Exodus 40:21

Exodus 40:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle, put up the veil for the screen, and shielded off the ark of the Testimony, just as the LORD had commanded him.

King James Version KJV

And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the vail of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the LORD commanded Moses.

American Standard Version ASV

and he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the testimony; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And he took the ark into the House, hanging up the veil before it as the Lord had given him orders.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then he carried the Ark into the Tabernacle. He put up the veil, and made sure the Ark of the Testimony was behind it, as the Lord had ordered him to do.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

He brought also the Arke into the Tabernacle, and hanged vp the couering vaile, and couered the Arke of the Testimonie, as the Lord had commanded Moses.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and bringeth in the ark unto the tabernacle, and placeth the vail of the covering, and covereth over the ark of the testimony, as Jehovah hath commanded Moses.

World English Bible WEB

He brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the covenant, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the vail of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Setting there in order the loaves of proposition, as the Lord had commanded Moses.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then he/I took the chest into the Very Holy Place inside the Sacred Tent and hung the curtain. In that way, he/I prevented the people who were outside from seeing the chest. He/I did all this exactly as Yahweh had commanded him/me.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 40:21

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 40:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יָּבֵ֣א אֶת הָ/אָרֹן֮ אֶל הַ/מִּשְׁכָּן֒ וַ/יָּ֗שֶׂם אֵ֚ת פָּרֹ֣כֶת הַ/מָּסָ֔ךְ וַ/יָּ֕סֶךְ עַ֖ל אֲר֣וֹן הָ/עֵד֑וּת כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה אֶת מֹשֶֽׁה

וַ/יָּבֵ֣א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הָ/אָרֹן֮ ʼârôwn H727 ark Art | N-cs

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הַ/מִּשְׁכָּן֒ mishkân H4908 tabernacle Art | N-ms

וַ/יָּ֗שֶׂם sûwm H7760 to set Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֵ֚ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

פָּרֹ֣כֶת pôreketh H6532 curtain N-fs

הַ/מָּסָ֔ךְ mâçâk H4539 covering Art | N-ms

וַ/יָּ֕סֶךְ çâkak H5526 to fence Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

אֲר֣וֹן ʼârôwn H727 ark N-cs

הָ/עֵד֑וּת ʻêdûwth H5715 testimony Art | N-fs

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

צִוָּ֥ה tsâvâh H6680 to command V-Piel-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

מֹשֶֽׁה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 40:21

וַ/יָּבֵ֣א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הָ/אָרֹן֮ ʼârôwn H727 "ark" Art | N-cs

The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.

Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin

Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

הַ/מִּשְׁכָּן֒ mishkân H4908 "tabernacle" Art | N-ms

The tabernacle was a special tent where God met with the Israelites, as described in Exodus and Leviticus. It was a portable place of worship, like a dwelling place for God. The Israelites carried it with them.

Definition: 1) dwelling place, tabernacle 1a) dwelling-place 1b) dwellings Aramaic equivalent: mish.kan (מִשְׁכַּן "habitation" H4907)

Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: dwelleth, dwelling (place), habitation, tabernacle, tent. See also: Exodus 25:9; Numbers 3:23; Psalms 26:8.

וַ/יָּ֗שֶׂם sûwm H7760 "to set" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.

Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set

Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.

אֵ֚ת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

פָּרֹ֣כֶת pôreketh H6532 "curtain" N-fs

This word refers to a curtain or veil, like a screen that separates one area from another. In the Bible, it is used to describe the veil in the Temple that separated the holy place from the most holy place.

Definition: curtain, veil

Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: vail. See also: Exodus 26:31; Exodus 40:22; 2 Chronicles 3:14.

הַ/מָּסָ֔ךְ mâçâk H4539 "covering" Art | N-ms

This term means a cover or veil, like the screen of the tabernacle, used for hiding or protection.

Definition: 1) covering, rag, screen 1a) covering 1b) screen (of the tabernacle)

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: covering, curtain, hanging. See also: Exodus 26:36; Exodus 40:8; Psalms 105:39.

וַ/יָּ֕סֶךְ çâkak H5526 "to fence" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

To weave means to entwine or fence in, implying protection, as seen in the Bible where it means to cover or defend something.

Definition: (Qal) to hedge, fence about, shut in

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: cover, defence, defend, hedge in, join together, set, shut up. See also: Exodus 25:20; Job 40:22; Psalms 5:12.

עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

אֲר֣וֹן ʼârôwn H727 "ark" N-cs

Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin

Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.

