King James Version

What Does Exodus 39:32 Mean?

Exodus 39:32 in the King James Version says “Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did accordi... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.

Exodus 39:32 · KJV


Context

30

And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like to the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

31

And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten it on high upon the mitre; as the LORD commanded Moses.

32

Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.

33

And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, the tent, and all his furniture, his taches, his boards, his bars, and his pillars, and his sockets,

34

And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse marks completion: 'Thus was all the work of the tabernacle...finished' (וַתֵּכֶל, vatekhel, was completed—same verb as Genesis 2:1-2, creation's completion). The emphasis 'the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses' (matching Exodus 39:42-43; 40:16) teaches that faithful obedience brings completion. After the golden calf apostasy (ch 32), Israel's obedience here demonstrates restoration. This completion prefigures Christ's 'It is finished' (John 19:30)—redemption accomplished. The pattern followed exactly (no deviation) shows that God's design, not human innovation, governs worship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The tabernacle's completion came nearly a year after Sinai (Exodus 19:1 to 40:17), including the golden calf incident's interruption. This completion vindicated the artisans' Spirit-empowered work (31:1-6; 35:30-35) and demonstrated that corporate repentance restored blessing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Israel's complete obedience after the golden calf apostasy illustrate the possibility of restoration?
  2. What does 'finished' in Exodus 39:32 and John 19:30 teach about God's completed redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַתֵּ֕כֶל1 of 17

finished

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

כָּל2 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֲבֹדַ֕ת3 of 17

Thus was all the work

H5656

work of any kind

מִשְׁכַּ֖ן4 of 17

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

אֹ֣הֶל5 of 17

of the tent

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֑ד6 of 17

of the congregation

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

עָשֽׂוּ׃7 of 17

did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בְּנֵ֣י8 of 17

and the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל9 of 17

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כְּ֠כֹל10 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר11 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֧ה12 of 17

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֛ה13 of 17

according to all that the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת14 of 17
H853

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

מֹשֶׁ֖ה15 of 17

Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

כֵּ֥ן16 of 17
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

עָשֽׂוּ׃17 of 17

did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application


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 39:32 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 39:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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