King James Version

What Does Exodus 26:33 Mean?

Exodus 26:33 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testi...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.”

Exodus 26:33 · KJV

Context

31

And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:

32

And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver.

33

And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.

34

And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of the testimony in the most holy place.

35

And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side.

Read Exodus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The veil divides 'between the holy place and the most holy.' This separation wasn't arbitrary but necessary—holiness cannot coexist with sin. The veil protected people from consuming glory while protecting God's glory from profanation. Inside: the ark with testimony (law). Outside: the table, lampstand, altar—provisions for priestly service. The veil teaches that approaching God's throne requires more than serving Him; it requires the torn veil—Christ's death.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This veil created two distinct spaces: the Holy Place (entered daily by priests) and the Most Holy Place (entered yearly by the high priest alone). The separation emphasized the distance between holy God and sinful man, bridged only by atoning blood.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why was separation between Holy Place and Most Holy Place necessary before Christ's death?
  2. How does Christ's torn flesh (veil) change your access from 'once yearly' to 'continually'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְנָֽתַתָּ֣ה1 of 20

“And thou shalt hang up”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת2 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַפָּרֹ֙כֶת֙3 of 20

“and the vail”

H6532

a separatrix, i.e., (the sacred) screen

תַּ֣חַת4 of 20
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הַקְּרָסִים֒5 of 20

“under the taches”

H7165

a knob or belaying-pin (from its swelling form)

וְהֵֽבֵאתָ֥6 of 20

“that thou mayest bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

שָׁ֙מָּה֙7 of 20
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

מִבֵּ֣ית8 of 20

“in thither within”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַפָּרֹ֙כֶת֙9 of 20

“and the vail”

H6532

a separatrix, i.e., (the sacred) screen

אֵ֖ת10 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲר֣וֹן11 of 20

“the ark”

H727

a box

הָֽעֵד֑וּת12 of 20

“of the testimony”

H5715

testimony

וְהִבְדִּילָ֤ה13 of 20

“shall divide”

H914

to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)

הַפָּרֹ֙כֶת֙14 of 20

“and the vail”

H6532

a separatrix, i.e., (the sacred) screen

לָכֶ֔ם15 of 20
H0
בֵּ֣ין16 of 20
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַקֳּדָשִֽׁים׃17 of 20

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וּבֵ֖ין18 of 20
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַקֳּדָשִֽׁים׃19 of 20

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הַקֳּדָשִֽׁים׃20 of 20

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 26:33 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 26:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 40:21Leviticus 16:2Hebrews 9:2-3Exodus 25:16Exodus 27:10Exodus 36:36

Places in This Verse

Holy Place 1Special Place24 verses across 4 books
Most Holy Place 1Special Place4 verses across 2 books
View all places in Exodus 26 →

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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