Exodus 26:27
New International Version
five for those on the other side, and five for the frames on the west, at the far end of the tabernacle.

New Living Translation
and five for the south side. Also make five crossbars for the rear of the Tabernacle, which will face west.

English Standard Version
and five bars for the frames of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the frames of the side of the tabernacle at the rear westward.

Berean Standard Bible
five for those on the other side, and five for those on the rear side of the tabernacle, to the west.

King James Bible
And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward.

New King James Version
five bars for the boards on the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the far side westward.

New American Standard Bible
and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle for the back side to the west.

NASB 1995
and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle for the rear side to the west.

NASB 1977
and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle for the rear side to the west.

Legacy Standard Bible
and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle for the rear side to the west.

Amplified Bible
and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the rear end of the tabernacle, for the back wall toward the west.

Christian Standard Bible
five crossbars for the supports on the other side of the tabernacle, and five crossbars for the supports on the back side of the tabernacle on the west.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
five crossbars for the planks on the other side of the tabernacle, and five crossbars for the planks of the back side of the tabernacle on the west.

American Standard Version
and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the hinder part westward.

English Revised Version
and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the hinder part westward.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
five for those on the other side, and five for the frames on the far end of the inner tent, the west side.

Good News Translation
five for the frames on the other side, and five for the frames on the west end, at the back.

International Standard Version
five bars for the boards on the second side of the tent, and five bars for the boards on the back side of the tent to the west.

NET Bible
and five bars for the frames on the second side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the frames on the back of the tabernacle on the west.

New Heart English Bible
and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the far part westward.

Webster's Bible Translation
And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
five for those on the other side, and five for those on the rear side of the tabernacle, to the west.

World English Bible
and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the far side westward.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and five bars for the boards of the second side of the Dwelling Place, and five bars for the boards of the side of the Dwelling Place at the two sides, westward;

Young's Literal Translation
and five bars for the boards of the second side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle at the two sides, westward;

Smith's Literal Translation
And five bars for the boards of the rib of the tent, and five bars for the boards of the rib of the tent, for the two hinder parts to the sea.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And five others on the other side, and as many at the west side:

Catholic Public Domain Version
and five others on the other side, and the same number toward the western part.

New American Bible
five for those on the other side, and five for those at the rear, to the west.

New Revised Standard Version
and five bars for the frames of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the frames of the side of the tabernacle at the rear westward.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards at the westward side of the tabernacle.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And five bars for the boards of the other side of the Tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the other side at the outside of the Tabernacle on the west.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the hinder part westward;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and five bars to one post on the second side of the tabernacle, and five bars to the hinder posts, on the side of the tabernacle toward the sea.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Frames and Sockets
26You are also to make five crossbars of acacia wood for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, 27five for those on the other side, and five for those on the rear side of the tabernacle, to the west. 28The central crossbar in the middle of the frames shall extend from one end to the other.…

Cross References
Exodus 25:9
You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I show you.

Exodus 36:32
five for those on the other side, and five for those on the rear side of the tabernacle, to the west.

Exodus 40:18
When Moses set up the tabernacle, he laid its bases, positioned its frames, inserted its crossbars, and set up its posts.

Numbers 4:31-32
This is the duty for all their service at the Tent of Meeting: to carry the frames of the tabernacle with its crossbars, posts, and bases, / and the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes, including all their equipment and everything related to their use. You shall assign by name the items that they are responsible to carry.

1 Kings 6:9
So Solomon built the temple and finished it, roofing it with beams and planks of cedar.

1 Kings 6:16
He partitioned off the twenty cubits at the rear of the temple with cedar boards from floor to ceiling to form within the temple an inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place.

1 Kings 6:36
Solomon built the inner courtyard with three rows of dressed stone and one row of trimmed cedar beams.

1 Chronicles 28:11-12
Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the portico of the temple, its buildings, storehouses, upper rooms, inner rooms, and the room for the mercy seat. / The plans contained everything David had in mind for the courts of the house of the LORD, for all the surrounding rooms, for the treasuries of the house of God and of the dedicated things,

1 Chronicles 28:19
“All this,” said David, “all the details of this plan, the LORD has made clear to me in writing by His hand upon me.”

2 Chronicles 3:3
The foundation that Solomon laid for the house of God was sixty cubits long and twenty cubits wide, according to the old standard.

2 Chronicles 3:8
Then he made the Most Holy Place; its length corresponded to the width of the temple—twenty cubits long and twenty cubits wide. And he overlaid the inside with six hundred talents of fine gold.

