King James Version

What Does Exodus 26:35 Mean?

Exodus 26:35 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 26:35 · KJV

Context

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.

36

And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.

37

And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, and their hooks shall be of gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.

Read Exodus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The table outside the veil on the north, the lampstand opposite on the south—both in the Holy Place, accessible to ministering priests daily. These represent fellowship (table/bread) and illumination (lampstand/light), both available through priestly mediation but still outside the Most Holy Place. In the New Covenant, all believers are priests (1 Peter 2:9), enjoying fellowship and light, with access through the torn veil to God's very presence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This arrangement meant priests entering the Holy Place would see the lampstand on their right (south) and the table on their left (north), with the golden altar of incense ahead at the veil. This layout facilitated daily service—tending lamps, replacing showbread, offering incense.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does believers' priesthood give you access to fellowship (table) and truth (lampstand)?
  2. What difference does the torn veil make in your daily approach to God versus the high priest's yearly entry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְשַׂמְתָּ֤1 of 18

“And thou shalt set”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אֶת2 of 18
H853

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

וְהַ֨שֻּׁלְחָ֔ן3 of 18

“the table”

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

מִח֣וּץ4 of 18

“without”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

לַפָּרֹ֔כֶת5 of 18

“the vail”

H6532

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

וְאֶת6 of 18
H853

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

הַמְּנֹרָה֙7 of 18

“and the candlestick”

H4501

a chandelier

נֹ֣כַח8 of 18

“over against”

H5227

properly, the front part; used adverbially (especially with preposition), opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of

וְהַ֨שֻּׁלְחָ֔ן9 of 18

“the table”

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

עַ֛ל10 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

צֶ֥לַע11 of 18

“on the side”

H6763

a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן12 of 18

“of the tabernacle”

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

תֵּימָ֑נָה13 of 18

“toward the south”

H8486

the south (as being on the right hand of a person facing the east)

וְהַ֨שֻּׁלְחָ֔ן14 of 18

“the table”

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

תִּתֵּ֖ן15 of 18

“and thou shalt put”

H5414

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

עַל16 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

צֶ֥לַע17 of 18

“on the side”

H6763

a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje

צָפֽוֹן׃18 of 18

“on the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

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 26:35 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 26:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 40:22Exodus 40:24Hebrews 9:2Hebrews 9:8-9Exodus 25:31-37

Test Your Knowledge

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

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