What number verse is Exodus 38:29 in the Bible?

Exodus 38:29 is the 2,663rd verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Exodus 38:29 sits at position 2,663.

Translation

King James Version

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

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KJV (with Strong's)

And the brass ^H5178 of the offering ^H8573 was seventy ^H7657 talents ^H3603, and two thousand ^H505 and four ^H702 hundred ^H3967 shekels ^H8255.

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Complete Jewish Bible

The bronze in the offering came to 4,680 pounds.

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Berean Standard Bible

The bronze from the wave offering totaled 70 talents and 2,400 shekels.

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American Standard Version

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

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World English Bible Messianic

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

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Also the brasse of the offering was seuentie talents, and two thousande, and foure hundreth shekels.

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Young's Literal Translation

And the brass of the wave-offering is seventy talents, and two thousand and four hundred shekels;

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In the KJVVerse 2,663 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Exodus 38:29 meticulously records the substantial quantity of bronze (often rendered "brass" in older translations) contributed by the Israelite community for the construction of the Tabernacle. This verse serves as the final entry in a comprehensive inventory of the precious metals—gold, silver, and bronze—that were freely offered by the people and then carefully weighed and accounted for. It underscores the immense scale of the sacred project, the meticulous adherence to divine instructions, and the profound communal effort involved in establishing God's dwelling place among His people in the wilderness.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Exodus 38:29 is situated within the concluding section of the book of Exodus, specifically in the detailed account of the Tabernacle's construction and completion (from Exodus 35 through Exodus 40). Following God's elaborate architectural instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai (beginning in Exodus 25 and continuing through Exodus 31), these chapters chronicle the people's enthusiastic response to the call for freewill offerings (Exodus 35:20-29), the appointment of skilled artisans like Bezalel and Oholiab, and the painstaking execution of every detail according to God's command. Verses 21-31 of chapter 38 function as a final summary and audit of all the materials gathered and utilized, with verse 29 specifically tallying the bronze. This meticulous record-keeping highlights the vast resources dedicated to this sacred endeavor and emphasizes the completion of the work in perfect obedience to God's blueprint, setting the stage for the Tabernacle's erection and consecration in Exodus 40.
Historical & Cultural Context: The historical setting for this verse is the Israelite wilderness journey, a pivotal period of national formation following their miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Though a nomadic people, they were commanded to construct a sophisticated, portable sanctuary. The gathering of such vast quantities of precious metals—gold, silver, and bronze—speaks volumes about God's provision, likely stemming from the "spoiling of the Egyptians" as alluded to in Exodus 12:35-36, and the people's remarkable willingness to contribute from their newfound wealth. The Tabernacle was far more than a mere structure; it was the tangible symbol of God's holy presence in their midst, the designated place where atonement was made, and where the covenant relationship between God and Israel was maintained. The use of "talents" and "shekels" reflects standard ancient Near Eastern systems of weight, underscoring the practical realities of managing such a massive construction project. Bronze, an alloy primarily of copper and tin, was a common and valuable metal in the ancient world, prized for its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Its properties made it suitable for the more robust elements of the Tabernacle, particularly those associated with judgment and sacrifice in the outer court, such as the Altar of Burnt Offering and the bronze laver.
Key Themes: Exodus 38:29 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Divine Command and Human Obedience. The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction (e.g., Exodus 25:9) are met with meticulous execution, emphasizing the importance of following God's blueprint precisely. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of God's Provision and the People's Generosity. The sheer quantity of materials, freely given (Exodus 35:4-9), demonstrates God's ability to provide abundantly for His purposes and His people's joyful response. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of God's Dwelling Among His People. The Tabernacle, built from these materials, was the physical manifestation of God's presence, signifying His desire for intimate relationship with Israel (Exodus 29:45-46). Finally, the precise accounting speaks to the theme of Order and Accountability, reflecting God's nature as a God of order and the necessity of diligent stewardship in His service.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Brass (Hebrew, nᵉchôsheth', H5178): While often translated "brass" in older versions like the KJV, this term more accurately refers to "bronze," an alloy predominantly of copper. Bronze was a highly valued and versatile metal in the ancient Near East, known for its durability, strength, and resistance to corrosion. In the Tabernacle, bronze was primarily used for elements associated with the outer court, particularly those involved in sacrifice and purification, such as the Altar of Burnt Offering, the Laver, and the sockets for the court pillars. Its properties symbolically linked it to divine judgment, steadfastness, and the enduring nature of God's justice.
Talents (Hebrew, kikkâr', H3603): This term denotes a large unit of weight, typically equivalent to about 75 pounds (approximately 34 kilograms) in ancient Hebrew measurements. The mention of "seventy talents" signifies an immense quantity, emphasizing the substantial material wealth contributed by the Israelites and the sheer scale of the Tabernacle project. It highlights the collective generosity and the divine provision that enabled such an undertaking in the wilderness. The root meaning of "circle" or "round" might subtly suggest the completeness or totality of the offering.
Shekels (Hebrew, sheqel', H8255): A shekel was a smaller, more common unit of weight, roughly 0.4 ounces (about 11 grams). The inclusion of "two thousand and four hundred shekels" alongside the talents demonstrates extreme precision in the accounting. This meticulous detail underscores the divine emphasis on exactness and order in all matters pertaining to God's worship and the construction of His dwelling. It reflects a careful stewardship of resources and an adherence to the specific instructions given by God, ensuring that every last measure was recorded.

