Exodus 40:5
Exodus 40:5 in Multiple Translations
Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the Testimony, and hang the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.
And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle.
And thou shalt set the golden altar for incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the screen of the door to the tabernacle.
And put the gold altar for burning perfumes in front of the ark of the law, hanging the curtain over the doorway of the House.
Place the gold altar of incense in front of the Ark of the Testimony, and put up the screen at the entrance to the Tabernacle.
And thou shalt set ye incense Altar of gold before the Arke of the Testimonie, and put the hanging at the doore of the Tabernacle.
'And thou hast put the golden altar for perfume before the ark of the testimony, and hast put the covering of the opening to the tabernacle,
You shall set the golden altar for incense before the ark of the covenant, and put the screen of the door to the tabernacle.
And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle.
And the altar of gold whereon the incense is burnt, before the ark of the testimony. Thou shalt put the hanging in the entry of the tabernacle,
Put the gold altar for burning incense in front of the sacred chest, and set up the curtain at the entrance of the Sacred Tent.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 40:5
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 40:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/נָתַתָּ֞ה
אֶת
מִזְבַּ֤ח
הַ/זָּהָב֙
לִ/קְטֹ֔רֶת
לִ/פְנֵ֖י
אֲר֣וֹן
הָ/עֵדֻ֑ת
וְ/שַׂמְתָּ֛
אֶת
מָסַ֥ךְ
הַ/פֶּ֖תַח
לַ/מִּשְׁכָּֽן
וְ/נָתַתָּ֞ה
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִזְבַּ֤ח
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms
הַ/זָּהָב֙
zâhâb
H2091
gold
Art | N-ms
לִ/קְטֹ֔רֶת
qᵉṭôreth
H7004
incense
Prep | N-fs
לִ/פְנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
אֲר֣וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
N-cs
הָ/עֵדֻ֑ת
ʻêdûwth
H5715
testimony
Art | N-fs
וְ/שַׂמְתָּ֛
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מָסַ֥ךְ
mâçâk
H4539
covering
N-ms
הַ/פֶּ֖תַח
pethach
H6607
entrance
Art | N-ms
לַ/מִּשְׁכָּֽן
mishkân
H4908
tabernacle
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 40:5
וְ/נָתַתָּ֞ה
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
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.
מִזְבַּ֤ח
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
הַ/זָּהָב֙
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
Art | N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
לִ/קְטֹ֔רֶת
qᵉṭôreth
H7004
"incense"
Prep | N-fs
Incense refers to a sweet smoke from burning sacrifices, used in worship and perfume. It symbolizes a pleasing aroma to God, found in Leviticus and other books.
Definition: 1) incense, smoke, odour of (burning) sacrifice 1a) sweet smoke of sacrifice 1b) incense 1c) perfume
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (sweet) incense, perfume. See also: Exodus 25:6; Numbers 7:50; Psalms 66:15.
לִ/פְנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֲר֣וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
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.
הָ/עֵדֻ֑ת
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.
וְ/שַׂמְתָּ֛
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
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.
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.
מָסַ֥ךְ
mâçâk
H4539
"covering"
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.
הַ/פֶּ֖תַח
pethach
H6607
"entrance"
Art | N-ms
A pethach is an entrance or doorway, like the gates of Jerusalem or the door to the temple, often symbolizing transition or access to a new place.
Definition: opening, doorway, entrance
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate, opening, place. See also: Genesis 4:7; Judges 9:40; Psalms 24:7.
לַ/מִּשְׁכָּֽן
mishkân
H4908
"tabernacle"
Prep | 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.
Study Notes — Exodus 40:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Setting Up the Tabernacle
3Put the ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil.
4Then bring in the table and set out its arrangement; bring in the lampstand as well, and set up its lamps.
5Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the Testimony, and hang the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.
