 kg) and a shekel approximately 0.4 ounces (11 grams), this amounted to roughly 2,175 pounds (987 kg) of gold from the talents, plus an additional 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg) from the shekels, totaling over a metric ton of gold. This staggering figure demonstrates the immense wealth and extraordinary generosity of the Israelites, reflecting their deep commitment to God's dwelling.
"after the shekel of the sanctuary": This final phrase serves as a crucial qualifier for the measurement. It indicates that the gold was weighed according to a specific, sacred standard, ensuring accuracy and integrity. This "shekel of the sanctuary" was a fixed, reliable weight, preventing any deviation or fraud in the handling of materials dedicated to God. It reinforces the principle of divine order and the necessity of absolute honesty and precision in all matters pertaining to His worship and the handling of consecrated items.

Literary Devices

The verse prominently employs Precision and Enumeration, providing exact figures for the gold contributed. This meticulous detailing serves to emphasize the thoroughness of the inventory and the accountability of those managing the sacred resources. It reflects God's own orderly nature and His demand for exactness in the execution of His commands. Furthermore, the use of Symbolism is evident, as gold, a precious, incorruptible, and radiant metal, is consistently associated with divine glory, purity, and holiness throughout the Tabernacle's design. Its abundance in the holiest parts of the sanctuary underscores the immense value and reverence due to God's presence. The Repetition of "work" (e.g., "occupied for the work in all the work") subtly highlights the extensive labor and dedication involved in the construction, reinforcing the theme of diligent service to God.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Exodus 38:24 powerfully illustrates several profound theological principles. It highlights the divine call for a dwelling place, the human response of generous and freewill giving, and the absolute necessity of integrity and meticulous accountability in sacred service. The vast quantity of gold, freely given, demonstrates the Israelites' devotion and willingness to sacrifice their most valuable possessions for God's glory, reflecting the principle that true worship involves costly dedication. This detailed inventory also underscores God's demand for order and transparency in handling resources dedicated to Him, setting a precedent for stewardship within the community of faith. Ultimately, the gold served to create a tangible representation of God's holy presence among His people, a place where atonement could be made and communion fostered.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

This verse, though seemingly a dry accounting, holds profound lessons for believers today. It challenges us to examine the depth of our own commitment and generosity towards God's work. Just as the Israelites willingly contributed their most valuable possessions for the Tabernacle, we are called to offer our resources—financial, time, talents—with a cheerful and sacrificial heart for the advancement of God's kingdom and the flourishing of His church. Moreover, the meticulous record-keeping serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all matters of stewardship, particularly within religious organizations. We are entrusted with God's resources, and we are called to manage them with utmost care and honesty, reflecting His own character of order and righteousness. Finally, the immense value placed on God's dwelling place should inspire us to approach worship and service with reverence and excellence, recognizing the profound privilege of participating in His divine purposes.

Questions for Reflection

What does the Israelites' immense generosity in contributing gold for the Tabernacle reveal about their spiritual state and priorities at that time?
How does the emphasis on precise measurement ("shekel of the sanctuary") inform our understanding of integrity and accountability in handling resources within the church today?
In what ways can I, like the Israelites, offer my "gold"—my most valuable possessions, time, or talents—as a freewill offering for God's work?
How does the sacredness of the Tabernacle, reflected in the use of gold, challenge me to approach my own worship and service to God with greater reverence and excellence?

FAQ

Why was such a large quantity of gold needed for the Tabernacle, and where did the Israelites get it?

Answer: The Tabernacle was designed by God to be a magnificent and holy dwelling place, reflecting His glory and majesty. Gold, being a precious and incorruptible metal, symbolized purity, divinity, and enduring value, making it fitting for the most sacred components like the Ark of the Covenant, the Mercy Seat, the lampstand, and the altars. The sheer quantity (over a metric ton) underscored the immense value God placed on His presence among His people and the excellence required in His service. The Israelites acquired much of this wealth from the Egyptians during the Exodus, as God instructed them to ask for articles of silver and gold (see Exodus 12:35-36). This act of divine provision ensured that the people had the means to contribute generously to the Tabernacle's construction, demonstrating God's ability to provide for His own work.

What is the significance of the "shekel of the sanctuary" mentioned in this verse?

