What number verse is Exodus 38:25 in the Bible?

Exodus 38:25 is the 2,659th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Exodus 38:25 sits at position 2,659.

38:2438:24 38:2638:26

Exodus 38:25

“Accounting of Materials”· Exodus 38:21–31Read in context

King James Version

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:

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KJV (with Strong's)

And the silver ^H3701 of them that were numbered ^H6485 of the congregation ^H5712 was an hundred ^H3967 talents ^H3603, and a thousand ^H505 seven ^H7651 hundred ^H3967 and threescore and fifteen ^{H7657 H2568} shekels ^H8255, after the shekel ^H8255 of the sanctuary ^H6944:

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Complete Jewish Bible

The silver given by the community weighed 100 talents 1,775 shekels [6,650 pounds], using the sanctuary shekel.

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Berean Standard Bible

The silver from those numbered among the congregation totaled 100 talents and 1,775 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel—

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American Standard Version

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

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World English Bible Messianic

The silver of those who were numbered of the congregation was one hundred talents, and one thousand seven hundred seventy-five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

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Geneva Bible (1599)

But the siluer of them that were numbred in the Congregation, was an hundreth talents, and a thousand seuen hundreth seuentie and fiue shekels, after the shekel of the Sanctuarie.

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Young's Literal Translation

And the silver of those numbered of the company is a hundred talents, and a thousand and seven hundred and five and seventy shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary;

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Translation

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Summary

Exodus 38:25 provides a meticulous accounting of the silver collected from the numbered members of the Israelite congregation, totaling one hundred talents and one thousand seven hundred and threescore and fifteen shekels, all precisely measured "after the shekel of the sanctuary." This detailed record underscores the immense collective contribution of the people towards the Tabernacle's construction, particularly for its foundational elements, thereby highlighting divine demands for accuracy, integrity, and unified communal participation in sacred service.

Context

Literary Context

Exodus 38:25 is strategically placed within the concluding section of the Tabernacle's construction narrative, specifically Exodus 38:21-31, which provides a detailed inventory and accounting of all materials utilized. This meticulous record-keeping follows the preceding chapters that meticulously describe the actual craftsmanship and assembly of the Tabernacle and its furnishings (Exodus 35-37). The precise enumeration of gold, silver, and bronze in this section emphasizes the faithful fulfillment of God's exact instructions given earlier in the book (Exodus 25-31). This particular verse, focusing on the silver, directly relates to the divine command in Exodus 30:11-16 for every numbered male twenty years and older to contribute a half-shekel of silver as an atonement offering for their souls. The accounting here serves as a powerful testament that the required offerings were indeed collected and meticulously recorded, demonstrating both human obedience and divine oversight throughout the entire sacred project.

Historical & Cultural Context

The setting for this verse is the Israelite wilderness journey, a pivotal period of formative national identity and the establishment of their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. The Tabernacle stood as the central pillar of their nomadic worship, serving as the portable dwelling place for God's tangible presence among His people. While censuses were common in the ancient Near East, often for military conscription or taxation, Israel's census here, inextricably linked to the half-shekel offering, carried a profound and unique theological significance: it was an act of atonement, a ransom for their lives, ensuring that all contributed equally to a communal act of worship and reconciliation. The "shekel of the sanctuary" was a standardized weight, critically important in an era where varying weights and measures could easily lead to fraud. This sacred standard, likely maintained by the priests, ensured absolute integrity and fairness in all sacred transactions, reflecting God's unwavering demand for honesty not only in worship but also in commercial dealings, thereby establishing a foundational precedent for ethical conduct within the burgeoning community. The vast quantity of silver mentioned also speaks to the economic capacity of the Israelites, even in the harsh wilderness, likely drawing from the considerable wealth they had taken from Egypt (Exodus 12:35-36).

Key Themes

Exodus 38:25 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Divine Prescription and Human Obedience, demonstrating Israel's faithful adherence to God's detailed commands for the Tabernacle's construction, particularly the census and atonement offering (Exodus 30:11-16). Secondly, it underscores Communal Participation and Corporate Responsibility, emphasizing that the Tabernacle was a collective endeavor, with every individual contributing to the sacred space where God would dwell among them. This fosters a sense of unity and shared ownership in their covenant relationship. Thirdly, the use of silver from the atonement offering points to the theme of Redemption and Atonement, establishing the Tabernacle's foundation on the very act of ransom for their souls, a concept deeply woven into the fabric of Israelite worship and law (Leviticus 17:11). Finally, the "shekel of the sanctuary" reinforces the theme of Divine Standards and Integrity, showcasing God's demand for precision, honesty, and ethical conduct in all matters, especially those pertaining to sacred worship and resources.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

Silver keçeph' H3701

Derived from a root meaning "to be pale," this term refers to the precious metal itself and, by implication, to money. In Exodus 38:25, it denotes the specific material collected from the Israelites for the Tabernacle's construction, particularly for its foundational sockets. Its pale, lustrous quality and inherent value made it a fitting medium for sacred contributions, often associated with redemption and purification in biblical thought.