6Place the altar of burnt offering in front of the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting. 7And place the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 10:19–22 | 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, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. |
| 2 | Hebrews 9:24 | For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God. |
| 3 | 1 John 2:1–2 | My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. |
| 4 | John 14:6 | Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. |
| 5 | Exodus 35:25–28 | Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun: blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen. And all the skilled women whose hearts were stirred spun the goat hair. The leaders brought onyx stones and gemstones to mount on the ephod and breastpiece, as well as spices and olive oil for the light, for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense. |
| 6 | Exodus 40:26–28 | Moses placed the gold altar in the Tent of Meeting, in front of the veil, and he burned fragrant incense on it, just as the LORD had commanded him. Then he put up the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle. |
| 7 | Exodus 37:25–28 | He made the altar of incense out of acacia wood. It was square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns were of one piece. And he overlaid with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns. Then he made a molding of gold around it. He made two gold rings below the molding on opposite sides to hold the poles used to carry it. And he made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. |
| 8 | Exodus 26:36–37 | For the entrance to the tent, you are to make a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. Make five posts of acacia wood for the curtain, overlay them with gold hooks, and cast five bronze bases for them. |
| 9 | Exodus 30:1–5 | “You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense. It is to be square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns must be of one piece. Overlay with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns, and make a molding of gold around it. And make two gold rings below the molding on opposite sides to hold the poles used to carry it. Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. |
Exodus 40:5 Summary
Exodus 40:5 teaches us about the importance of prayer and worship in our relationship with God. The gold altar of incense, placed in front of the ark of the Testimony, reminds us that our prayers rise to God like incense (as seen in Psalm 141:2). Just as the curtain separated the holy place from the outside world, we need to separate ourselves from the world's influences to approach God in reverence (as seen in Hebrews 10:19-22). By prioritizing prayer and worship, we can draw near to God's presence and experience His grace and mercy (as seen in Hebrews 4:16).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the gold altar of incense in Exodus 40:5?
The gold altar of incense represents the prayers of the people rising to God, as seen in Revelation 8:3-4, and was a crucial part of the tabernacle's worship, as instructed in Exodus 30:1-10.
Why was the curtain hung at the entrance to the tabernacle in Exodus 40:5?
The curtain served as a separation between the holy place and the outside world, symbolizing the separation between God's holiness and human sinfulness, as also seen in Exodus 26:36-37 and Hebrews 10:20.
How does the placement of the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the Testimony relate to other Bible teachings?
This placement emphasizes the importance of prayer and worship in approaching God's presence, as taught in Psalm 100:4 and Hebrews 4:16, and foreshadows the role of Jesus Christ as our High Priest and Mediator in Hebrews 7:25.
What can we learn from the specific instructions given in Exodus 40:5 about the tabernacle's setup?
The detailed instructions highlight God's attention to detail and His desire for order and reverence in worship, as also seen in 1 Corinthians 14:40 and Colossians 2:5.
Reflection Questions
- As I reflect on the gold altar of incense, what are the prayers and concerns that I need to bring before God's presence in my life?
- How can I apply the principle of separation and reverence in my own approach to worship and prayer, as symbolized by the curtain in the tabernacle?
- In what ways can I prioritize prayer and worship in my daily life, just as the gold altar of incense was placed at the center of the tabernacle's worship?
- What are the areas in my life where I need to seek God's presence and mediation, just as the ark of the Testimony represented God's presence among the Israelites?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 40:5
And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony,.... Not in the most holy place where the ark was, but over against it in the holy place: and put the hanging of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 40:5
And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 40:5
(5) Thou shalt set the altar of gold . . . before the ark.—Not inside the vail, but outside, in the Holy Place; nearer, however, to the vail than either the table or the candlestick. (See Note 1 on Exodus 30:6.) The hanging of the door—i.e., the curtain at the entrance to the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:36; Exodus 36:37, &c.).
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 40:5
5a. See Exodus 30:6. The ‘golden-altar,’ as Exodus 39:38, and v. 26 below. 5b. door] entrance. See Exodus 26:36.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 40:5
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 40:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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(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 |
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Intercession in Prayer by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of intercession and prayer in the mission of spreading the word of God. The key message is that the responsibility to pray for |
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How to Apply the Blood by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the profound significance of the blood of Jesus shed on the cross, emphasizing the various provisions and effects of His sacrifice. It covers themes of rede |
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(Exodus) Exodus 27:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of the way of the cross as the only path to God. The brazen altar is highlighted as the place where access to God is made p |