A tenon is a projection on the end of a piece of wood that is designed to fit into a corresponding mortise, or hole, in another piece of wood, forming a joint. This woodworking technique is ancient and was used in the construction of the Tabernacle, as described in the Old Testament. The tenon and mortise joint is a fundamental method of joining two pieces of wood together, providing both stability and strength.

Biblical References

The term "tenon" is specifically mentioned in the context of the construction of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, as detailed in the book of Exodus. The Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary that the Israelites used during their journey through the desert after the Exodus from Egypt. It served as a place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

In Exodus 26:17, the Berean Standard Bible states: "Each frame is to have two tenons connected to one another for the uprights. You are to make all the frames of the tabernacle in this way." This verse highlights the use of tenons in the construction of the Tabernacle's frames, ensuring that the structure was both sturdy and portable.

Further instructions are given in Exodus 36:22, where the BSB reads: "Each frame had two tenons connected to one another; they made all the frames of the tabernacle in this way." This repetition underscores the importance of the tenon and mortise joint in the assembly of the Tabernacle, reflecting the precision and care required in its construction.

Symbolic Significance

The use of tenons in the Tabernacle's construction can be seen as symbolic of the unity and interconnectedness of the people of God. Just as the tenons joined the frames of the Tabernacle, so too were the Israelites to be united in their worship and service to God. The Tabernacle itself was a symbol of God's presence and covenant with His people, and the meticulous craftsmanship required in its construction reflected the reverence and obedience expected of the Israelites.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient times, woodworking was a highly skilled craft, and the use of tenons demonstrates the advanced techniques employed by the artisans who constructed the Tabernacle. The ability to create such precise joints without modern tools is a testament to the skill and dedication of these craftsmen. The Tabernacle's construction, as described in the Bible, required not only technical expertise but also a deep commitment to following God's detailed instructions.

The tenon and mortise joint remains a fundamental technique in woodworking today, illustrating the enduring legacy of ancient craftsmanship. The biblical account of the Tabernacle's construction provides insight into the practical and spiritual dimensions of this sacred task, emphasizing the importance of obedience, unity, and the presence of God among His people.1. (n.) A projecting member left by cutting away the wood around it, and made to insert into a mortise, and in this way secure together the parts of a frame; especially, such a member when it passes entirely through the thickness of the piece in which the mortise is cut, and shows on the other side. Cf. Tooth, Tusk.

2. (v. t.) To cut or fit for insertion into a mortise, as the end of a piece of timber.

TENON

ten'-un (yadh): This word, occurring in Exodus 26 and 36, is used in the account of the tabernacle to describe the "hand" or yadh by which its 48 boards were kept in place. Each board had two tenons which were mortised into it (Exodus 36:22 margin). These tenons would be made of harder wood than the acacia, so as better to stand the strain of wind and weather. When in use the tenons were sunk into the "sockets" (which see), and allowed of a speedy reerection of the tabernacle at its every remove.

Sockets are also mentioned as in use for the standards of the tabernacle court (Exodus 27:10), but there is no mention of tenons. It may be that the base of each standard was let into its socket, without the use of any tenon. This would give it sufficient stability, as the height of each standard was but 5 cubits (7 1/2 ft.) (Exodus 27:18).

For Professor A. R. S. Kennedy's different theory of "tenons," see TABERNACLE, and his own article on the "Tabernacle" in HDB, IV.

W. Shaw Caldecott

Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ...
... them two tenons belonging to them, inserted into their bases, and these were of
silver, in each of which bases there was a socket to receive the tenon; but the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning the tabernacle.htm

Alle Parabole (V)
... estai he nesteia haute, kai he leitourgia houtos ergazomene kale kai hilara esti
kai euprosdektos to kurio.9. tauta houto tereseis su meta ton tenon sou kai ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lake/the apostolic fathers/alle parabole v.htm

Infant Salvation
... All Scripture seems to tenon that heaven will not be a narrow world, that its
population will not be like a handful gleaned out of a vintage, but that Christ ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/infant salvation.htm

Tenon
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TENON. ... It may be that the base of each standard
was let into its socket, without the use of any tenon. ...
/t/tenon.htm - 8k

Ten-horned (1 Occurrence)
Ten-horned. Tends, Ten-horned. Tenon . Multi-Version Concordance Ten-horned
(1 Occurrence). ... (WEY). Tends, Ten-horned. Tenon . Reference Bible.
/t/ten-horned.htm - 6k

Tooth (7 Occurrences)
... a card. 4. (n.) A projecting member resembling a tenon, but fitting into
a mortise that is only sunk, not pierced through. 5. (n ...
/t/tooth.htm - 10k

Tenons (4 Occurrences)

/t/tenons.htm - 7k

Relish (1 Occurrence)
... 8. (n.) The projection or shoulder at the side of, or around, a tenon, on a tenoned
piece. Multi-Version Concordance Relish (1 Occurrence). ...
/r/relish.htm - 7k

Pin (10 Occurrences)
... 10. (n.) A clothespin. 11. (n.) A short shaft, sometimes forming a bolt, a part
of which serves as a journal. 12. (n.) The tenon of a dovetail joint. 13. ...
/p/pin.htm - 13k

Shoulder (72 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) An abrupt projection which forms an abutment on an object, or limits motion,
etc., as the projection around a tenon at the end of a piece of timber ...
/s/shoulder.htm - 37k

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