הָ/עֵד֑וּת ʻêdûwth H5715 "testimony" Art | N-fs

This word means a testimony or witness, often referring to God's laws or instructions. It is used in several books, including Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe God's guidance. The word emphasizes the importance of following God's laws.

Definition: testimony

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: testimony, witness. See also: Exodus 16:34; Numbers 17:19; Psalms 19:8.

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

צִוָּ֥ה tsâvâh H6680 "to command" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded

Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מֹשֶֽׁה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

Study Notes — Exodus 40:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 40:21 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 40:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 40:21
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 40:21
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 40:21
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 40:21
Sermons on Exodus 40:21

Context — Setting Up the Tabernacle

19Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, just as the LORD had commanded him. 20Moses took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attaching the poles to the ark; and he set the mercy seat atop the ark.

21Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle, put up the veil for the screen, and shielded off the ark of the Testimony, just as the LORD had commanded him.

22Moses placed the table in the Tent of Meeting on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil. 23He arranged the bread on it before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 26:33	And hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
2	Exodus 40:3	Put the ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil.
3	Exodus 35:12	the ark with its poles and mercy seat, and the veil to shield it;
4	Hebrews 10:19–20	Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body,

Exodus 40:21 Summary

This verse shows how Moses carefully followed God's instructions to set up the tabernacle, including putting the ark in its proper place and hanging the veil to separate the holy areas. The ark represented God's presence and covenant with the Israelites, and the veil reminded them of the separation between God and humanity, as seen in Isaiah 59:2. By following God's commands, Moses demonstrated his trust and obedience, which is an important example for us to follow in our own lives, as seen in John 14:15. Just as the Israelites prioritized the presence of God in the tabernacle, we can prioritize our relationship with God by seeking to obey His commands and trust in His plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the veil in the tabernacle?

The veil represented a separation between the holy place and the most holy place, and only the high priest could pass through it once a year on the Day of Atonement, as described in Leviticus 16:2 and Hebrews 9:3.

Why was the ark of the Testimony so important?

The ark of the Testimony was a symbol of God's presence and covenant with the Israelites, and it contained the Ten Commandments, as seen in Exodus 25:16 and Deuteronomy 10:2.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Exodus?

This verse is the culmination of the instructions given by God to Moses in Exodus, specifically in Exodus 25-31, where God provided detailed instructions for the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings.

What can we learn from Moses' obedience to God's commands?

Moses' obedience demonstrates the importance of following God's instructions carefully, as seen in Exodus 40:16, and trusting in His plan, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Reflection Questions

What does the placement of the ark in the tabernacle reveal about God's desire for intimacy with His people?
How can I apply the principle of obedience to God's commands in my own life, just as Moses did in this verse?
What does the veil represent in my own life, and how can I ensure that I am approaching God with reverence and humility, as seen in Hebrews 10:19-22?
In what ways can I prioritize the presence of God in my daily life, just as the Israelites did with the ark of the Testimony?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 40:21

And he brought the ark into the tabernacle,.... Into that part of it called the holy of holies: and set up the vail of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; the vail which divided

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 40:21

And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 40:21

(21) The vail of the covering.—See Note on Exodus 39:34, and comp, above, Exodus 40:3.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 40:21

21. See v. 3, Exodus 26:33. The ‘veil of the screen,’ as Exodus 35:12, Exodus 39:34.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 40:21

THE ORDER TO SET UP THE , Exodus 40:1-16. The formality of this command to erect the sanctuary involves an incidental repetition of what has already been described.

Sermons on Exodus 40:21

	Sermon	Description
	(Exodus) Exodus 25:9 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tabernacle and its significance in the Bible. He emphasizes that the tabernacle was a pattern of the one in heaven, indicating the existen
	(Exodus) Exodus 37:1-29 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the structure and symbolism of the tabernacle in the Bible. The tabernacle had three compartments and three entrances: the outer court, the ho
	Rightly Evaluating by R. Edward Miller	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of getting acquainted with God and knowing Him on a deeper level. He emphasizes the need for genuine connection and communicati
	(Hebrews) 1-Overview-1 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the book of Revelation and its portrayal of the end times. He expresses sorrow over the degradation and perversion in society, emp
	Boldness to Enter God's Presence by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding God's delight in our deliverance in order to experience true joy and peace. He uses the parable of the prodi
	End of Service - Repentance by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of surrendering his life completely to God. He acknowledges that there were areas in his life where he thought he had giv
	(Hebrews - Part 25): The Holy of Holies by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker expresses his commitment to preaching about God and the Holy Trinity. He emphasizes that God reveals Himself through nature and the scriptures, using va