Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 25:11
Tsaphah can also mean to overlay or cover something, often with metal. It involves laying something over another material, like plating or coating.
Definition: 1) to lay out, lay over, overlay, cover 1a) (Piel) to overlay, plate, stud 1b) (Pual) to be laid over
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: cover, overlay. See also: Exodus 25:11; Exodus 38:2; Proverbs 26:23.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
Tahor means pure or clean, and can refer to physical, moral, or ceremonial purity. In the Bible, it describes clean animals and morally upright people. It is often used to describe something as fair or pure.
Definition: 1) pure, clean 1a) clean (ceremonially-of animals) 1b) pure (physically) 1c) pure, clean (morally, ethically)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: clean, fair, pure(-ness). See also: Genesis 7:2; Leviticus 13:40; Psalms 12:7.
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
Tsaphah can also mean to overlay or cover something, often with metal. It involves laying something over another material, like plating or coating.
Definition: 1) to lay out, lay over, overlay, cover 1a) (Piel) to overlay, plate, stud 1b) (Pual) to be laid over
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: cover, overlay. See also: Exodus 25:11; Exodus 38:2; Proverbs 26:23.
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
This word refers to a border or molding, like the decorative edge on a building or a crown on a king's head, as described in the book of Exodus where the Israelites built the tabernacle. The KJV translates it as 'crown'.
Definition: border, moulding, circlet
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: crown. See also: Exodus 25:11; Exodus 37:2; Exodus 37:27.
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
Context — The Ark of the Covenant
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Exodus 25:24 |
Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it. |
| 2 |
Exodus 30:3 |
Overlay with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns, and make a molding of gold around it. |
| 3 |
2 Chronicles 3:4 |
The portico at the front, extending across the width of the temple, was twenty cubits long and twenty cubits high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold. |
| 4 |
1 Kings 6:20 |
The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold, and he also overlaid the altar of cedar. |
Exodus 25:11 Summary
This verse, Exodus 25:11, tells us that the ark of the covenant was to be covered in pure gold, inside and out, to make it holy and beautiful. This teaches us that God wants us to give our best to Him, just like the Israelites did when they built the tabernacle (see Exodus 35:21). The gold overlay also reminds us of the preciousness of God's presence in our lives, as seen in Exodus 40:34-35. By following God's instructions carefully, we can show our love and respect for Him, just like the Israelites did when they built the tabernacle according to God's plan (as described in Exodus 25:9).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the ark of the covenant to be overlaid with pure gold?
The ark was to be overlaid with pure gold to signify its sacredness and the preciousness of the covenant between God and His people, as seen in Exodus 25:11, and to reflect the glory of God's presence, as mentioned in Exodus 40:34-35.
What is the significance of the gold molding around the ark?
The gold molding around the ark, as instructed in Exodus 25:11, may have served to protect the ark from damage and to add to its beauty, symbolizing the perfection and beauty of God's presence, as described in Psalm 96:6.
How does the use of gold in the tabernacle relate to our worship today?
The use of gold in the tabernacle, as seen in Exodus 25:11, teaches us about the importance of reverence and excellence in our worship, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23-24, and reminds us that our worship should be a reflection of the preciousness and glory of God.
What can we learn from the careful instructions given for the construction of the ark?
The detailed instructions for the construction of the ark, including the overlay of pure gold in Exodus 25:11, demonstrate God's attention to detail and His desire for obedience, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 12:32, teaching us to be faithful and obedient in our own service to Him.
Reflection Questions
- What does the use of pure gold in the construction of the ark reveal about God's character, and how can I reflect this in my own life?
- How can I apply the principle of excellence in my worship and service to God, just as the Israelites were instructed to do in the construction of the tabernacle?
- In what ways can I protect and preserve the sacred things in my life, just as the gold molding protected the ark?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to apply the principle of reverence and awe, as demonstrated in the construction of the tabernacle?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 25:11
And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold,.... Not gild it, but put a plate of pure gold over it: within and without shalt thou overlay it; so that nothing of the wood could be seen: this may denote
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 25:11
And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about. Thou shalt overlay it with pure gold.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 25:11
Or, a border, raised up above the rest of the ark, as a crown is above that which it is applied to, only a crown is round, and this was square. This was both for ornament, and for the fastening of the covering of the ark to it.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 25:11
Exodus 25:11 And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about.Ver. 11. A crown of gold.] To set forth the majesty of Christ’ s kingdom, or the eternity of his deity; which, as a crown or circle, had neither beginning nor end.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 25:11
(11) Thou shalt overlay it with pure gold.—It is possible, but scarcely probable, that gilding is intended. Gilding was well known in Egypt long before the time of Moses, and may have been within the artistic powers of some of the Hebrews. But it is a process requiring much apparatus, and less likely to have been practised in the desert than the far simpler one of overlaying with gold plates. Gold plate would also have been regarded as more suitable, because more valuable. It is the Jewish tradition that gold plates were employed. crown of gold—i.e., a rim or border of gold, carried round the edge of the chest at the top. The object was probably to keep the kapporeth, or mercy-seat, in place.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 25:11
Verse 11. A crown of gold round about.] A border, or, as the Septuagint have it, κυματιαχρυσαστεπτακυκλω, waves of gold wreathed round about.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 25:11
11. pure gold] See on v. 3. a crown] Heb. zηr, the Syr. zξr means a collar or necklace. What is meant is prob. an ornamental moulding, running in relief round the ark—whether at the top of its four sides, or in the middle, is not stated—and worked perhaps in the shape of a bead or rope (LXX. κυμάτιαστρεπτά: cf. the description in Pseudo-Aristeas (ed. Wendland, § 58 (cited DB. iv. 663a); or in Swete, Introd. to OT. in Greek, p. 530) of the zηr or the Table of Presence-bread, made for the Temple of Leontopolis, τὴνἀναγλυφὴνἔχοντασχοινίδωνἔκτυπον). The table of Presence-bread, and the altar of incense, had similar decorations (vv. 24 f., Exodus 30:3 f.). ‘Crown’ comes through the Vulg. corona (Exodus 25:11, Exodus 30:3) from LXX. στεφάνη (Exodus 25:24, Exodus 30:3); but it does not suggest a very clear idea of what is intended. If the zηr ran round the top of the ark, it may have projected upwards and outwards a little, so that the mercy-seat might rest within it.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 25:11
11. A crown of gold round about — Rather a rim, moulding, or border around the top, as shown in the cut.
Sermons on Exodus 25:11
| Sermon | Description |
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Jonathan Goforth
by David Smithers
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The preacher delves into the concept of purity, emphasizing the biblical roots of cleansing in both the Old and New Testaments. While the Old Testament focused on ceremonial cleanl |