Exodus 37:11
New International Version
Then they overlaid it with pure gold and made a gold molding around it.

New Living Translation
He overlaid it with pure gold and ran a gold molding around the edge.

English Standard Version
And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made a molding of gold around it.

Berean Standard Bible
He overlaid it with pure gold and made a gold molding around it.

King James Bible
And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made thereunto a crown of gold round about.

New King James Version
And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made a molding of gold all around it.

New American Standard Bible
He overlaid it with pure gold, and made a gold molding for it all around.

NASB 1995
He overlaid it with pure gold, and made a gold molding for it all around.

NASB 1977
And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made a gold molding for it all around.

Legacy Standard Bible
He overlaid it with pure gold and made a gold molding for it all around.

Amplified Bible
He overlaid it with pure gold, and made a border of gold for it all around [its top].

Christian Standard Bible
He overlaid it with pure gold and made a gold molding all around it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He overlaid it with pure gold and made a gold molding all around it.

American Standard Version
And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made thereto a crown of gold round about.

English Revised Version
and he overlaid it with pure gold, and made thereto a crown of gold round about.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He covered it with pure gold and put a gold molding around it.

Good News Translation
He covered it with pure gold and put a gold border around it.

International Standard Version
He overlaid it with pure gold and put a gold molding around it.

NET Bible
He overlaid it with pure gold, and he made a surrounding border of gold for it.

New Heart English Bible
He overlaid it with pure gold, and made a gold molding around it.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made to it a crown of gold round about.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
He overlaid it with pure gold and made a gold molding around it.

World English Bible
He overlaid it with pure gold, and made a gold molding around it.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and overlays it with pure gold, and makes a wreath of gold for it all around.

Young's Literal Translation
and overlayeth it with pure gold, and maketh for it a wreath of gold round about.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will spread it over with pure gold, and he will make to it a wreath of gold round about.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he overlaid it with the finest gold, and he made to it a golden ledge round about.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he surrounded it with the finest gold, and for it he made a ledge of gold all around,

New American Bible
It was plated with pure gold, and a molding of gold was put around it.

New Revised Standard Version
He overlaid it with pure gold, and made a molding of gold around it.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made for it a crown of gold round about.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he overlaid it in pure gold and he made for it a crown of gold on its edge as a circle.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made thereto a crown of gold round about.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Table of Showbread
10He also made the table of acacia wood two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. 11He overlaid it with pure gold and made a gold molding around it. 12And he made a rim around it a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim.…

Cross References
Exodus 25:11
Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it.

1 Kings 6:20-22
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. / So Solomon overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold, and he extended gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary, which was overlaid with gold. / So he overlaid with gold the whole interior of the temple, until everything was completely finished. He also overlaid with gold the entire altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary.

1 Kings 7:48-50
Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of the LORD: the golden altar; the golden table on which was placed the Bread of the Presence; / the lampstands of pure gold in front of the inner sanctuary, five on the right side and five on the left; the gold flowers, lamps, and tongs; / the pure gold basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, ladles, and censers; and the gold hinges for the doors of the inner temple (that is, the Most Holy Place) as well as for the doors of the main hall of the temple.

2 Chronicles 3:4-10
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. / He paneled the main room with cypress, which he overlaid with fine gold and decorated with palm trees and chains. / He adorned the temple with precious stones for beauty, and its gold was from Parvaim. ...

2 Chronicles 4:19-22
Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of God: the golden altar; the tables on which was placed the Bread of the Presence; / the lampstands of pure gold and their lamps, to burn in front of the inner sanctuary as prescribed; / the flowers, lamps, and tongs of gold—of purest gold; ...

Hebrews 9:4
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.

Revelation 21:18
The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass.

1 Kings 10:18
Additionally, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold.

2 Chronicles 9:17
Additionally, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold.

1 Kings 6:30
And he overlaid the temple floor with gold in both the inner and outer sanctuaries.

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.

1 Kings 6:21-22
So Solomon overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold, and he extended gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary, which was overlaid with gold. / So he overlaid with gold the whole interior of the temple, until everything was completely finished. He also overlaid with gold the entire altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary.

2 Chronicles 3:7
He overlaid its beams, thresholds, walls, and doors with gold, and he carved cherubim on the walls.

1 Kings 6:28
He also overlaid the cherubim with gold.

2 Chronicles 3:10
In the Most Holy Place he made two cherubim of sculptured work, and he overlaid them with gold.


Treasury of Scripture

And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made thereunto a crown of gold round about.

no reference

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Exodus 37
1. The ark and mercy seat with cherubim made
10. The table of showbread with its vessels
17. The candlestick with its lamps and instruments
25. The altar of incense
29. The anointing oil and sweet incense














He overlaid it with pure gold
The use of pure gold in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant signifies the holiness and divine nature of the object. Gold, being a precious and incorruptible metal, symbolizes purity and the glory of God. In the ancient Near East, gold was often associated with royalty and deity, underscoring the Ark's role as the earthly throne of God. The overlaying of the Ark with gold also reflects the wealth and resources available to the Israelites during their time in the wilderness, as they had acquired gold from the Egyptians during the Exodus (Exodus 12:35-36). This act of overlaying with gold can be seen as a foreshadowing of the divine nature of Jesus Christ, who is described as pure and without blemish (1 Peter 1:19).

and made a gold molding around it
The gold molding around the Ark served both a decorative and functional purpose. It provided a finished and ornate appearance, befitting an object of such sacred significance. The molding also likely helped to secure the cover, known as the mercy seat, in place. This detail emphasizes the care and precision involved in the construction of the Ark, reflecting the meticulous instructions given by God to Moses (Exodus 25:10-11). The molding can be seen as a type of the crown of thorns placed on Jesus' head, symbolizing His kingship and the suffering He would endure for humanity's redemption (John 19:2). The molding's presence around the Ark highlights the concept of God's covenant and His encompassing protection and presence with His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bezalel
The skilled craftsman chosen by God to construct the Tabernacle and its furnishings. He was filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship (Exodus 31:1-5).

2. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary constructed by the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It served as the dwelling place of God among His people.

3. Ark of the Covenant
The sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments. It was overlaid with pure gold, symbolizing its holiness and the divine presence.

4. Pure Gold
A symbol of purity, divinity, and value. Gold was extensively used in the Tabernacle to signify the holiness and glory of God.

5. Molding
The decorative border or trim made of gold, signifying the beauty and perfection of God's design.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
Bezalel's adherence to God's specific instructions for the Tabernacle teaches us the importance of obedience in our walk with God.

Symbolism of Gold
Gold's purity and value remind us of the holiness and worthiness of God. We are called to reflect His purity in our lives.

God's Dwelling Among Us
The Tabernacle, overlaid with gold, symbolizes God's desire to dwell among His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to live in a way that honors His presence.

Attention to Detail in Worship
The detailed craftsmanship of the Tabernacle encourages us to approach worship with reverence and care, recognizing the beauty and order in God's creation.

Spiritual Craftsmanship
Just as Bezalel was gifted for his task, God equips each of us with unique gifts to serve Him. We should seek to use our talents for His glory.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Exodus 37:11?

2. How does Exodus 37:11 reflect God's attention to detail in craftsmanship?

3. What does the use of "pure gold" symbolize in Exodus 37:11?

4. How can we apply the principle of excellence in our work from Exodus 37:11?

5. How does Exodus 37:11 connect to the broader theme of holiness in Exodus?

6. In what ways can we honor God through our skills and talents today?

7. What is the significance of gold overlay in Exodus 37:11?

8. How does Exodus 37:11 reflect God's instructions for worship?

9. Why was acacia wood chosen for the Ark in Exodus 37:11?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 37?

11. Why do the dimensions of the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25) resemble those of Egyptian sacred chests, suggesting borrowed traditions?

12. Exodus 37:10-16: Where did they obtain enough high-quality timber and gold to construct a table so precisely, and is there archaeological evidence of such abundance?

13. Exodus 37:25-29: Is there any historical or extrabiblical record to confirm the special incense formula mentioned, or does it appear only in biblical tradition?

14. Psalm 105:37 describes the Israelites leaving Egypt with silver and gold, yet Egyptian records of a mass exodus are scarce. How do we account for this discrepancy?
What Does Exodus 37:11 Mean
He overlaid it

• The “he” is Bezalel, faithfully carrying out the precise pattern God gave Moses (Exodus 37:1; compare Exodus 31:2-5).

• His first action is obedience: covering the table exactly as instructed in Exodus 25:24—“Overlay it with pure gold…”.

• This underscores that worship furnishings are never left to human imagination; they come from divine revelation (Hebrews 8:5).

• The overlay points to costly devotion. David echoes this heart centuries later: “I will not offer…to the LORD my God that which costs me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24).


with pure gold

• “Pure” reminds us that nothing tainted or alloyed belongs in God’s presence (Psalm 24:3-4).

• Gold’s enduring value pictures the matchless worth of God’s glory (1 Kings 6:20-22; Revelation 21:18).

• The table’s acacia wood, hidden beneath the gold, hints at Christ’s humanity clothed in divine glory—“the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory” (John 1:14).

• Purity also speaks to believers: “Your faith—more precious than gold that perishes, though refined by fire—may be proved genuine” (1 Peter 1:7).


and made a gold molding

• The molding is an ornamental ridge framing the tabletop, fashioning beauty and giving definition (Exodus 25:24).

• It forms a crown-like border, foreshadowing the One who is “crowned with glory and honor” (Hebrews 2:9).

• God delights in artistic detail; craftsmanship itself becomes an act of worship (Exodus 31:3-5).

• The molding keeps the holy bread secure (Leviticus 24:5-9), just as God’s covenant promises are kept and guarded (Psalm 33:11).


around it

• Gold encircles the entire perimeter—nothing left exposed, no corner overlooked (Exodus 37:12).

• This all-embracing surround pictures God’s comprehensive care: “You hem me in behind and before” (Psalm 139:5).

• The circular completeness anticipates the eternal security believers enjoy: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28).


summary

Exodus 37:11 records Bezalel’s meticulous obedience as he covers the table of the Presence with pure gold and encircles it with a golden molding. The lavish overlay honors God’s holiness, the purity of the metal mirrors His sinless glory, the molding crowns the table with beauty and protection, and the gold “around it” assures us of God’s all-encompassing presence. Together these details point us to Christ—our flawless, priceless, and forever-secure Bread of life.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He overlaid
וַיְצַ֥ף (way·ṣap̄)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6823: To lay out, lay over

it
אֹת֖וֹ (’ō·ṯōw)
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

with pure
טָה֑וֹר (ṭā·hō·wr)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2889: Clean, pure

gold
זָהָ֣ב (zā·hāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

and made
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ (way·ya·‘aś)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

a gold
זָהָ֖ב (zā·hāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

molding
זֵ֥ר (zêr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2213: A chaplet, a border moulding

all around it.
סָבִֽיב׃ (sā·ḇîḇ)
Adverb
Strong's 5439: A circle, neighbour, environs, around


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OT Law: Exodus 37:11 He overlaid it with pure gold (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 37:10
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