King James Version

What Does Exodus 39:40 Mean?

Exodus 39:40 in the King James Version says “The hangings of the court, his pillars, and his sockets, and the hanging for the court gate, his cords, and his pins, an...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The hangings of the court, his pillars, and his sockets, and the hanging for the court gate, his cords, and his pins, and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the congregation,”

Exodus 39:40 · KJV

Context

38

And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door, the sweet: Heb. the incense of sweet spices

39

The brasen altar, and his grate of brass, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,

40

The hangings of the court, his pillars, and his sockets, and the hanging for the court gate, his cords, and his pins, and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the congregation,

41

The cloths of service to do service in the holy place, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons' garments, to minister in the priest's office.

42

According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work.

Read Exodus 39 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The courtyard hangings (קַלְעֵי הֶחָצֵר, qal'ei heChatser) with pillars, sockets, gate hanging, cords, and pins defined sacred space, separating tabernacle from common camp. The white linen hangings symbolized holiness/separation; the bronze sockets' durability indicated enduring boundaries. The gate's embroidered hanging (multicolored like priestly garments) taught that entry requires both holiness and mediation. All these 'vessels of service' enabled tabernacle function. Christ, the door (John 10:9), provides entry to God's dwelling; the church as God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16) maintains holy separation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The courtyard's 100 cubits by 50 cubits dimensions created substantial enclosed space, protecting the tabernacle proper while allowing many worshippers in the courtyard during sacrifices. The bronze sockets' weight (totaling over 7 tons) ensured the structure's stability despite desert winds.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the courtyard boundaries teach that God's holiness requires separation from common profanity?
  2. What does Christ as the gate reveal about His exclusive role as the way to the Father?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
אֵת֩1 of 21
H853

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

קַלְעֵ֨י2 of 21

“The hangings”

H7050

a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself

הֶֽחָצֵ֔ר3 of 21

“for the court”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

אֶת4 of 21
H853

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

עַמֻּדֶ֣יהָ5 of 21

“his pillars”

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

וְאֶת6 of 21
H853

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

אֲדָנֶ֗יהָ7 of 21

“and his sockets”

H134

a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)

וְאֶת8 of 21
H853

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

הַמָּסָךְ֙9 of 21

“and the hanging”

H4539

a cover, i.e., veil

לְשַׁ֣עַר10 of 21

“gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הֶֽחָצֵ֔ר11 of 21

“for the court”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

אֶת12 of 21
H853

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

מֵֽיתָרָ֖יו13 of 21

“his cords”

H4340

a cord (of a tent); or the string (of a bow)

וִיתֵֽדֹתֶ֑יהָ14 of 21

“and his pins”

H3489

a peg

וְאֵ֗ת15 of 21
H853

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

כָּל16 of 21
H3605

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

כְּלֵ֛י17 of 21

“and all the vessels”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

עֲבֹדַ֥ת18 of 21

“of the service”

H5656

work of any kind

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן19 of 21

“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

לְאֹ֥הֶל20 of 21

“for the tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵֽד׃21 of 21

“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

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 39:40 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 39:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 27:9-16

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