Talent kikkār' H3603

Originally meaning "a circle" or "a round loaf," this word evolved to denote a large unit of weight, specifically a "talent." In ancient Israel, a talent of silver was an immense quantity, typically estimated at around 75 pounds (approximately 34 kilograms). The mention of "one hundred talents" here underscores the colossal scale of the collective contribution and the substantial wealth involved in the Tabernacle project, reflecting both divine provision and communal generosity.

Shekel sheqel' H8255

This term refers to a smaller, more common unit of weight, approximately 0.4 ounces (around 11.5 grams). The repeated phrase "shekel of the sanctuary" emphasizes a divinely ordained, standardized weight maintained by the Tabernacle authorities. This standard was crucial for ensuring precision, honesty, and consistency in all sacred offerings and measurements, preventing fraud and highlighting God's demand for integrity in worship and financial dealings within the community.

Verse Breakdown

"And the silver of them that were numbered of the congregation"

This opening clause precisely identifies both the material and its source. The "silver" (Hebrew: keçeph) refers to the precious metal itself, while "them that were numbered" (from Hebrew: pâqad, "to muster, count") refers to the census taken of all Israelite males aged twenty years and older. This census was not merely for demographic purposes but was specifically linked to the half-shekel atonement offering (Exodus 30:11-16). The "congregation" (Hebrew: ʻêdâh, "a stated assemblage") signifies the entire community of Israel, emphasizing the collective and obligatory nature of this contribution from every eligible individual, ensuring universal participation in the sacred project.

"[was] an hundred talents, and a thousand seven hundred and threescore and fifteen shekels"

This segment provides the exact, meticulously recorded total quantity of silver collected. The precision of these figures—one hundred talents (a massive amount, approximately 7,500 pounds or 3,400 kg) and an additional 1,775 shekels—underscores the divine emphasis on accountability, exactness, and transparency in handling sacred resources. It also serves as a powerful testament to the Israelites' faithful obedience in providing the required offerings, reflecting their commitment to God's commands.

"after the shekel of the sanctuary"

This concluding phrase specifies the authoritative standard of measurement used for all the silver. The "shekel of the sanctuary" (Hebrew: qôdesh, "sacred, holy place") indicates that the silver was weighed according to the official, divinely sanctioned and unchangeable standard maintained at the Tabernacle. This standard was crucial for ensuring absolute accuracy, integrity, and fairness in all transactions related to sacred offerings, preventing any deviation from God's prescribed requirements and upholding the sanctity of the Tabernacle's construction.

Literary Devices

The meticulous detail presented in Exodus 38:25, particularly the exact enumeration of weights and measures, prominently features Precision and Numerology. This precise accounting is far more than mere record-keeping; it underscores the divine demand for exactness, order, and integrity in all matters pertaining to the Tabernacle and sacred service. The sheer volume of silver mentioned also implies Emphasis, highlighting the extraordinary generosity and collective effort of the Israelites, demonstrating their full commitment to the divine instructions. Furthermore, the silver itself carries profound Symbolism, representing purification, redemption, and the collective atonement of the people, as it was the specific currency mandated for the "ransom for their souls" (Exodus 30:12). The consistent mention of "shekel of the sanctuary" also functions as a form of Repetition, powerfully reinforcing the overarching theme of divine standards, unswerving integrity, and the sanctity of the Tabernacle's construction.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Exodus 38:25 powerfully illustrates several profound theological themes central to Israel's covenant relationship with God. It demonstrates God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering demand for integrity, accountability, and order in the handling of sacred resources. The collective contribution of silver, rooted in the atonement offering, underscores the foundational principle that every individual, regardless of their social standing or material wealth, has an equal and indispensable part in supporting the dwelling place of God and in their own redemption. This communal effort formed the very physical and symbolic foundation of the Tabernacle, signifying that God's presence rested upon the people's redeemed lives and obedient offerings. This act of giving was not merely transactional but a profound expression of covenant faithfulness, a tangible manifestation of their corporate identity as God's chosen people, and a testament to their unified commitment to His divine purposes.

