What Does Exodus 31:8 Mean in the King James?
And the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense,
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The table’s name echoes shalach, “send forth,” making the sanctuary’s first furnishing a picture of provision extended.
THE MEANING
Provision is extended, light is held pure, and incense rises from its appointed place. Your present life before God has room for nourishment, illumination, and what rises in offering.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
The sacred belongs only to the invisible or inward; this verse gives it a table, a lampstand, and a place for incense.
THE ROOT
שֻׁלְחָן
shulchan
GROWS FROM
שלח
to send, release, or stretch out
The table’s name is linked with shalach, whose range includes sending, releasing, and stretching out. That makes the table more than furniture: it pictures provision extended, a motion also echoed in Shiloach, the “sent” waters.
ALSO GROWS
shalach: send forth, release, stretch out the hand
שָׁלַח
This is the root’s active movement: what is held back is sent or extended.
shulchan: table; provision spread out
שֻׁלְחָן
The verse places this image of extended provision among the sanctuary’s furnishings.
Shiloach: sent; the name associated with the waters of Siloam
שִׁלֹחַ
The sent waters echo the root’s outward movement, while the table gives that movement the form of provision.
מִזְבֵּחַ
mizbeach
GROWS FROM
זבח
to sacrifice or slaughter
Mizbeach comes from the root associated with sacrifice. This altar is specifically for incense, yet its name keeps offering present beneath the rising fragrance: what ascends is not detached from what is given.
ALSO GROWS
zavach: sacrifice, slaughter
זָבַח
The verb carries the root action beneath the altar’s name.
zevach: sacrifice, offered animal
זֶבַח
This related noun shows how the root holds the idea of an offering, even as this verse names an altar for incense.
THE PATTERN
The dwelling is furnished so provision is set out, light is made visible, and what rises in prayer has a place.
And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.THE THREAD
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.The Hebrew word for “table” in both verses is shulchan, linked to shalach (שָׁלַח), “send forth” or “release.” Exodus names the table among the sanctuary’s furnishings; Psalm 23 sets that same extended provision before you even with enemies present.
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