Exodus 25:16
ESV
And you shall put into the ark the testimony that I shall give you.
NIV
Then put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law, which I will give you.
NASB
You shall put into the ark the testimony which I shall give you.
CSB
Put the tablets of the testimony that I will give you into the ark.
NLT
When the Ark is finished, place inside it the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you.
KJV
And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee.
NKJV
And you shall put into the ark the Testimony which I will give you.
What does Exodus 25:16 mean?
The word translated as "ark" is a Hebrew term that literally means a "chest," or "box." The container described here (Exodus 25:10) is meant to carry stone tablets which record God's law (Exodus 19:5–6; 24:12; 2 Chronicles 5:10). These physical objects are a testimony to God's promises. This is why this "box of the testimony" is called the "ark of the covenant."At some point, the ark also held a jar of manna (Exodus 16:33–34) and Aaron's staff (Numbers 17:10). These items (Hebrews 9:4) were lost along with the ark when Babylon conquered Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 36:17–18). The ark is not seen again, in Scripture, until John's vision of a heavenly temple (Revelation 11:19). It seems likely that the ark has been destroyed. However, it is possible that the ark is hidden and may be found. Its purpose has been fulfilled (Hebrews 8:8–13), so it no longer serves a crucial purpose in the world.