Ezekiel 41:1-4
Then the man brought me into the outer sanctuary and measured the side pillars to be six cubits wide on each side. / The width of the entrance was ten cubits, and the sides of the entrance were five cubits on each side. He also measured the length of the outer sanctuary to be forty cubits, and the width to be twenty cubits. / And he went into the inner sanctuary and measured the side pillars at the entrance to be two cubits wide. The entrance was six cubits wide, and the walls on each side were seven cubits wide. ...

Ezekiel 41:21-25
The outer sanctuary had a rectangular doorframe, and the doorframe of the sanctuary was similar. / There was an altar of wood three cubits high and two cubits square. Its corners, base, and sides were of wood. And the man told me, “This is the table that is before the LORD.” / Both the outer sanctuary and the inner sanctuary had double doors, ...

Hebrews 8:5
The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”

Hebrews 9:2-5
A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. / Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, / containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward.

no reference

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Bars Boards End Far Five Frames Hinder House Part Rear Second Side Sides Tabernacle West Westward
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Bars Boards End Far Five Frames Hinder House Part Rear Second Side Sides Tabernacle West Westward
Exodus 26
1. The ten curtains of the tabernacle
7. The eleven curtains of goats' hair, the covering of rams' and badgers' skins.
15. The boards of the tabernacle, with their sockets and bars
31. The veil for the ark
36. The hanging for the door














five for those on the other side
The tabernacle's design was divinely instructed, with specific details for its construction. The "five" refers to the number of bars used to support the frames of the tabernacle. The use of five bars on each side signifies stability and strength, ensuring the structure's integrity. Biblically, the number five often symbolizes grace, which can be seen in the context of God's provision for His people. The tabernacle itself is a type of Christ, representing God's dwelling among His people, and the bars can be seen as a metaphor for the support and strength found in Christ.

and five for those on the rear side of the tabernacle
The rear side of the tabernacle, also supported by five bars, highlights the uniformity and balance in God's design. This rear section faced the west, which in biblical symbolism often represents the end or completion. The consistent use of five bars on all sides emphasizes the completeness and perfection of God's plan. The tabernacle's structure, including its rear, points to the completeness of Christ's work and His role as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.

to the west
The orientation of the tabernacle is significant. The entrance faced east, meaning the rear faced west. In ancient Near Eastern culture, east was often associated with the direction of the rising sun and new beginnings, while west symbolized the setting sun and the end of a journey. This orientation can be seen as a reflection of the journey of faith, beginning with new life in God and moving towards the fulfillment of His promises. The westward orientation of the tabernacle's rear may also symbolize the hope of eternal rest and completion in God's presence, as seen in the eschatological promises throughout Scripture.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai.

2. The Tabernacle
A portable sanctuary used by the Israelites as a place of worship during their journey through the wilderness.

3. The West Side of the Tabernacle
The specific location mentioned in this verse, indicating the rear of the tabernacle structure.

4. The Israelites
The people of God who were commanded to construct the tabernacle according to the divine specifications given to Moses.

5. Mount Sinai
The place where Moses received the instructions for the tabernacle and the Ten Commandments from God.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Instructions
The detailed instructions for the tabernacle highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands. Just as the Israelites were to follow God's specifications precisely, we are called to live according to His Word.

God's Presence Among His People
The tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence with the Israelites. Today, believers are reminded that God dwells within us through the Holy Spirit, making our lives a living sanctuary.

The Significance of Every Detail
Each part of the tabernacle had a purpose and significance. This teaches us that every aspect of our lives matters to God, and we should seek to honor Him in all things, big or small.

The Foreshadowing of Christ
The tabernacle serves as a foreshadowing of Christ's work and the ultimate redemption He provides. Understanding the tabernacle helps us appreciate the depth of God's redemptive plan through Jesus.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Exodus 26:27?

2. How does Exodus 26:27 illustrate God's attention to detail in His instructions?

3. What significance do the "five crossbars" hold in the tabernacle's construction?

4. How can we apply God's precision in Exodus 26:27 to our daily lives?

5. What other biblical instances show God's detailed plans for His people?

6. How does understanding Exodus 26:27 enhance our appreciation for God's craftsmanship?

7. What is the significance of the number five in Exodus 26:27?

8. How does Exodus 26:27 reflect God's attention to detail in worship?

9. Why are the tabernacle's construction details important in Exodus 26:27?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 26?

11. Exodus 26 - How do these tabernacle measurements align or conflict with other biblical or historical texts regarding the scale and feasibility of such a dwelling?