Verse Breakdown

"And the brass of the offering": This phrase highlights that the bronze was not a mandatory tax or levy but a voluntary contribution, a "freewill offering" (tᵉnûwphâh) from the people. This underscores their willing hearts and collective participation in the sacred project, demonstrating their devotion and obedience to God's call for materials for His dwelling. The term "offering" here specifically refers to the "wave offering," indicating something presented to the Lord with a gesture of dedication.
"[was] seventy talents": This quantifies the bulk of the bronze contribution, indicating a truly massive amount. Seventy talents would equate to approximately 5,250 pounds (or 2,381 kilograms) of bronze. This vast quantity speaks to the abundance of resources available to the Israelites, likely from the wealth they took from Egypt, and their extraordinary generosity in giving to God's work. The number seventy often carries symbolic weight in biblical numerology, sometimes associated with completeness or nations.
"and two thousand and four hundred shekels": This adds a precise, smaller increment to the total, indicating meticulous accounting down to the smallest significant unit. This additional amount, approximately 57 pounds (or 26 kilograms), brings the total to around 5,307 pounds (or 2,407 kilograms). The inclusion of such a specific, relatively small remainder after the large "talents" demonstrates the exactness and thoroughness of the inventory and the scrupulous adherence to the divine command for accountability in the Tabernacle's construction. It shows that no detail, no matter how small, was overlooked in the sacred work.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device at play in Exodus 38:29, and indeed throughout the detailed accounting sections of Exodus, is Precision and Numerical Detail. The exact figures ("seventy talents, and two thousand and four hundred shekels") are not merely an administrative record but serve to underscore the meticulousness with which God's instructions were followed and the seriousness with which the Israelites approached the building of His sanctuary. This precision emphasizes divine order, human obedience, and the sacred nature of the task. Furthermore, there is an element of Symbolism inherent in the material itself. Bronze, used for the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Laver, symbolically represents judgment, strength, and purification—themes central to the Tabernacle's function. The sheer quantity of this material also conveys a sense of Abundance and Generosity, highlighting the overwhelming response of the people's freewill offerings and God's bountiful provision. The repetitive nature of these detailed accounts throughout Exodus also functions as a form of Emphasis, reinforcing the importance of exact obedience to God's commands.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Exodus 38:29, by detailing the vast quantity of bronze contributed, underscores profound theological truths about God's meticulous nature, the necessity of human obedience to divine commands, and the importance of generous, freewill offerings in establishing God's dwelling among His people. The precise accounting highlights that every detail in God's plan matters, and His people are called to respond with both their resources and their exactitude. The sheer volume of material also speaks to God's provision for His people, enabling them to fulfill His grand design for worship and relationship. This act of collective giving and building established a tangible center for Israel's faith, where God's presence would reside and atonement would be made, preparing them for a life of covenant faithfulness.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The meticulous accounting of the bronze offering in Exodus 38:29 offers powerful lessons for contemporary faith and practice. It reminds us that God is a God of order and precision, and He values diligence and faithfulness in the management of resources, especially those dedicated to His work. The immense quantity of bronze, given willingly by the Israelites, challenges us to consider our own generosity and stewardship. Are we contributing our resources—be it time, talent, or treasure—with the same wholeheartedness and abundance for the advancement of God's kingdom today? This verse also highlights the communal effort involved in building God's dwelling place. Just as every Israelite's contribution, large or small, was vital for the Tabernacle, so too is every believer's participation essential for the flourishing of the Church, which is now God's dwelling by His Spirit. Our service, like the bronze, should be durable, strong, and prepared for the rigorous work of ministry and spiritual warfare, reflecting the steadfastness and enduring nature of God's purposes.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous accounting in Exodus 38:29 challenge my approach to stewardship and financial giving in my own life and in the church?
What does the Israelites' generous, freewill offering of such vast quantities of material teach me about my own priorities and willingness to contribute to God's work?
In what ways can I demonstrate greater precision and faithfulness in my service to God, reflecting His attention to detail and commitment to order?

FAQ

Why was "brass" (bronze) so important for the Tabernacle, and what did it symbolize?

Answer: Bronze was critically important for the Tabernacle, particularly for elements in the outer court, because of its physical properties and profound symbolic meaning. Physically, bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) is strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for the robust components exposed to the elements and heavy use, such as the Altar of Burnt Offering, the Laver, and the sockets for the court pillars. Symbolically, bronze was deeply associated with judgment, strength, and purification. The Altar of Burnt Offering, where sacrifices for sin were consumed by fire, represented God's righteous judgment against sin and the need for atonement. The Laver, made of polished bronze and used by priests for washing, symbolized the necessary purification and cleansing required before approaching a holy God. Thus, the pervasive use of bronze in these areas underscored the themes of divine justice, the consequences of sin, and the absolute necessity of cleansing and atonement to approach God's holy presence.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The bronze of the Tabernacle, meticulously weighed and recorded, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The vast quantity of bronze, largely used for the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Laver, pointed to the necessity of judgment and purification for sin. This foreshadowed the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of divine judgment against sin, fulfilling what the bronze altar symbolized. His shed blood provides the complete and final atonement, making the countless animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant obsolete (Hebrews 9:11-14). Furthermore, the Laver, made of bronze, symbolized the purification required for priests to enter God's presence. In Christ, we find our perfect cleansing, not through ritual washings, but through His atoning work, which purifies our consciences from dead works to serve the living God (Hebrews 9:14). The precision in recording the bronze also speaks to the divine exactness of God's plan of salvation, perfectly executed in Christ. He is the true and greater Tabernacle, in whom God dwells fully (John 1:14), and through whom we, by faith, are granted immediate access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18). His perfect obedience and sacrifice are the ultimate "offering" that satisfies God's righteous demands.

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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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