Exodus 25:8
ESV
And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.
NIV
"Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.
NASB
Have them construct a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them.
CSB
"They are to make a sanctuary for me so that I may dwell among them.
NLT
Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them.
KJV
And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.
NKJV
And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.
What does Exodus 25:8 mean?
God has made a list of materials which Israelites are to donate as they feel led (Exodus 25:1–7). These include precious metals, valuable materials, and gemstones. Most of these would have come from Israel's plunder of Egypt (Exodus 3:21–22; 11:2–3; 12:33–36). Others could have been taken as spoils of war after defeating the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8, 13). Israel is to use these to craft a unique structure known as the "tabernacle" (Exodus 25:9).God will "dwell" in this portable temple, though not in a physical form. The sanctuary would become the physical center of worship and sacrifice for Israel. The ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:10–11) kept inside is a special focal point of Israelite faith (Exodus 25:22). The word used here for this "sanctuary" is the Hebrew miqdās', which most literally means "a holy place." Much of the rest of Exodus is taken up by detailed instructions for this edifice and its sacred objects.