12. What caused the temple veil to tear at Jesus' death?

13. Exodus 27:9-19: How do we reconcile these detailed Tabernacle dimensions with differing descriptions of sacred spaces elsewhere in the Bible?

14. Why is the altar of burnt offering significant?
What Does Exodus 26:27 Mean
Context of the Verse

Exodus 26 details the physical blueprint God gave Moses for the tabernacle. Frames, crossbars, sockets, and coverings all fit together with exact precision (Exodus 25:40; Hebrews 8:5). Verse 27 zeroes in on the crossbars that brace the standing boards. The text reads, “five bars for the frames on one side of the tabernacle”. These bars literally strengthened the walls so they would not shift in the desert winds.


Five Bars for the First Side

• The north wall needed five evenly spaced bars to hold its boards firmly (Exodus 26:26).

• Each bar ran through gold-covered rings, turning many pieces into one stable side (Exodus 36:33).

• God’s design teaches that unity requires structure; loose planks become a wall only when joined. Compare Ephesians 2:21, where believers are “joined together” into a holy temple.

• The unbroken line of bars also foreshadows how Christ “holds all things together” (Colossians 1:17).


Five Bars for the Other Side

• The south wall mirrored the north: “five for those on the other side”.

• Symmetry mattered. God’s house was not haphazard; it reflected His orderly character (1 Corinthians 14:40).

• Balance kept the whole tent square, preventing sag on one flank.

• Spiritually, equal reinforcement hints that no part of Christ’s body is favored over another (Galatians 3:28).

• Just as both sides stood level, believers are called to “walk in step” together (Philippians 1:27).


Five Bars for the Rear Side (West)

• The verse continues, “and five for the rear side of the tabernacle, to the west”.

• The west wall faced the Most Holy Place, the throne of divine glory (Exodus 40:34).

• Strength here guarded what was most precious—the Ark of the Covenant (Numbers 3:38).

Revelation 21:3 pictures God dwelling with His people; the rear bars protected that promise in advance.

• Even the hidden side received the same care, reminding us that unseen faithfulness matters (Matthew 6:4).


Why Five? Why Bars?

• Five often signals grace—think of the five offerings (Leviticus 1–7) or Jesus feeding 5,000 with five loaves (Matthew 14:17). The crossbars were channels of sustaining grace.

• Bars, not nails, joined the boards. They allowed flexibility while holding fast—much like truth and love working together (Ephesians 4:15-16).

• Gold over acacia wood blended incorruptibility with common timber, pointing to Christ’s divine-human nature (John 1:14).

• Crossbars ran horizontally, bridging vertical boards. The gospel bridges heaven and earth (1 Timothy 2:5).

• Three sets of five (north, south, west) total fifteen—a multiple of five—underscoring abundant provision.


summary

Exodus 26:27 describes fifteen gold-clad crossbars—five for each wall except the entrance side. Literally, they stiffened the tabernacle’s frame so the desert sanctuary stood secure. Spiritually, they picture God’s orderly grace, equal care for every side of His dwelling, and the unifying strength Christ supplies to hold His people together.

(27) For the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward.--This is quite unintelligible. Translate, for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, which is at the back westward.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
five
וַחֲמִשָּׁ֣ה (wa·ḥă·miš·šāh)
Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 2568: Five

for those
לְקַרְשֵׁ֥י (lə·qar·šê)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7175: A slab, plank, a deck of a, ship

on the other
הַשֵּׁנִ֑ית (haš·šê·nîṯ)
Article | Number - ordinal feminine singular
Strong's 8145: Second (an ordinal number)

side,
צֶֽלַע־ (ṣe·la‘-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6763: A rib, a side, a, timber, plank

and five
וַחֲמִשָּׁ֣ה (wa·ḥă·miš·šāh)
Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 2568: Five

for those
לְקַרְשֵׁי֙ (lə·qar·šê)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7175: A slab, plank, a deck of a, ship

on the rear
לַיַּרְכָתַ֖יִם (lay·yar·ḵā·ṯa·yim)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - fd
Strong's 3411: Flank, side, extreme parts, recesses

side
צֶ֣לַע (ṣe·la‘)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6763: A rib, a side, a, timber, plank

of the tabernacle,
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן (ham·miš·kān)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4908: A residence, the Tabernacle

to the west.
יָֽמָּה׃ (yām·māh)
Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin


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OT Law: Exodus 26:27 And five bars for the boards (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 26:26
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