Exodus 30:11-16 Exodus 38:27 2 Corinthians 9:7

Reflection and Application

The precise accounting of silver in Exodus 38:25 serves as a timeless and profound reminder of God's unwavering expectation for integrity, transparency, and meticulous stewardship in all matters, especially those concerning His sacred work and resources. Just as every numbered Israelite male contributed equally to the Tabernacle's foundational structure, so too are believers today called to participate actively, equitably, and with intentionality in building the spiritual house of God—the Church. This verse challenges us to deeply consider our own stewardship—not only of financial resources but also of our precious time, unique talents, and spiritual gifts—with the same meticulous care, obedience, and communal spirit demonstrated by the Israelites. It powerfully reminds us that even seemingly small, individual contributions, when offered collectively, cheerfully, and with unwavering integrity, can form the robust and enduring foundation for God's dwelling and His transformative work in the world, fostering a deep sense of communal ownership, shared purpose, and profound unity within the body of Christ.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous accounting in Exodus 38:25 challenge our contemporary approach to stewardship and financial integrity in ministry and personal giving today?
Considering that every numbered man contributed equally, what profound lessons does this teach us about collective responsibility, shared sacrifice, and unified participation in building God's kingdom in our current context?
In what practical and spiritual ways can our seemingly "small" individual contributions—whether time, talent, or treasure—collectively form the vital "foundations" of God's ongoing work in our local communities and globally?

FAQ

Why was silver specifically used for the Tabernacle's foundations?

The silver collected from the half-shekel atonement offering was primarily used for casting the sockets (bases) for the boards of the Tabernacle and for the pillars of the veil, as meticulously detailed in Exodus 38:27. This choice was profoundly symbolic and theologically significant. Silver, a metal often associated with redemption, purification, and ransom in biblical contexts, was explicitly derived from the "ransom for their souls" (Exodus 30:12). Therefore, the very physical foundation of God's dwelling among His people was literally built upon the collective atonement and redemption of the congregation. This powerfully signified that God's holy presence was established and sustained on the basis of His people's reconciled and redeemed status, making their restored relationship with Him the bedrock of their communal worship and ongoing covenant.

What is the significance of "the shekel of the sanctuary"?

The "shekel of the sanctuary" refers to a divinely mandated, standardized, and official unit of weight used exclusively for sacred purposes within the Tabernacle system. In ancient times, weights and measures could vary significantly, creating opportunities for fraud and dishonesty in commercial transactions. By specifying "the shekel of the sanctuary," God unequivocally mandated a fixed, unchangeable, and universally applied standard for all contributions and measurements related to the Tabernacle. This prevented any manipulation, deceit, or deviation from God's prescribed requirements for offerings, reflecting God's absolute demand for integrity, fairness, and truthfulness in all aspects of His people's lives—both in their worship and in their daily commerce. It set a profound divine precedent for ethical conduct, accountability, and unwavering honesty within the covenant community.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

Exodus 38:25, with its meticulous accounting of silver collected for the Tabernacle's foundational elements, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The silver, explicitly derived from the half-shekel atonement offering, served as a "ransom for their souls" (Exodus 30:12), thereby powerfully foreshadowing the perfect, complete, and infinitely valuable ransom paid by Christ. He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, offering His precious life as "a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28 and Mark 10:45). Just as the collective silver formed the physical and symbolic foundation of God's dwelling among ancient Israel, Christ Himself is the spiritual cornerstone and the very bedrock foundation of God's new dwelling place—the Church (Ephesians 2:19-22 and 1 Corinthians 3:11). Every believer, like the individual Israelites contributing their half-shekel, is a "living stone" (1 Peter 2:4-5) being built upon this foundational Christ, forming a spiritual house for God's indwelling by the Spirit. Thus, the meticulous accounting of the silver in Exodus 38:25 points beyond itself to the infinite value, perfect sufficiency, and complete efficacy of Christ's atoning work, upon which the entire glorious edifice of our salvation, reconciliation with God, and God's eternal presence among us is securely and eternally built.

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Public-domain commentary

Matthew Henry

From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 38:21–31.

1662–1714 · 11 verses

Passage under commentExodus 38:21–31

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.

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

23And 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.

24All 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.

25And 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:

26A 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.

27And 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.

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

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

30And 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,

31And 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.

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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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