Answer: The "shekel of the sanctuary" (שֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ, sheqel haqqodesh) refers to a standardized, fixed weight used exclusively for religious purposes, distinct from common commercial weights that could vary. Its mention in Exodus 38:24 and other passages (e.g., Exodus 30:13) highlights the importance of accuracy, fairness, and integrity in all offerings and transactions related to the Tabernacle. This sacred standard ensured that every contribution was measured precisely according to God's divine requirements, preventing any deviation or fraud. It underscores the principle that God demands absolute honesty, transparency, and precision in all matters pertaining to His worship and the handling of consecrated items, reflecting His own character of order and righteousness.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The meticulous accounting of gold for the Tabernacle, a physical dwelling for God among His people, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, with its costly materials and precise construction, was a shadow of a greater reality—God's desire to dwell with humanity. In Christ, God's presence is no longer confined to a tent of gold and fabrics, but becomes incarnate in the person of the Lamb of God, who is "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). Just as the gold was a costly offering for the Tabernacle, Christ's life and sacrificial death on the cross represent the ultimate, immeasurable "gold" of God's love, a perfect and complete offering that far surpasses any earthly treasure (see 1 Peter 1:18-19). He is the true and perfect sanctuary, the place where God's glory dwells in its fullness (John 1:14), and through His finished work, believers are made into a spiritual temple, a dwelling place for God's Spirit (Ephesians 2:21-22). The precision and holiness demanded for the Tabernacle's construction are perfectly met in Christ, who flawlessly fulfilled all righteousness and established a new covenant, making it possible for us to approach God with confidence through His perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-14).

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Commentary on Exodus 38 verses 21–31

21 ¶ This is the sum of the tabernacle, even of the tabernacle of testimony, as it was counted, according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son to Aaron the priest.

22 And Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses.

23 And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen.

24 All the gold that was occupied for the work in all the work of the holy place, even the gold of the offering, was twenty and nine talents, and seven hundred and thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary.

25 And the silver of them that were numbered of the congregation was an hundred talents, and a thousand seven hundred and threescore and fifteen shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

26 A bekah for every man, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty men.

27 And of the hundred talents of silver were cast the sockets of the sanctuary, and the sockets of the vail; an hundred sockets of the hundred talents, a talent for a socket.

28 And of the thousand seven hundred seventy and five shekels he made hooks for the pillars, and overlaid their chapiters, and filleted them.

29 And the brass of the offering was seventy talents, and two thousand and four hundred shekels.

30 And therewith he made the sockets to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the brasen altar, and the brasen grate for it, and all the vessels of the altar,

31 And the sockets of the court round about, and the sockets of the court gate, and all the pins of the tabernacle, and all the pins of the court round about.

Here we have a breviat of the account which, by Moses's appointment, the Levites took and kept of the gold, silver, and brass, that was brought in for the tabernacle's use, and how it was employed. Ithamar the son of Aaron was appointed to draw up this account, and was thus by less services trained up and fitted for greater, Exo 38:21. Bezaleel and Aholiab must bring in the account (Exo 38:22, Exo 38:23), and Ithamar must audit it, and give it in to Moses. And it was thus: - 1. All the gold was a free-will offering; every man brought as he could and would, and it amounted to twenty-nine talents, and 730 shekels over, which some compute to be about 150,000l. worth of gold, according to the present value of it. Of this were made all the golden furniture and vessels. 2. The silver was levied by way of tax; every man was assessed half a shekel, a kind of poll-money, which amounted in the whole to 100 talents, and 1775 shekels over, Exo 38:25, Exo 38:26. Of this they made the sockets into which the boards of the tabernacle were let, and on which they rested; so that they were as the foundation of the tabernacle, Exo 38:27. The silver amounted to about 34,000l. of our money. The raising of the gold by voluntary contribution, and of the silver by way of tribute, shows that either way may be taken for the defraying of public expenses, provided that nothing be done with partiality. 3. The brass, though less valuable, was of use not only for the brazen altar, but for the sockets of the court, which probably in other tents were of wood: but it is promised (Isa 60:17), For wood I will bring brass. See how liberal the people were and how faithful the workmen were, in both which respects their good example ought to be followed.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 21–31. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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Cross-References

Numbers 18:16
And those that are to be redeemed from a month old shalt thou redeem, according to thine estimation, for the money of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs.
Leviticus 27:25
And all thy estimations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs shall be the shekel.
Numbers 3:47
Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:)
Exodus 35:22
And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the LORD.
Exodus 30:13
This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel is twenty gerahs:) an half shekel shall be the offering of the LORD.
Exodus 30:14
Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering unto the LORD.
Leviticus 27:3
And thy estimation shall be of the male from twenty years old even unto sixty years old, even thy estimation shall be fifty shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary.