Exodus 37 16

Exodus 37:16 kjv

And he made the vessels which were upon the table, his dishes, and his spoons, and his bowls, and his covers to cover withal, of pure gold.

Exodus 37:16 nkjv

He made of pure gold the utensils which were on the table: its dishes, its cups, its bowls, and its pitchers for pouring.

Exodus 37:16 niv

And they made from pure gold the articles for the table?its plates and dishes and bowls and its pitchers for the pouring out of drink offerings.

Exodus 37:16 esv

And he made the vessels of pure gold that were to be on the table, its plates and dishes for incense, and its bowls and flagons with which to pour drink offerings.

Exodus 37:16 nlt

Then he made special containers of pure gold for the table ? bowls, ladles, jars, and pitchers ? to be used in pouring out liquid offerings.

Exodus 37 verses

Exodus 37 16 Meaning

Exodus 37:16 describes the meticulous crafting of the various gold utensils intended for use with the Table of Showbread within the Tabernacle. These specific implements—dishes, pans, bowls, and pitchers—were made precisely for their functions, particularly for facilitating the pouring of drink offerings as part of the Mosaic worship system.

Exodus 37 16 Context

Exodus 37 is part of the extensive narrative detailing the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, precisely according to the divine blueprint given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exod 25-31). This specific chapter focuses on the work of Bezalel, whom God supernaturally gifted with wisdom and skill, in crafting the Ark of the Covenant, the mercy seat, the Table of Showbread (which precedes this verse), the Golden Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense. Verse 16 directly follows the description of the Table of Showbread itself, underscoring that the associated utensils were an integral part of its function. Historically, this meticulous construction signified God's dwelling among His people and provided a structured means for worship and atonement, directly contrasting the chaotic and idolatrous practices of surrounding pagan nations by emphasizing divine authority and purity in sacred space and objects.

Exodus 37 16 Word analysis

• He also made (וַיַּעַשׂ גַּם – va-ya'as gam): "He" refers to Bezalel, the chief craftsman appointed by God (Exod 31:1-5). This phrase signifies the diligent and faithful execution of God's instructions. The repetition throughout this chapter highlights complete obedience and thoroughness in crafting every prescribed detail.
• the utensils (כְּלֵיהֶם – keleyhem): A general term for vessels, implements, or articles. Here, it refers to specialized instruments for ritual use, emphasizing their sacred purpose. They were not ordinary items but consecrated for divine service.
• which were on the table (אֲשֶׁר עַל־הַשֻּׁלְחָן – 'asher al-ha-shulḥan): This clarifies the direct association and placement of these items with the Table of Showbread. Their purpose was inextricably linked to the display and handling of the sacred bread.
• its dishes (קְּעָרוֹתָיו – q'arotayv): Shallow platters or plates. These would have been used for presenting or holding the showbread or accompanying items.
• its pans (כַּפֹּתָיו – kappōtayv): Likely scoop-like vessels, perhaps for carrying frankincense (as in Lev 24:7), which was placed on the showbread, or for other small measures of offerings.
• its bowls (מְנַקִּיֹּתָיו – menaqiyyōtayv): Deeper bowls, possibly for washing or collecting liquids, or as ceremonial receptacles. Distinct from the shallower dishes.
• and its pitchers (וְהַקְּשָׂווֹת – ve-ha-qeshāvōt): Jars or vessels with spouts designed specifically for pouring liquids. Their form dictates their primary function in pouring.
• by which to pour drink offerings (אֲשֶׁר יֻסַּךְ בָּהֵן נֶסֶךְ – 'asher yussakh bahen nesek): This phrase specifies the primary, precise function of the pitchers.
  • יֻסַּךְ (yussakh): "to be poured out," indicating the active purpose.
  • נֶסֶךְ (nesek): A drink offering or libation, typically of wine or strong drink, a standard component of many Old Testament sacrifices, symbolizing dedication or covenant ratification (Gen 35:14, Num 15:5).
• Words-group Analysis: The phrase "its dishes, its pans, its bowls, and its pitchers" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the required implements, demonstrating the intricate and holistic approach to Tabernacle service, where every detail contributed to proper worship and ceremony. The focus on "drink offerings" highlights the specific, essential function of a set of these vessels, indicating that these were not just decorative, but absolutely functional for fulfilling God's ordained rituals of worship.

Exodus 37 16 Bonus section

• The material for these utensils would have been pure gold, indicating the preciousness and sanctity of everything connected to the Tabernacle, symbolizing divine glory and purity.
• The meticulous accounting of these items throughout Exodus reflects God's concern for detail and humanity's responsibility to adhere to divine blueprints, ensuring that sacred tasks are performed exactly as commanded.
• The "drink offering" concept finds its ultimate spiritual fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, who "poured out" His life unto death (Isa 53:12), and in believers who, by grace, pour out their lives in sacrificial service to God (Phil 2:17).
• These physical implements serve as visual reminders that God is deeply concerned with the actions, methods, and attitude of those who approach Him, requiring holiness and dedication in all forms of worship.

Exodus 37 16 Commentary

Exodus 37:16 is a testament to the divine demand for perfection and specificity in worship. It meticulously details the gold utensils crafted for the Table of Showbread—dishes, pans, bowls, and pitchers—all fashioned by Bezalel with divinely-imparted skill. These items were not mere accessories but integral components, particularly the pitchers designated for drink offerings. This precision underscored that worship was not a casual or improvisational act but a sacred undertaking bound by divine instruction. The showbread, along with its associated offerings, symbolized God's provision for His people and the required devotion in return. Every detail, from the material to the exact function of each utensil, foreshadowed the comprehensive nature of Christ's perfect offering and ministry, emphasizing the sanctity and completeness of God's plan of redemption. It reminds believers that true worship requires intentionality, purpose, and adherence to divine truth, whether in the specific acts of the Tabernacle or the spiritual sacrifices offered by believers today (Heb 13:15).