King James Version

What Does Exodus 40:26 Mean?

Exodus 40:26 in the King James Version says “And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation before the vail: — study this verse from Exodus chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation before the vail:

Exodus 40:26 · KJV


Context

24

And he put the candlestick in the tent of the congregation, over against the table, on the side of the tabernacle southward.

25

And he lighted the lamps before the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.

26

And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation before the vail:

27

And he burnt sweet incense thereon; as the LORD commanded Moses.

28

And he set up the hanging at the door of the tabernacle.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The golden altar's placement 'before the vail that is by the ark' positions prayer closest to God's presence (though still separated by the veil). The incense's fragrant smoke ascending symbolized prayers rising (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8), teaching that prayer brings believers nearest to God. The golden material signifies prayer's preciousness; the position 'before the vail' indicates prayer's intimacy. Christ, our Intercessor (Hebrews 7:25), stands perpetually 'before the veil,' having passed through it (Hebrews 6:19-20; 9:24), bringing believers' prayers to the Father.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The incense altar stood directly before the veil (Exodus 30:6), closer to the Most Holy Place than any other furniture. The high priest burned incense twice daily (morning and evening), the smoke penetrating the veil into God's immediate presence. This altar's unique position emphasized prayer's priority in approaching God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the incense altar's closest position to God's presence teach about prayer's supreme importance in worship?
  2. How does Christ passing through the veil as our Intercessor give believers confidence in prayer?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיָּ֛שֶׂם1 of 8

And he put

H7760

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

אֶת2 of 8
H853

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

מִזְבַּ֥ח3 of 8

altar

H4196

an altar

הַזָּהָ֖ב4 of 8

the golden

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

בְּאֹ֣הֶל5 of 8

in the tent

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֑ד6 of 8

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

לִפְנֵ֖י7 of 8

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַפָּרֹֽכֶת׃8 of 8

the vail

H6532

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


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 40:26 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 40:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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